Overview
Start-up Visa Program
Canada paused the Start-Up Visa Program on June 30, 2026 and is not accepting new permanent residence applications. IRCC continues to process applications accepted before the pause.
New applications are not being accepted
Designated organizations stopped issuing commitment certificates after December 31, 2025. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate had until June 30, 2026 to submit the permanent residence application.
A business idea, letter of interest or later incubator acceptance cannot create a new Start-Up Visa filing while the program is paused.
Existing files continue under the former criteria
Accepted applicants had to establish a qualifying business, support from a designated organization, the language minimum and settlement funds. Up to five owners could be included if each met the ownership rules and the applicants and designated organization jointly controlled more than half of voting rights.
IRCC can verify the designated organization’s commitment and may use peer review. Applicants must report material changes to business ownership, essential-person involvement and family composition.
Work-permit options are restricted
Since December 19, 2025, IRCC has generally stopped accepting new optional Start-Up Visa work-permit applications. A person already in Canada on an SUV-specific work permit may be able to seek an extension under the current measure.
Do not assume a pending PR application authorizes work. Check the exact permit category and expiry date separately.
Watch official announcements for a successor
The federal government has discussed a new targeted entrepreneur pilot, but an announcement or consultation is not an application program. Wait for enacted criteria, intake dates and forms.
Be cautious of anyone selling a commitment certificate or guaranteed place during the pause. Verify any organization and program status on Canada.ca.
When to get legal advice
Review an existing file after a business or organization change.
A change to the designated organization, essential applicant, ownership or active management can affect a pending application. Obtain advice before sending an explanation or restructuring the company.
A designated organization was suspended or lost designation
An essential group member withdrew
Voting control or business ownership changed
The applicant’s work permit is expiring
A focused question may only need 15 minutes.
Use the time to identify the issue, any immediate risk and the next sensible step. If the matter needs more work, the lawyer can explain the proposed scope before you decide whether to proceed.
Read what an immigration lawyer can do and how an immigration law firm may handle further work.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about start-up visa program
Can I submit a new Start-Up Visa application now?
No. IRCC paused the program on June 30, 2026 and is not accepting new applications.
Will IRCC still process an application submitted before the pause?
Yes. IRCC says it will continue processing accepted applications, subject to the program and immigration-level capacity.
Related guides
