This program is closed to new applicants. IRCC set intake for the Start-Up Visa Program to zero effective 1 January 2026 (announced 19 December 2025), and new commitment certificates have not been accepted since 31 December 2025. A transitional window let applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate apply until 30 June 2026; that deadline has now passed and was not extended, so the federal Start-up Business Class no longer accepts any new applications. A replacement "high-impact" Start-Up Visa pilot targeting elite entrepreneurs is expected (confirmed in IRCC's 2026–27 Departmental Plan), but no eligibility criteria or program parameters have been published — the IRCC "Update on Immigration Measures for Entrepreneurs" notice still states only that further information will be communicated in 2026. The details below describe the program as it operated and remain relevant to applicants already in the processing queue.
The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program was a federal economic immigration pathway that let foreign entrepreneurs obtain permanent residence in Canada by launching innovative businesses with support from designated venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators. Established as a pilot in April 2013 and made permanent in April 2018, it is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and targeted businesses that are innovative, can create jobs for Canadians, and can compete globally. The program applied to all provinces and territories except Quebec. Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, federal business class admissions have been cut to 500 per year, down from 2,000 in 2025.
The program grants permanent residence directly — there is no fixed visa duration. The PR card is valid for 5 years and can be renewed by demonstrating at least 730 days of physical presence in Canada within any 5-year period. Business failure after obtaining permanent residence does not affect PR status.
Spouse or common-law partner and dependent children under 22 (or over 22 if dependent due to a physical or mental condition) may be included. Each must pass medical and security checks. All family members become permanent residents simultaneously upon approval. Fees: CAD $950 processing + CAD $575 RPRF for a spouse/partner; CAD $260 per dependent child.
Permanent residents who establish residential ties in Canada are considered tax residents by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and must report worldwide income. Canada has a progressive federal and provincial income tax system. Business income from the start-up is subject to Canadian corporate and personal income tax. Canada has tax treaties with over 90 countries to prevent double taxation.
With intake closed and the 30 June 2026 transitional deadline passed, no new applications can be filed. For reference, the process worked as follows:
Applications already in the queue continue to be processed. IRCC's posted processing time for the Start-Up Business Class exceeds 10 years, reflecting both the deep backlog (estimated at 44,000–46,000 pending applications) and the 500-per-year admissions cap under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. Priority-processed applications — those backed by venture capital, angel investors with CAD $75,000+, or Canada Tech Network incubators — have historically been processed faster (approximately 12–24 months under the April 2024 prioritization framework).
The December 2025 Ministerial Instructions establish a priority-processing tier structure for applications already in the queue: (1) applicants with a SUV work permit and commitment from qualified venture capital, angel investors, or certified business incubators are processed first; (2) applicants with qualified commitments but no work permit are processed second; (3) all remaining applications are processed third, with first-in-first-out ordering within each tier.
Under Bill C-12 (the Strengthening Canada's Immigration System and Borders Act, Royal Assent 26 March 2026), IRCC has new statutory powers to cancel, suspend, or change large groups of applications when deemed in the public interest, which is expected to be used to address the backlog, particularly applications linked to business incubators where program integrity concerns have been identified.
The optional open work permit (valid for up to 3 years) that allowed applicants to enter Canada and begin developing their business while the PR application was processed was closed to new applicants on 19 December 2025. Applicants already in Canada on an existing SUV work permit may apply to extend it.
Permanent residents may apply for Canadian citizenship after 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada within a 5-year period.