Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced important changes to business and entrepreneur immigration programs. These changes are part of Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan and the government’s Talent Attraction Strategy, with the goal of keeping immigration at sustainable levels.
Changes to the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program
Effective immediately:
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IRCC is no longer accepting applications for the optional work permit under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program
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Exception: Applicants who are already in Canada may still apply to extend their current SUV work permit
Priority for Permanent Residence
To reduce the number of temporary residents and support transition to permanent residence:
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IRCC will prioritize permanent residence applications from people who are already in Canada with an SUV-specific work permit
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This will be done as long as annual immigration targets allow
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Existing prioritization rules will continue to apply
SUV Program intake stopping soon
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As of December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., IRCC will stop accepting new Start-Up Visa applications
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Exception: Applicants who received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 but have not yet applied may still submit their application
Self-Employed Persons Program
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The current pause on the Self-Employed Persons Program is extended until further notice
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No new applications will be accepted during this pause
What’s coming next?
IRCC says these measures are needed to:
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Manage the large backlog of business immigration applications
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Prepare for a new, more targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs
More details about this new entrepreneur pilot program will be announced in 2026.
What this means
These changes may be disappointing for many entrepreneurs planning to immigrate to Canada. They also show that Canada’s business immigration programs are changing, and applicants must be ready to adjust their plans.
We recommend staying informed and seeking professional advice to understand alternative pathways that may still be available. We will share updates as soon as IRCC releases new information.