Canada Startup Visa

Program status as 2026: Closed to new applicants. IRCC stopped accepting new optional work permit applications for Start-Up Visa applicants on December 19, 2025, and stopped accepting new permanent residence applications on December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Existing applications continue to be processed. If you received a valid commitment certificate from a designated organization in 2025 and have not yet applied, you have until June 30, 2026, to submit your permanent residence application.

If you are an entrepreneur looking for a path to Canadian permanent residence, scroll to the alternatives section for pathways that remain open right now.

The Canada Start-Up Visa Program was a federal permanent residence pathway for foreign entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas supported by a Canadian designated organization. The program ran for over a decade before IRCC closed it to new applications at the end of 2025, citing a backlog of more than 42,000 pending files and processing times that had grown to several years.

IRCC has confirmed that a new, more targeted entrepreneur pilot program will be introduced in 2026 to replace the Start-Up Visa. Full details of the new program have not yet been published. This page explains how the original program worked, the current status for different types of applicants, what the new pilot is expected to look like, and which pathways are open to entrepreneurs right now.

How the Canada Start-Up Visa Program Worked

The Start-Up Visa Program was designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build innovative, high-growth businesses in Canada that could create jobs and compete on a global scale. Unlike employer-driven immigration programs, it did not require a job offer. Instead, it required support from one of three types of Canadian designated organizations.

The Three Types of Designated Organizations

You were not required to invest your own money. The designated organization provided the investment or support. Importantly, if your Canadian business failed after you received permanent residence, you retained your PR status. Permanent residence granted under this program was not conditional on the ongoing success of the business.

Up to five people could share ownership of a single qualifying business and apply together, provided each person held at least 10% of the voting rights and the applicants and the designated organization together held more than 50% of the voting rights.

You can find the full list of IRCC-designated venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators on the official IRCC designated organizations page.

Support from Multiple Organizations (Syndication)

Applicants could receive support from more than one designated organization, a practice known as syndication. When this occurred, all involved organizations had to be identified, and they submitted a single joint commitment certificate to IRCC. One letter of support was provided to the applicant.

An important rule applied to syndicated investments: as soon as at least one venture capital fund was involved, the minimum total investment required was $200,000, even if an angel investor group also participated. If only angel groups were involved and no VC fund, the minimum total was $75,000.

Eligibility Criteria Start-Up Visa(When the Program Was Open)

The criteria below reflect the requirements in effect when the program was accepting new applications. These benchmarks are useful for understanding the type of profile IRCC valued and may inform what the new 2026 pilot will require.

Business Requirements

• Incorporated in Canada: The business had to be incorporated in Canada, and each applicant had to be actively involved in managing it from within Canada.
• Ownership threshold: Each applicant needed to hold at least 10% of the voting rights. The applicants and the designated organization together needed to hold more than 50%.
• Commitment certificate: A formal commitment certificate from an IRCC-designated organization was mandatory. Without it, no application could be submitted.
• High-growth focus: The business had to focus on a product or service with high-growth potential. IRCC expected the business to be capable of creating jobs for Canadians and competing on a global scale.

Personal Requirements

• Language proficiency: A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) in either English or French. Accepted tests included IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.
• Settlement funds: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada, without borrowing. The required amount varied based on family size and was updated annually by IRCC.
• Medical and security clearance: Standard IRCC health and background checks for you and all family members included in the application.
• Residency outside Quebec: Applicants had to intend to reside outside the province of Quebec. Quebec operates its own separate business immigration system.

The Essential Person Rule: A Critical Risk for Group Applications

When two or more applicants applied together under a single business venture, a designated organization could designate one or more applicants as "essential persons." An essential person was someone specifically identified by the organization as critical to the success of the business.

This designation carried a serious consequence: if the application of an essential person was refused for any reason, the applications of all other co-founders included in the same commitment certificate were also automatically refused. If you were applying as part of a group, understanding who was designated as essential and ensuring their application was as strong as possible was critical. Working with a licensed RCIC before submitting helped identify and address any vulnerabilities in a group application before the file reached IRCC.

How to Pitch Your Business Idea to a Designated Organization

Securing a commitment certificate from a designated organization was the most competitive and least predictable step in the Start-Up Visa process. IRCC did not regulate which businesses designated organizations chose to support. Each organization applied its own due diligence standards based on industry norms.

In practice, what designated organizations looked for included:

• A clearly defined problem and solution: The business needed to address a real market need with a scalable, innovative approach, not a me-too product or service.
• Verified intellectual property or proprietary advantage: Organizations checked whether the business had protected or protectable IP, a unique process, or another defensible competitive position.
• A credible management team: The founders needed to demonstrate relevant expertise, industry knowledge, and the ability to execute. Academic credentials alone were rarely sufficient.
• A viable business model: Revenue model, target market, go-to-market strategy, and financial projections had to be realistic and well-researched.
• Fit with Canada: Organizations generally wanted to understand why Canada specifically was the right market and why the business would benefit from being based there.

Approaching a designated organization with a polished business plan, a working prototype or proof of concept, and evidence of early traction (customers, letters of intent, pilot results) gave applicants significantly stronger positioning than those with only an idea. Cold outreach via a website was rarely successful. Warm introductions through Canadian tech networks, accelerator programs, or immigration advisors with existing relationships in the ecosystem were far more productive.

The Peer Review Process

IRCC included a peer review mechanism to protect the program against fraud and to verify that commitment agreements were legitimate. An immigration officer could request that a commitment be independently assessed by a peer review panel established by an industry association relevant to the type of organization making the commitment. For example, angel investor commitments could be reviewed by the National Angel Capital Organization, and venture capital commitments could be referred to Canada's Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

Peer reviews could also be initiated on a random basis, not only when an officer had specific concerns. The panel's assessment was not binding on the immigration officer, but it confirmed that the designated organization had performed proper due diligence according to industry standards. The review examined:

• Whether the business had been or would be incorporated in Canada.
• Whether ownership had been verified and met program requirements.
• Whether the organization had assessed the viability of the business model and the management team.
• Whether intellectual property ownership had been verified.
• Whether the business focused on a high-growth potential product or service.
• For incubator applicants, whether acceptance into the incubator program was confirmed.

A peer review finding that due diligence was not properly performed could undermine the credibility of the commitment certificate in the eyes of the immigration officer, even if the commitment itself appeared legitimate. This is another reason why the quality of the designated organization mattered, not just which category it fell into.

What Happens After Your Start-Up Visa Is Approved

Understanding the post-approval steps helps you plan your move to Canada and your business launch timeline. When the program was open, this was the typical sequence after IRCC approved an application:

1. Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): IRCC issued a COPR document, which confirmed your permanent residence had been granted. You needed this document to complete your landing in Canada.
2. Landing in Canada: You presented your COPR and valid passport at the port of entry to officially become a Canadian permanent resident. First-time PR holders who had not previously landed with a PR visa completed their landing at this step.
3. PR Card: After landing, IRCC mailed your PR card to the Canadian address you provided. The PR card was your official proof of permanent residence status for re-entry to Canada.
4. Establishing the business: As a permanent resident, you were free to incorporate and operate your business in Canada without additional work authorization. The business did not need to be operational before landing, but you were expected to be working toward establishing it.
5. PR does not expire if the business fails: Once permanent residence was granted, it was not tied to the ongoing performance of the business. If the business failed, you retained your permanent resident status, subject to standard IRCC residency obligations.

Current Status: What Changed About Start-Up Visa and When

The Start-Up Visa Program was closed through a series of steps in December 2025, each affecting a different group of applicants.

Timeline of Closures

• December 19, 2025: IRCC stopped accepting new optional work permit applications from Start-Up Visa applicants. New entrants could no longer come to Canada on an SUV work permit while waiting for their PR decision.
• December 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m.: IRCC stopped accepting new permanent residence applications under the Start-Up Visa Program.
• January 1, 2026: Ministerial Instructions 90 came into effect, formalizing the closure and extending the pause on the Self-Employed Persons Program.

The June 30, 2026 Exception

If you received a valid commitment certificate from a designated organization issued in 2025 and have not yet submitted your permanent residence application, you are still eligible to apply, but only until June 30, 2026. After that date, the exception expires. If you are in this situation, contact a licensed RCIC immediately to ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.

Why IRCC Closed the Program

When the Start-Up Visa Program launched in 2013, projected processing times were around 12 to 16 months. By the time of closure, the backlog had grown to more than 42,000 pending files including dependents, and processing times for some files were being measured in years. IRCC concluded that continuing to accept new applications under those conditions was not sustainable.

The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan and Future Quotas

Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan allocates only 500 permanent residence approvals per year across all federal business class programs, including both the Start-Up Visa and the Self-Employed Persons Program combined. This is a very limited number relative to the volume of interest from international entrepreneurs. Even when the new 2026 pilot launches, competition for spots is expected to be significantly more intense than under the original program. Preparing a strong application and consulting a licensed RCIC with business immigration experience well in advance will be essential.

Important: Bill C-12 and Pending Applications

Bill C-12, currently moving through the Canadian Parliament, would give IRCC expanded authority to cancel large groups of pending immigration applications that do not meet current prioritization criteria. If passed, this legislation could result in the termination of some older Start-Up Visa files that have been waiting in the queue for an extended period. If you have a pending application, monitoring this legislation closely is advisable. Requesting GCMS Notes can help you understand the current status of your specific file and whether IRCC has flagged any concerns.

If You Have a Pending Start-Up Visa Application

If you submitted your application before the program closed, your file remains in the queue and IRCC will continue processing it. You do not need to reapply. IRCC has indicated it will prioritize processing for SUV applicants who are already in Canada and holding a Start-Up Visa work permit.

If your SUV work permit is approaching its expiry date and you are physically in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for an extension while your PR application is being processed. New SUV work permits for applicants outside Canada are no longer available, but in-Canada extensions for existing permit holders continue to be accepted.

If you have concerns about your pending file, want to understand how Bill C-12 may affect your application, or need help responding to an IRCC request for additional documents, a consultation with a licensed RCIC is the most reliable way to assess your options.

The New 2026 Entrepreneur Pilot: What Is Known So Far

IRCC has confirmed that a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs will be introduced in 2026 to replace the Start-Up Visa. The government has described it as part of Canada's broader Talent Attraction Strategy, intended to attract "high-impact, economically proven entrepreneurs."

As of June 2026, the full eligibility criteria, intake process, and launch date have not been officially published. Based on IRCC's public statements and the direction of recent business immigration policy, the new program is expected to differ from the original in the following ways:

• Shorter processing targets: IRCC has signalled a target processing time significantly faster than what the original program was delivering before closure.
• Sector focus: Priority is expected to be given to sectors with long-term economic need, including clean technology, artificial intelligence, and life sciences.
• Stricter vetting: Higher requirements around verified investment, clearer commercialization milestones, and stronger business model scrutiny before a commitment certificate is issued.
• Milestone-based work permits: Work permit extensions for participants may be tied to measurable business progress in Canada rather than being issued automatically.
• Limited annual quota: Based on current Immigration Levels Plan allocations, annual approvals across all federal business programs are expected to remain tightly capped, making the new pilot highly competitive.

None of the specific details above are confirmed policy. They reflect IRCC signals and industry analysis available as of mid-2026. When the official program details are released, SEP Immigration will update this page. To be notified when the new program opens, submit a free assessment and we will follow up as soon as details become available.

Start-Up Visa Program Fees (When the Program Was Open)

When the Start-Up Visa Program was accepting new applications, the base processing fee covered the primary applicant and any co-founders and family members included in the application. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) was also required. Additional third-party costs applied for biometrics, medical exams, police certificates, and language testing.

Because the program is currently closed and fees will be set by IRCC when a new program is introduced, confirm current amounts on the official IRCC Start-Up Visa page before applying under any future pathway.

Alternatives for Entrepreneurs While the Start-Up Visa Program Is Closed

If you are an entrepreneur who wants to immigrate to Canada now, several pathways remain open. The right option depends on your business type, the stage of your venture, your net worth, and where in Canada you want to settle. Of all the available alternatives, entrepreneur-focused Provincial Nominee Program streams are currently the strongest direct substitute for the Start-Up Visa in most cases.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Streams by Province

Nine provinces currently have entrepreneur, business, or investor streams under the Provincial Nominee Program. A provincial nomination in most cases adds 600 points to an Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System profile, which effectively guarantees an Invitation to Apply for federal permanent residence.

An important note that applies to all PNP entrepreneur streams: most provinces require you to establish and operate your business in the province on a work permit for a set number of months before issuing a nomination. A nomination is only granted if you meet the specific business performance commitments agreed to in a business agreement signed with the province. If your business fails after receiving a nomination but before obtaining PR, the nomination may be revoked.

Alberta

• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For international graduates from qualifying Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to start or buy a business in the province. Requires at least 34% business ownership.
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For graduates from institutions outside Canada who want to launch a startup or business in Alberta. Minimum investment of $50,000 or $100,000 depending on business location.
• Rural Entrepreneur Stream: For experienced entrepreneurs from outside Canada (minimum net worth $300,000) who want to start or buy a business in a rural Alberta community. Minimum investment of $100,000.
• Farm Stream: For entrepreneurs with farm management experience (minimum net worth $500,000) who want to start or purchase a farm in Alberta. Minimum equity investment of $500,000.

British Columbia

• Base Stream: For experienced foreign entrepreneurs intending to establish a new business or take over an existing one anywhere in BC. Minimum personal net worth of $600,000 and minimum investment of $200,000 required.
• Regional Stream: For experienced entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in a small participating community in BC. Minimum net worth of $300,000 and minimum investment of $100,000.
• Strategic Projects Stream: For foreign corporations wanting to establish operations in BC that can propose key staff members to manage the Canadian operation.

Manitoba

• Business Investor Stream, Entrepreneur Pathway: For active business owners or senior managers (minimum net worth $500,000) with at least three years of experience who want to establish, buy, or become partners in a Manitoba business.
• Business Investor Stream, Farm Investor Pathway: For individuals (minimum net worth $500,000) with at least three years of farm ownership experience who want to establish a farm in rural Manitoba. Minimum investment of $300,000.
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot: For graduates of Manitoba designated learning institutions who want to pursue entrepreneurship. The business must be operated as a senior manager for six months before nomination.

Nova Scotia

• Entrepreneur Stream: For experienced business owners or senior managers (minimum net worth $600,000) wanting to start or buy a business in Nova Scotia. Minimum investment of $100,000 to $150,000 depending on business location.
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For recent international graduates from eligible Nova Scotia institutions who have already established or bought a Nova Scotia business with at least one-third ownership and operated it for at least one year.

Newfoundland and Labrador

• International Entrepreneur Stream: For experienced business owners or managers (minimum net worth $600,000) who want to buy a new or existing business in the province. Minimum investment of $200,000.
• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For graduates of Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic who have started or bought a local business and managed it for at least one year.

New Brunswick

• NB Business Immigration Stream: For entrepreneurs who want to establish, operate, and manage a new business in New Brunswick. Minimum personal net worth of $500,000 and experience in business ownership or senior management required.

Prince Edward Island

• Business Impact Category, Work Permit Stream: For foreign nationals with business ownership or senior management experience who want to invest in or run a business in PEI. Minimum personal net worth of $600,000.

Yukon

• Yukon Business Nominee Program: For foreign nationals looking to establish and manage a business in Yukon. Requires at least three years of entrepreneurial or business management experience, five years of relevant work experience, and a minimum net worth of $500,000.

Northwest Territories

• Business Stream: For entrepreneurs and investors who want to own and operate a business in the Northwest Territories. Specific net worth and investment requirements apply depending on the business type and location.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

If you are planning to settle in Ontario, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program has entrepreneur-specific streams for experienced business owners. Ontario's entrepreneur stream includes investment thresholds, minimum ownership requirements, and a performance agreement. An Ontario nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score.

Quebec Business Programs

Quebec operates its own business immigration programs entirely separately from federal streams. The Quebec Entrepreneur category allows qualified business owners and managers to obtain permanent residence by creating or acquiring a business in the province. The Quebec Self-Employed category is available to self-employed workers in cultural, artistic, or similar fields. Because Quebec manages its own immigration system, federal programs including the Start-Up Visa Program did not apply to applicants intending to settle in Quebec, and the reverse is also true: Quebec business streams are not available to applicants planning to settle elsewhere in Canada.

C-11 Significant Benefit Work Permit

The C-11 work permit is an LMIA-exempt temporary work permit for individuals whose presence in Canada would provide a significant social, cultural, or economic benefit. Entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners can qualify if they can demonstrate that their work in Canada serves a clear and demonstrable public benefit beyond what a typical business provides. This permit does not lead directly to permanent residence, but it allows you to come to Canada, build Canadian business experience, and be well-positioned to apply for PR when a new program opens. A consultation with a licensed RCIC can determine whether your business profile supports a C-11 application.

Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit

If you own or manage a company outside Canada and want to establish or expand into the Canadian market, an intra-company transfer work permit may allow you to come to Canada as an executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker to set up or manage a Canadian subsidiary or affiliate. This is a temporary route that can position you for PR through Express Entry or a PNP once you have Canadian business experience established.

Express Entry for Experienced Entrepreneurs

If your background includes skilled employment experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation under Canada's National Occupational Classification system, you may qualify for Express Entry through the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class. Express Entry does not directly reward entrepreneurship, but it is one of the fastest routes to PR for candidates with strong language scores and relevant work history, including work as a business owner or executive. Note that self-employed work experience does not count toward CEC eligibility, which requires Canadian paid employment.