Start-up Visa pause and the options for immigrant founders
IRCC paused the Start-up Visa Program on June 30, 2026 and is processing only applications already received. It has said a new, targeted pilot for immigrant entrepreneurs will replace it.
Canada's Start-up Visa (SUV) Program gave immigrant founders a route to permanent residence with the backing of a designated venture capital fund, angel group or business incubator. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) paused the program on June 30, 2026. The change followed a sequence of steps that began in December 2025.
Start-up Visa timeline
December 19, 2025. IRCC stopped accepting applications for the optional SUV work permit, except extensions from people already in Canada on one. It began prioritizing permanent residence applications from people already in Canada on an SUV work permit, as levels plan targets allow. It also extended the pause on the Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice.
December 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. IRCC stopped accepting new SUV applications, except from applicants with a valid commitment from a designated organization made in 2025. IRCC also stopped accepting commitment certificates from organizations after that date.
June 30, 2026. Applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate had to apply by this date. The program is now paused.
What happens to pending applications
IRCC states it will continue to process applications accepted before June 30, 2026. It is not designating new organizations. IRCC's program page says that eligible applicants can still apply for an open work permit while their application is processed. The designated organization page notes that the short-term work permit requires the entrepreneur to be identified as an essential applicant on the commitment certificate and to hold a letter of support.
Why IRCC made the change
IRCC's December 2025 notice tied the measures to the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan and to reducing the inventory of business program applications. It described them as the foundation for "a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs" and said more information would come in 2026.
BridgePoint Law reports that IRCC's 2026 Deputy Minister transition binder names the planned program the "High Impact Start-up Pilot." According to the firm, IRCC has described it as small, selective and low-volume, with a smaller group of trusted partners. BridgePoint also reports that IRCC told the Canadian Bar Association its evaluations found wait times of 10 years or more under SUV. As of late September 2026, the firm says, IRCC had not published eligibility criteria or an opening date.
Options for international founders
With SUV and the Self-Employed Persons Program both closed to new applicants, founders need to assess other routes with an immigration professional. BridgePoint Law lists the routes that remain open as provincial entrepreneur streams, Quebec programs and entrepreneur work permits. Each has different requirements. PacTech does not give immigration advice and recommends a licensed lawyer or regulated consultant.
For founders already in the queue
- Keep your status valid. Track work permit expiry dates against expected processing times.
- Respond to IRCC quickly. Delays on your side extend your file.
- Stay in contact with your designated organization. Your letter of support remains part of your application.
- Keep building the business. Document revenue, hires and investment in Canada.
Founder takeaways
Do not plan a move to Canada around SUV. Check IRCC's pages for pilot announcements, and treat third-party predictions as unconfirmed until IRCC publishes rules. If you are outside Canada and want to build here, get advice on current pathways before you incorporate or sign a lease.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Speak with a qualified Canadian lawyer or accountant about your situation.
General information. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm the details with a qualified professional before you act.
Sources
- Immigrate with a start-up visa: About the process
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada - Start-up visa designated organizations: Application process for immigrant entrepreneurs
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada - Update on Immigration Measures for Entrepreneurs
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · Dec 19, 2025 - High Impact Start-up Pilot: What IRCC Has Said So Far
BridgePoint Law · Sep 2026
Canada
Cohere Series E is Canada's largest private tech round
Toronto-based Cohere announced the initial close of a Series E targeting up to CAD $7 billion at a CAD $35.7 billion valuation. The Government of Canada joined as an investor.
· 3 min
Canada
Canadian VC in Q3 2026 relied on US investors for 64%
Canadian startups raised $4.71 billion in the first nine months of 2026, down 7%. US investors supplied 64% of the money, while growth and later-stage funding dropped sharply.
· 3 min
Canada
BDC defence funding grows StrongNorth to $500 million
On September 15, 2026, BDC set out how it will invest $1 billion from its Defence Platform. StrongNorth, its direct fund for early-stage defence and dual-use companies, grows to $500 million.
· 3 min