Canada to replace start-up visa with new entrepreneur pilot in 2026

Canada has announced a pause on key business immigration visa pathways as it prepares to roll out a new, more targeted pilot programme for immigrant entrepreneurs in 2026.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) disclosed on December 19 that it is suspending parts of its business immigration framework, including new applications under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) programme and the long-paused Self-Employed Persons Program, as part of a broader reset of its entrepreneur immigration strategy.

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According to the department, IRCC will no longer accept applications for the optional work permit available to Start-Up Visa applicants, except for individuals already in Canada who are applying to extend their existing SUV work permits.

In addition, IRCC said it will stop accepting new Start-Up Visa permanent residence applications from December 31 at 11:59 pm.

However, a limited exemption has been provided for applicants who already secured a valid commitment certificate from a designated organisation in 2025 but have not yet submitted their permanent residence applications.

Such applicants will be allowed to file their SUV applications up to June 30, 2026.

The federal government also confirmed that applications under the Self-Employed Persons Program will remain suspended.

That programme has been on hold since April 30, 2024, with no immediate plans for reopening.

IRCC explained that the latest measures are designed to support a “transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs,” which is expected to be unveiled in 2026.

While details of the new pilot have not yet been released, the government indicated that it would be more focused and aligned with Canada’s economic and labour market priorities.

The Start-Up Visa programme, which was created to attract innovative entrepreneurs capable of building businesses and creating jobs in Canada, has faced mounting criticism over prolonged processing times.

In 2025, IRCC launched an online processing-time tool that revealed some applicants could wait as long as ten years to obtain permanent residence through the SUV pathway.

The government acknowledged that the pauses announced are partly aimed at reducing the growing backlog of applications within Canada’s business immigration streams.

It said the move would help manage the “large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs” while ensuring immigration pathways remain consistent with the country’s broader Talent Attraction Strategy.

That strategy, outlined in Canada’s most recent Immigration Levels Plan, prioritises faster, more efficient pathways for skilled workers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who can make immediate contributions to the economy.

IRCC said further information on the proposed entrepreneur pilot programme, including eligibility criteria and application timelines, will be made public in 2026.

Prospective business immigrants are advised to monitor official government updates as Canada reshapes its approach to entrepreneur-led immigration.

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