Canada has officially closed its Start-up Visa (SUV) program, marking a major shift in the country’s business immigration strategy as the federal government prepares to introduce a new, more targeted pathway for entrepreneurs.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that no new Start-up Visa applications will be accepted after December 31. Applications for related work permits have also been stopped with immediate effect. The only exception applies to applicants already in Canada who are seeking extensions of their existing SUV work permits.
The closure forms part of a broader restructuring of Canada’s business immigration streams. IRCC said a new entrepreneur-focused pilot program, which will offer a pathway to permanent residence, is expected to launch in 2026. Details on eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and intake limits are expected to be announced next year.
According to officials, the move is aimed at reducing growing backlogs in business immigration applications while ensuring future programs are more closely aligned with Canada’s long-term economic and immigration priorities.
IRCC clarified that there is a limited transition window for certain candidates. Applicants who received a valid commitment certificate from a designated organization in 2025 will still be eligible to apply under the current Start-up Visa rules, provided they submit complete applications by June 30, 2026.
At the same time, the federal government has extended the pause on the Self-Employed Persons Program, which has been closed to new applicants since April 30, 2024. No timeline has been announced for its reopening.
The government said these changes support its updated Immigration Levels Plan and Talent Attraction Strategy, which seek to balance economic growth with sustainable population expansion. While IRCC has not yet outlined how the upcoming entrepreneur pilot will differ from the Start-up Visa program, officials indicated the new route will be more selective and closely aligned with Canada’s evolving immigration goals.
The shutdown of the SUV program signals a significant shift in Canada’s approach to attracting global entrepreneurs, moving away from broad, open-ended startup pathways toward a more controlled, pilot-driven immigration model.
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