Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially closed the intake of new applications under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, effective December 31 2025 at 11:59 p.m. The program has been a key permanent residence pathway for foreign entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovative businesses in Canada.

Despite the general closure, IRCC has introduced transitional provisions for certain applicants.
Foreign nationals who have already secured a Commitment Certificate from a designated organization may still proceed with their permanent residence application.

To qualify under this exception:

• The commitment must be valid and issued in 2025, and
• The permanent residence application must be submitted no later than June 30, 2026

Applicants who fall under this category should ensure they meet all deadlines, as no further extensions have been announced.

Alongside the suspension of permanent residence applications, IRCC has also stopped accepting new work permit applications linked to the Start-Up Visa program.

However, individuals who already hold a Start-Up Visa–related work permit may remain eligible to apply for an extension, provided their permanent residence application is still under processing.

According to the federal government, the suspension is part of a broader policy shiftaimed at launching a new, more targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence through business activities.

While details remain limited at this stage, IRCC has confirmed that further information about the new pilot is expected to be released in 2026.

Entrepreneurs considering Canada as a destination for business immigration should closely monitor upcoming announcements, as eligibility criteria and program structure are likely to change.