Canada wants entrepreneurs who think big. The Start-Up Visa program was designed to attract founders with innovative business ideas who can create jobs and compete on the global stage.
Unlike other business immigration programs, the Start-Up Visa doesn't require you to invest your own money upfront. What it does require is a business idea strong enough to earn backing from designated Canadian investors or incubators.
For entrepreneurs with the right vision, this pathway offers something rare: permanent residency from day one, along with the freedom to build something meaningful in one of the world's most stable economies.
Ready to Get Started?
With the Start-Up Visa closed to new applications, entrepreneurs need alternative pathways. We track provincial business streams and can identify which programs fit your goals and get you to Canada.
The Start-Up Visa connects entrepreneurs with designated Canadian organizations that can evaluate and support promising business ideas. These include venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators.
To qualify, you need a valid commitment certificate from one of these designated organizations. They've reviewed your business plan and believe it has potential. That certificate becomes your ticket into the program.
You also need to meet basic requirements: adequate language skills in English or French, and enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive.
What Makes This Program Different
Your business doesn't need to succeed. This surprises many applicants. As long as you make a genuine effort to build your company, your permanent residence isn't tied to whether the business takes off. Canada recognizes that startups fail all the time, even good ones. They're betting on entrepreneurs, not just businesses.
Your family comes with you. Spouses and dependent children can be included in your application, giving your whole family a path to permanent residency.
You can work while you wait. If you already hold a Start-Up Visa work permit, you may be able to extend it while your permanent residence application is processed. IRCC stopped accepting new applications for this work permit on December 19, 2025.
Key Deadlines
The program is paused. Designated organizations had until December 31, 2025 to submit commitment certificates, and applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate had until June 30, 2026 to apply. That deadline has passed, and IRCC is not accepting new applications. Applications received before June 30, 2026 are still being processed.
Processing times vary. If you already have an application in process, check IRCC's current processing times on its website.
Exploring Alternatives
With the Start-Up Visa program paused for new applications, entrepreneurs should consider other pathways. The Provincial Nominee Program offers business streams in several provinces. Some provinces actively recruit entrepreneurs who want to start or buy businesses in their communities.
We track these programs closely and can help identify which options fit your situation. Whether you have a Start-Up Visa application in process or you're exploring alternatives now that the program has paused, we can go through your options with you.
Questions About Your Options?
Business immigration has many moving parts, and program changes can happen with little warning. Let's discuss your entrepreneurial goals and find the pathway that gets you to Canada.
Ready to Get Started?
With the Start-Up Visa closed to new applications, entrepreneurs need alternative pathways. We track provincial business streams and can identify which programs fit your goals and get you to Canada.
Canada wants entrepreneurs who think big. The Start-Up Visa program was designed to attract founders with innovative business ideas who can create jobs and compete on the global stage.
Unlike other business immigration programs, the Start-Up Visa doesn't require you to invest your own money upfront. What it does require is a business idea strong enough to earn backing from designated Canadian investors or incubators.
For entrepreneurs with the right vision, this pathway offers something rare: permanent residency from day one, along with the freedom to build something meaningful in one of the world's most stable economies.
How the Program Works
The Start-Up Visa connects entrepreneurs with designated Canadian organizations that can evaluate and support promising business ideas. These include venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators.
To qualify, you need a valid commitment certificate from one of these designated organizations. They've reviewed your business plan and believe it has potential. That certificate becomes your ticket into the program.
You also need to meet basic requirements: adequate language skills in English or French, and enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive.
What Makes This Program Different
Your business doesn't need to succeed. This surprises many applicants. As long as you make a genuine effort to build your company, your permanent residence isn't tied to whether the business takes off. Canada recognizes that startups fail all the time, even good ones. They're betting on entrepreneurs, not just businesses.
Your family comes with you. Spouses and dependent children can be included in your application, giving your whole family a path to permanent residency.
You can work while you wait. If you already hold a Start-Up Visa work permit, you may be able to extend it while your permanent residence application is processed. IRCC stopped accepting new applications for this work permit on December 19, 2025.
Key Deadlines
The program is paused. Designated organizations had until December 31, 2025 to submit commitment certificates, and applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate had until June 30, 2026 to apply. That deadline has passed, and IRCC is not accepting new applications. Applications received before June 30, 2026 are still being processed.
Processing times vary. If you already have an application in process, check IRCC's current processing times on its website.
Exploring Alternatives
With the Start-Up Visa program paused for new applications, entrepreneurs should consider other pathways. The Provincial Nominee Program offers business streams in several provinces. Some provinces actively recruit entrepreneurs who want to start or buy businesses in their communities.
We track these programs closely and can help identify which options fit your situation. Whether you have a Start-Up Visa application in process or you're exploring alternatives now that the program has paused, we can go through your options with you.
Questions About Your Options?
Business immigration has many moving parts, and program changes can happen with little warning. Let's discuss your entrepreneurial goals and find the pathway that gets you to Canada.
