Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the closure of its Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program, marking a major shift in Canada’s business immigration framework. The program will officially end on December 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm, with IRCC confirming that it will no longer accept new applications effective immediately.
Alongside the closure, IRCC has also discontinued the optional work permit pathway for new SUV applicants. The only exception applies to individuals already in Canada, who may still apply to extend their existing work permits. The Self-Employed Persons Program, paused in April 2024, will remain on hold until further notice.
However, a limited transition window has been provided. Applicants who received a valid commitment certificate from a designated organisation in 2025 but have not yet applied will be allowed to submit their applications until June 30, 2026. Applications already submitted under the SUV program will continue to be processed under existing rules.
IRCC stated that the decision is driven by the need to address a significant backlog, with processing times in some cases stretching close to a decade. The closure is part of a broader overhaul under Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy and Immigration Levels Plan, aimed at creating a more efficient and targeted business immigration system.
Looking ahead, IRCC plans to introduce a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs in 2026. While details are yet to be released, the pilot is expected to prioritise faster processing, clearer selection criteria, and a more streamlined approach to securing support from designated organisations. The government has also indicated that the new model will offer greater transparency and better-defined pathways to permanent residence.
For prospective entrepreneurs, this means that any new applications after December 31, 2025, will need to wait for the launch of the new pilot program in 2026.
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