CanadaBusiness and self-employment
Canada Start-up Visa Program: current status
Start-up Visa Program
In short
The Start-up Visa Program gave permanent residence to entrepreneurs with innovative businesses supported by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator. IRCC now lists it as paused: only people with a valid 2025 commitment certificate could apply, and only until 30 June 2026. Existing start-up work permit holders may be able to extend while their permanent residence application is processed.
Apply on IRCC – Start-up Visa Program checked 23 October 2026
Key facts
- Validity
- Optional open work permit of up to 3 years, closed to new applicants since 19 December 2025; holders in Canada may extend
- Fee
- CA$2,495Principal applicant including the right of permanent residence fee (CAD 1,895 without); spouse CAD 1,590; child CAD 270 (IRCC fee list)
- Funds required
- CA$15,263Settlement funds for a single applicant (CAD 28,362 for a family of 4), table updated 29 July 2025; borrowed money does not count
- Processing time
- Applications received by 30 June 2026 are still processed; IRCC prioritizes applicants in Canada with a start-up work permit, within Levels Plan limits
- Work
- The start-up open work permit allowed running the business or working for most employers
- Family
- Spouse or partner and dependent children are included in the permanent residence application
- Path to permanent residence
- It was a direct permanent residence program
- Where to apply
- Closed to new applicants
Current status
The program gave permanent residence to founders whose innovative business was backed by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group or incubator. Under IRCC’s notice of 19 December 2025, new applications stopped at 11:59 p.m. on 31 December 2025, except for founders with a valid 2025 commitment, who had until 30 June 2026. No new commitments or designations are accepted; only files received before the cut-off are processed.
Rules for applications still in process
Up to 5 owners could apply together, each holding at least 10% of the voting rights, with applicants and the organization together holding more than 50%. The company must be incorporated in Canada and managed actively from there. Applicants needed a letter of support and Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in all four abilities in English or French.
Settlement funds
Funds must be your own, not borrowed. IRCC’s table of 29 July 2025 asks for CAD 15,263 for one person, CAD 19,001 for two, CAD 23,360 for three and CAD 28,362 for four, rising to CAD 40,392 for seven plus CAD 4,112 per extra member.
Fees for applications in process
Business immigration fees on the IRCC fee list are CAD 2,495 for the principal applicant including the right of permanent residence fee (CAD 1,895 without it), CAD 1,590 for a spouse or partner including that fee (CAD 990 without) and CAD 270 per dependent child.
Processing of pending files
IRCC prioritizes applicants already in Canada on a start-up work permit, within Levels Plan limits. Applicants aged 14 to 79 give biometrics within 30 days of the instruction letter, every family member takes a medical exam even if not coming, and adults may be asked for police certificates. The Confirmation of Permanent Residence cannot be extended, so land before it expires.
- Check IRCC’s Start-up Visa page for the current status; new applications are not accepted.
- If you applied before the cut-off, track the file in your IRCC account and report any change in your details.
- Give biometrics within 30 days of the instruction letter and complete medical exams for all family members.
- Provide police certificates and any extra documents the visa office requests.
- If you hold a start-up work permit in Canada, apply to extend it before it expires.
- After approval, send your passport, then land in Canada before the COPR expires.
If you hold a start-up work permit
The optional open work permit ran for up to 3 years. Since 19 December 2025 only holders already in Canada can apply, to extend it while their permanent residence file is processed; apply before it expires.
What comes next for entrepreneurs
IRCC’s 2026–27 Departmental Plan announces a high-impact start-up pilot to replace the program, aimed at elite entrepreneurs; no intake had been announced when checked. Meanwhile, founders can consider provincial entrepreneur streams, intra-company transfer permits for a Canadian branch, or Express Entry.
Documents
Required documents
Identity
- Passports and civil documents for all family members
Money
- Proof of unborrowed settlement funds (CAD 15,263 for one person, more for families)
Work
- Letter of support from a designated organization; the commitment certificate was sent by the organization to IRCC (2025 commitments only)
Other
- Approved English or French test results at CLB 5 in all four abilities
- Police certificates for each country of 6+ months’ residence since age 18
- Immigration medical exam for every family member, including those not accompanying
Supporting documents (where they apply)
Work
- Current start-up work permit, if applying for an extension
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for Canada’s Start-up Visa?
No. It is paused; only holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate could apply, and only by 30 June 2026.
What happens to applications already submitted?
IRCC continues to process them, and start-up work permit holders may extend their permits while they wait.
Is there another Canadian entrepreneur visa?
Some provinces run entrepreneur streams under their provincial nominee programs; check each province.
How much money did Start-up Visa applicants need?
CAD 15,263 for one person and CAD 28,362 for a family of four, under the table updated on 29 July 2025.
Will Canada launch a new entrepreneur program?
IRCC plans a high-impact start-up pilot to replace the Start-up Visa, aimed at elite entrepreneurs; no application intake had been announced when checked.
Official sources
- IRCC – Start-up Visa Program (status: paused)
- IRCC – Fee list
- IRCC – Update on immigration measures for entrepreneurs (19 December 2025)
- IRCC – Start-up visa: who can apply
- IRCC – Start-up visa: after you apply
- IRCC – Start-up visa optional open work permit
- IRCC – 2026–27 Departmental Plan
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for Canada
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: Usually up to 6 months per entry, as decided by the border officer
- Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: Up to 5 years per entry (applications from 22 June 2023); 2-year extensions possible in Canada
- Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 48 hours in transit
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: Usually up to 6 months per entry, as decided by the border officer
- Self-employed and freelancer visa Processing time: More than 10 years for applications made after July 2022, according to IRCC’s tool cited in its 2026 evaluation
Study and training
- Student visa Maximum stay: Length of the program plus 90 days
Work
- Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: As stated on the permit, linked to the job offer and LMIA
- Work visa Maximum stay: Depends on the basis; PGWP up to 3 years
- Working holiday visa Validity: Port of entry letter valid 1 year; the permit cannot outlast the passport, biometrics or health insurance
Family
- Spouse and partner visa Processing time: Check IRCC processing times
- Family reunification visa Processing time: Existing applications continue to be processed
Residence
- Permanent residence Processing time: Varies by program; check IRCC processing times
Online travel permits
- Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) Maximum stay: Usually up to 6 months per visit, as decided by the border officer
Faster processing
- Fast-track and priority visa services Processing time: GTS LMIA: 10 business days (80% of the time); GSS work permits: 2-week target