Archive · 24 Dec 2025
Canada Ends Start-Up Visa for Entrepreneurs
Canada is closing its Start-Up Visa Program for new foreign entrepreneurs.
This means that after December 31, 2025, no new applications will be accepted.
However, people who already have a commitment from a designated organization in 2025 can still apply.
The work permits for this program will also stop being accepted from December 19, 2025.
But, Canada is planning to launch a new pilot program by the end of 2026 to help entrepreneurs.
They are also prioritizing permanent residence applications for those already in Canada with a Start-Up Visa work permit.
Canada will stop accepting new Start-Up Visa (SUV) commitment certificates from December 31, 2025.
New SUV work permit applications will no longer be accepted from December 19, 2025.
The Self-Employed Persons Program application pause will continue until further notice.
Canada plans to launch a new pilot program by the end of 2026 to better target entrepreneurs.
IRCC is prioritizing permanent residence applications for those already in Canada with a SUV-specific work permit.
- Who
- Foreign entrepreneurs and the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- What
- Canada is ending the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program and Self-Employed Persons Program pause
- When
- December 31, 2025, for new SUV applications; December 19, 2025, for new SUV work permit applications
- Where
- Canada
- Why
- To better target entrepreneurs and manage the current inventory of business program applications
- Program End Date
- December 31, 2025
- Work Permit Application End Date
- December 19, 2025
- New Pilot Launch
- End of 2026
- Self-Employed Persons Program Pause
- Until further notice
- Work Permit Extension Deadline
- At least 30 days before expiration
