🧩 For those wondering why SUV processing time is up to 10 years, check this out!
The "10-year processing time" for the Start-Up Visa program is not the "final verdict" for your application, nor does it mean you will definitely have to wait 10 years. It's just a temporary statistical breakdown by IRCC – reflecting the total backlog at the time of update, not the actual processing speed of individual applications.
Understanding how IRCC calculates “processing time” is the only way to see the whole picture of why the system shows “10 years,” while many genuine applications, with actual activity in Canada, are processed in much shorter periods.
1️⃣ First of all: What is “Processing Time”?
On the Canada.ca website, IRCC states this very clearly:
“Processing time” is an estimate of the time it will take to process applications submitted in your chosen month and year. It is not a commitment, but only a forecast based on:
- Number of records currently in the system
- The number of staff currently handling that type of file.
- Number of new applications expected to be received in the near future.
- And also the time for taking biometrics (fingerprints - photo).
The timeframe is calculated from the date IRCC receives a complete application until the final decision is made. If the application is incomplete, requires changes to information, or if additional documents are requested, this timeframe may be extended or reset.
2️⃣ Why does processing time change monthly?
IRCC updates its data monthly, based on:
- Total number of pending applications,
- Practical processing capabilities,
- And the Immigration Levels Plan, implemented annually by the Canadian government.
If the number of applications increases rapidly while the PR quota remains unchanged, the system will automatically calculate a longer processing time.
If the government deploys more personnel and enhances artificial intelligence, the processing speed will increase.
In other words, "10 years" is a statistical breakdown based on specific time periods, and is subject to change; it's not a "final verdict" for each case.
3️⃣ Compare to see the problem
According to data as of October 12, 2025
🔹 Sponsoring a spouse in Canada:
Assuming the in-land application was submitted on January 1, 2025, it has now been 10 months.
- There are 18,800 applications submitted before you.
- A total of 49,500 applications are pending.
- Estimated time: 8 months remaining + 10 months already waited, total processing time is 18 months.
IRCC processes an average of 2,350 cases per month.
🔹 Start-Up Visa (SUV):
Assuming the application was submitted on January 1, 2025, it has now been 10 months.
- There are 36,400 applications submitted before you.
- A total of 43,200 applications are pending.
- Display time: Over 10 years
→ IRCC processes an average of only 303 cases per month, or just 15 cases per day!
If the SUV registration rate were also 2,350 per month, like the spousal reunification sponsorship in Canada, it would only take 15.5 months to get your turn, which is just over a year. So why 10 years?
4️⃣ The main reasons why SUVs experience "overdue installation"
🧱 a) Low PR Quota
🧠 b) The most complex program in the Economic Class group
IRCC must inspect:
- Does DO really work?
- Is the project being implemented in Canada?
- Are the founders still involved?
- Capital, security, business linkages…
💰 c) High rate of "fake" applications
A large number of applications are only documented on paper to obtain PR. When IRCC tightens its audits, the entire DO team may be subject to review, slowing down the whole system. But because many pending applications cannot be closed, the displayed "processing time" continues to increase.
⚖️ d) Low priority
IRCC always prioritizes:
- Family Sponsorship
- Refugee
- Workers and Students in Canada
However, when IRCC says "we expect to process 1,000 SUV applications this year," that number doesn't refer to 1,000 applications that are opened for processing, but rather 1,000 applications that are ultimately approved.
To get 1,000 approved applications, IRCC has to process 3-4 times more because:
- Some were returned due to missing documents or incorrect forms.
- Part of the project was rejected or is pending because it's not active...
- Some projects are delayed for extended periods due to security checks, DO verification, or founder changes.
Each "return," "refuse," or "pending" application takes just as much time as a real application.
But while waiting for those files, they continued processing other files.
5️⃣ Predicted solutions
- Separate the applications into groups based on the Designated Organization (DO). Projects with a real project and transparent reporting will be reviewed more quickly.
- Applications that already have a Work Permit and are actively working in Canada are usually given priority.
- If IRCC can "filter out" the group of weak applications, the average processing time can be reduced to 2-3 years for the truly effective applications.
6️⃣ “10 years” is not the final sentence!
The figure of "over 10 years" on the website is only an average statistical forecast for the entire system, where the majority of weak applications take longer to process. If:
- The government will either increase staffing or find ways to reduce the backlog.
- The project is currently being implemented in Canada.
- Have a reputable Designated Organization,
- The file is complete and error-free.
Then waiting 10 years is unlikely.
"10 years" is not a final, unchangeable sentence, but rather a warning signal for an overloaded system – and a reason for IRCC to tighten standards and prioritize those who are genuinely working. This is because the immigration target is to have around 1,000 approved projects each year.
💡 If you've already submitted your SUV application, don't just wait, proactively strengthen your application.
If you've already applied for a Start-Up Visa, instead of worrying about the "10 years" mark, the most important thing is to make your application truly stand out and be competitive among the tens of thousands of other applications waiting.
That's why the Ontario Startup Studio (OSS) works to serve these projects. OSS not only helps startup teams refine their business plans to meet IRCC standards, but also:
- Help strengthen the project to demonstrate its operational capability in Canada.
- Training founders on management, marketing, finance, and Canadian business law.
- Connecting businesses with partners, investors, and the startup community to make a tangible impact is something IRCC highly values.
- We provide support during the post-approval phase to maintain business activity and prevent applications from becoming "pending" or "inactive".
If you are truly serious about your SUV profile and want to shorten your PR journey through merit, 👉 contact OSS for strategic advice tailored to your project.
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