Canada Start-up Visa status in 2026

Canada's federal Start-up Visa is paused. IRCC stopped accepting new applications after 30 June 2026. The final intake was limited to qualifying applicants with valid 2025 commitment certificates who applied by the deadline; accepted inventory continues to be processed.

This page is maintained for current status and legacy applicants. It must not be marketed as an open 2026 founder route.

The optional SUV open work permit closed to new applicants on 19 December 2025. Some existing SUV work-permit holders with pending PR applications may be able to extend under current instructions.

IRCC's September 2026 planning material says a High Impact Start-up Pilot is being developed to replace the SUV framework. As of this verification date, do not invent launch timing, fees, thresholds, an application portal or eligibility rules that have not been officially published.

Province-specific entrepreneur streams may exist under PNP, but they are not the federal Start-up Visa. See the current provincial entrepreneur programs guide.

A separate significant-benefit entrepreneur work permit may be relevant to some business owners, but it is a temporary, evidence-heavy LMIA exemption and must not be described as a replacement Start-up Visa or guaranteed PR route.

Verified against IRCC on 18 September 2026.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Canada