Canada Suspends Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Programs

On December 19, 2025, the Canadian government announced the suspension of both the Start-Up Visa (SUV) and Self-Employed Persons programs, introducing a transition period ahead of a new entrepreneur immigration system launching in 2026.

The purpose is to streamline processing, reduce long-standing backlogs, and refocus on high-impact entrepreneurship within Canada.

Suspension of the Start-Up Visa Program

IRCC immediately stopped accepting work permit applications for Start-Up Visa candidates on December 19, 2025.

Beginning January 1, 2026, the department will no longer accept new commitment certificates from designated organizations.

Until then, designated entities that have remaining quota under their 2025 cap of 10 companies can continue submitting commitment certificates.

Entrepreneur applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply for permanent residence by June 30, 2026.

By December 31, 2025, the SUV program will fully pause all new commitment certificates and letters of support.

Short Grace Periods

A limited grace period applies for candidates already in the pipeline:

• Existing Commitments: Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate may submit their permanent residence application until June 30, 2026.
• Work Permit Extensions: Entrepreneurs already in Canada on an SUV work permit may continue applying for extensions while their permanent residence applications are being processed.

The 2026 Entrepreneur Pilot

The most significant update is the Entrepreneur Pilot, expected to launch later in 2026 as part of Canada’s renewed business immigration framework.

While details remain limited, the new program is expected to:

• Align with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which reduces federal business immigration quotas by 50% (from 1,000 to 500 annual spots)
• Prioritize entrepreneurs already in Canada holding valid work permits
• Focus on high-impact, growth-oriented sectors that deliver measurable economic benefit

The government noted that the upcoming framework will replace volume-based application models with a selective, performance-driven system designed to ensure stronger outcomes for both entrepreneurs and Canada’s economy.