Canada is preparing to launch a new pilot program for entrepreneurs in 2026: SUV will stop accepting new applications to clear the backlog.
Today's news from IRCC: Updates on immigration measures for businesspeople.
Ottawa, December 19, 2025 - Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is implementing changes to its business immigration programs to support its goal of maintaining sustainable immigration levels and Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy, as outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028.
Effective today, IRCC will no longer accept applications for optional work permits for Start-Up Visa (SUV) applicants, except for those already in Canada who are applying to renew their current SUV work permit.
To support the goal of reducing the number of temporary residents in Canada through transition to permanent residency, IRCC will also prioritize processing permanent residency applications from individuals already in Canada and holding work permits specifically for the SUV program, to the extent permitted by the Immigration Levels Plan. Other existing priority criteria will continue to apply.
Effective 11:59 PM on December 31, 2025, IRCC will cease accepting new applications for the Start-Up Visa Program, except for cases where applicants have a valid commitment from a Designated Organization signed in 2025 but have not yet submitted their application.
At the same time, IRCC will also extend the suspension of applications for the Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice.
These measures will lay the groundwork for a transition to a new, more clearly defined pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs, while also helping to address the large backlog of applications in Canada's business immigration programs.
Details about the new pilot program for entrepreneurs will be announced in 2026.
