Canada closes Start-up Visa Program, will launch new entrepreneur pathway to permanent residence

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is putting the brakes on some of its business programs to set the foundation for a new pilot for immigrant entrepreneurs.

On December 19, the department announced that it will no longer accept applications for the optional work permit available to Start-Up Visa (SUV) applicants, except for those already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit.

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Moreover, effective December 31, 11.59 pm, IRCC will also stop accepting new SUV applications.

An exception will be made for applicants who have already gotten a valid commitment from a designated organization that was made in 2025, but haven’t yet applied. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026.

IRCC will also extend the current pause on accepting applications through the Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice. This program has been paused since April 30, 2024.

Launch of a new pilot

The federal government has stated these changes are in place for the “transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs.”

Details about this new pilot program will be announced in 2026.

Canada’s SUV Program came under fire in 2025 for its long processing times.

According to a new tool, launched earlier this year, that calculates processing time, entrepreneurs had to face a ten-year wait to become permanent residents of Canada through the SUV program.

According to the government, the measures announced today were in part to “help address the large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs.”

The government also announced that these measures support the country's Talent Attraction Strategy, announced in the latest Immigration Levels Plan.

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