Canada Start-Up Visa Closed: Status of the New Entrepreneur Pilot
Canada's Start-Up Visa (SUV) program stopped accepting new permanent residence applications at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025, and the last window for people holding a 2025 commitment certificate closed on June 30, 2026. IRCC says a new, more targeted pilot for immigrant entrepreneurs will replace it, described in its 2026-27 Departmental Plan as a "high impact" Start-Up Visa pilot. As of September 2026, no launch date or eligibility rules have been published.
On this page
- SUV status
- Closed to new applicants
- Last day for new applications
- December 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
- Deadline for 2025 commitment holders
- June 30, 2026
- Replacement
- High impact start-up pilot promised; no launch date
- Self-Employed Persons program
- Paused
- Applications already filed
- Continue to be processed
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 19, 2025 | IRCC announces it will stop accepting new Start-Up Visa applications and keep the Self-Employed Persons program paused, as part of a move to a new, targeted entrepreneur pilot. |
| December 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. | Last moment to submit a new SUV permanent residence application without a 2025 commitment certificate. |
| Early 2026 | IRCC's 2026-27 Departmental Plan describes a "new high impact Start-Up Visa pilot" to replace the program and fix issues seen with it. |
| June 30, 2026 | Deadline for applicants holding a valid commitment certificate issued in 2025 to submit their permanent residence application. |
| September 2026 | No launch date, eligibility rules, or intake details for the new pilot have been published. |
What do we know about the new pilot?
Very little is official. IRCC has said the new pilot will:
- Replace the Start-Up Visa program.
- Address problems IRCC observed with the old program.
- Focus on higher-impact entrepreneurs and stronger economic results.
IRCC has not published eligibility rules, investment or support requirements, language or funds requirements, the number of spots, or a start date. Treat any website that lists "requirements" for the new pilot as speculation until IRCC publishes them. See the Start-Up Visa page for how the old program worked.
What this means for founders
- If you submitted an SUV application before the deadlines: it continues to be processed under the old rules. Keep your business active and your documents current.
- If you were working with a designated organization but had no 2025 commitment certificate: you missed the deadline. A new commitment does not open the old program.
- If you are planning a move: there is currently no federal program aimed only at start-up founders. You need another route.
What to do instead
Options that remain open depend on your profile:
- Express Entry. Many founders qualify as skilled workers based on education, language, and work experience. See Express Entry and the senior managers category if you have Canadian management experience.
- Provincial entrepreneur streams. Some provinces run business streams, but several are capped or paused in 2026. Check each province through the Provincial Nominee Program page.
- Work permits first. An intra-company transfer (if you run a business abroad that opens a Canadian branch) or a C10 significant benefit work permit can let you start working in Canada and build experience for permanent residence.
- Wait for the pilot. If you want the new pilot specifically, prepare now: keep clear records of your company, funding, and results, since a "high impact" program is likely to ask for proof of traction.
What to do now
- Check whether you qualify for Express Entry or a provincial stream today.
- Watch IRCC news releases for the pilot announcement.
- Be careful with paid "guaranteed" start-up programs; see scam protection.
- Talk to a lawyer or a licensed consultant (RCIC) before paying for any business immigration service.
Frequently asked questions
Is Canada's Start-Up Visa still open?
No. New applications closed on December 31, 2025. People with a 2025 commitment certificate had until June 30, 2026 to apply.
What is replacing the Start-Up Visa?
IRCC plans a new high impact start-up pilot for entrepreneurs. As of September 2026 it has not published rules or a launch date.
Will my pending Start-Up Visa application be cancelled?
IRCC has said applications submitted within the deadlines continue to be processed.
Is the Self-Employed Persons program open?
No. It remains paused.
Can I still immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur?
Possibly through a provincial entrepreneur stream, a work permit route, or Express Entry if you qualify as a skilled worker. Check each option's current status.
Official sources
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.