Canada Shuts Down Start-Up Visa Program: New Entrepreneur Immigration Pilot Coming in 2026

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making significant changes to its business immigration programs by closing the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program and preparing to launch a new targeted pilot for immigrant entrepreneurs in 2026.

On December 19, 2025, IRCC announced that effective December 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm, it will stop accepting new Canada Start-Up Visa applications. 

This decision marks the end of a program that has been operational for over a decade but faced mounting criticism for extremely long processing times.

What's Changing with the Start-Up Visa Program

The department revealed several key changes affecting current and prospective SUV applicants. IRCC will no longer accept applications for the optional work permit available to Start-Up Visa applicants, except for individuals already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit.

No new SUV applications will be accepted after December 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm. 

However, applicants who received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 but haven't yet applied will have until June 30, 2026, to submit their application. 

Additionally, the Self-Employed Persons Program, paused since April 30, 2024, will continue to remain on hold until further notice.

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Why Is Canada Closing the Start-Up Visa Program?

The federal government stated these changes are necessary for the "transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs." 

According to IRCC, the measures are designed to help address the large inventory of applications currently backlogged in Canada's business programs.

The Start-Up Visa Program has faced mounting criticism throughout 2025 for its processing times. According to IRCC's new processing time calculation tool launched earlier this year, entrepreneurs were facing an unprecedented ten-year wait to become permanent residents through the SUV program.

These changes also align with Canada's Talent Attraction Strategy, which was announced in the latest Immigration Levels Plan. The government aims to create a more efficient and targeted approach to attracting entrepreneurial talent to Canada.

New Pilot Program Coming in 2026

While specific details remain under wraps, IRCC has confirmed that a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs will be launched in 2026. This announcement signals the government's commitment to business immigration, despite closing the current SUV pathway.

The new pilot is expected to address the shortcomings of the existing program, including:

• Reducing processing times significantly
• Creating more targeted selection criteria
• Streamlining the application process
• Better managing application inventories

Who Is Affected by These Changes?

• Current SUV Applicants: Those who have already submitted their Start-Up Visa applications will continue to be processed under the existing program rules.

• 2025 Commitment Certificate Holders: If you received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 but haven't applied yet, you have until June 30, 2026, to submit your application.

• Prospective Applicants: Anyone planning to apply under the Start-Up Visa Program must submit their complete application by December 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm, or wait for the new pilot program to launch in 2026.

• Work Permit Holders: SUV work permit holders already in Canada can still apply to extend their work permits. However, new work permit applications for SUV applicants will not be accepted.

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What to Expect from the New Pilot Program

While IRCC has not released specific details, industry experts anticipate the new pilot program may include:

• Shorter processing times: Learning from the SUV's challenges, the new program likely aims for more reasonable timelines.
• Targeted selection criteria: Focus on specific sectors, technologies, or regions where Canada needs entrepreneurial talent.
• Streamlined commitments: Potentially simplified processes for obtaining support from designated organizations.
• Clearer benchmarks: More transparent success metrics and requirements for permanent residence.

Conclusion

Canada's not giving up on entrepreneur immigration they're just admitting the current system isn't working. A ten-year processing time isn't a feature; it's a bug that needed fixing.

For anyone caught in transition, especially those with 2025 commitment certificates, the next six months are crucial. After that, we're all waiting to see what Canada Immigration system comes up with for 2026.

Keep your eyes on official IRCC announcements in the coming months. When they release details about the new pilot, you'll want to be ready to jump on it.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Canada Start-up Visa Program Canada work permit Canada business programs New Canada Immigration Levels Plan Canada Immigration News New Entrepreneur Immigration Pilot