Canada Start-Up Visa Program: Closed Since December 31, 2025
The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program gave permanent residence to founders whose business was backed by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. IRCC stopped accepting new applications on December 31, 2025, to deal with a backlog of more than 42,000 people. Applicants with a 2025 commitment had until June 30, 2026 to apply; that deadline has passed.
On this page
- Status
- Closed to new applications
- Closing date
- December 31, 2025, 11:59 pm
- Exception deadline
- June 30, 2026 for holders of a 2025 commitment (passed)
- Optional SUV work permit
- No new applications since December 19, 2025, except extensions in Canada
- Backlog cited
- More than 42,000 people, including dependants
- Replacement
- A redesigned entrepreneur pilot promised for 2026
What is the status of the Start-Up Visa?
IRCC closed the Start-Up Visa Program to new applications at 11:59 pm on December 31, 2025. It made one exception: entrepreneurs who had received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025, but had not yet applied, could still apply until June 30, 2026. That window has now closed.
On December 19, 2025, IRCC also stopped accepting applications for the optional work permit that SUV applicants could use to start their business in Canada early. The only exception is people already in Canada who are extending an existing SUV work permit.
IRCC said the closure was needed to address a backlog of more than 42,000 people, including family members, waiting under the program. Applications already submitted continue to be processed.
Is there a replacement program?
IRCC has said it will launch a redesigned entrepreneur pilot in 2026 and release details during the year. As of September 2026, no new program has opened for applications. Follow our Start-Up Visa replacement status page for updates.
Be wary of anyone selling a "guaranteed" spot in a program that does not exist yet.
How did the Start-Up Visa work?
The SUV was designed for innovative businesses with growth potential. The main requirements were:
- A commitment from a designated organization: an approved venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator had to support the business and issue a commitment certificate and letter of support.
- A qualifying business: each applicant needed at least 10% of the voting rights, and the applicants and the designated organization together had to hold more than 50%.
- Language: at least CLB 5 in English or French in all four abilities.
- Settlement funds: enough money to support the family on arrival.
Up to five people could apply as co-founders of the same business. For its last years, IRCC also limited how many commitments each designated organization could issue per year.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Start-Up Visa launches as a pilot |
| 2018 | Becomes a permanent program |
| 2024 | IRCC limits how many commitments each designated organization can issue per year |
| December 19, 2025 | IRCC stops accepting new optional SUV work permit applications (extensions in Canada still allowed) |
| December 31, 2025 | Program closes to new applications at 11:59 pm |
| June 30, 2026 | Last day for holders of a 2025 commitment to apply |
| 2026 | Redesigned entrepreneur pilot promised; not yet open as of September 2026 |
If you already applied
- Your application stays in the queue and will be decided under the program's rules.
- If you are in Canada on an SUV work permit, you can still apply to extend it. Apply before it expires; see extend your status and maintained status.
- Keep your business active and keep records. Officers may ask whether the business is still operating and whether you are actively involved.
- Respond quickly to any IRCC request.
If your designated organization withdraws its support or your business fails, talk to a lawyer or licensed consultant (RCIC) about your options immediately.
What to do instead
Options for entrepreneurs and founders in 2026 are narrower than before. Check each one's current status.
| Option | What it is | 2026 notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial entrepreneur streams | Some PNPs nominate business owners who invest and run a business in the province | Several are limited: BC's Entrepreneur stream is capped, Saskatchewan's is closed, and New Brunswick's is paused |
| C10 significant benefit work permit | A work permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment for people whose work brings a significant benefit to Canada | Temporary status only; officer discretion |
| Intra-company transfer | Transfer to a Canadian branch or new office of your existing foreign company | Temporary status; can lead to PR later |
| Express Entry | PR for skilled workers | Founders often qualify as senior managers or professionals, but self-employment does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class |
| Self-Employed Persons Program | PR for people in cultural activities or athletics | Paused |
| Quebec business programs | Quebec runs its own investor and entrepreneur programs | Check Quebec's current intake |
See also invest in Canada and the USA vs Canada comparison if you are weighing other countries.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canada Start-Up Visa still open?
No. IRCC stopped accepting new applications on December 31, 2025. The exception for holders of a 2025 commitment ended on June 30, 2026.
What happens to pending Start-Up Visa applications?
IRCC continues to process applications already submitted. SUV work permit holders in Canada can still apply to extend their permits.
Will Canada replace the Start-Up Visa?
IRCC has said it will launch a redesigned entrepreneur pilot in 2026. No new program had opened as of September 2026.
Why did Canada close the Start-Up Visa?
IRCC cited a backlog of more than 42,000 people, including dependants, waiting for decisions under the program.
Can I still get a Start-Up Visa work permit?
No new SUV work permits are being issued since December 19, 2025. Only people already in Canada extending an existing SUV work permit can apply.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.