Start-up Visa Program
Canada's Start-up Visa Program is a permanent-residence route for immigrant entrepreneurs who can build an innovative business that creates Canadian jobs and competes globally, backed by an approved Canadian investor or incubator. Important: the program is currently paused — only applicants who already hold a valid 2025 commitment certificate can still apply, and they must apply by 30 June 2026.
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Current status
As of 1 January 2026, the Start-up Visa Program is paused for new applicants.
- If you already hold a valid 2025 commitment certificate, you can still apply — but you must submit your permanent-residence application by 30 June 2026.
- If you don't have a commitment certificate, you can't apply right now. Designated organizations stopped accepting new commitment-certificate requests after 31 December 2025.
In short: unless you're already in progress with a 2025 commitment certificate, the program is closed to new applications.
What it is
The Start-up Visa Program gives permanent residence to entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada (outside Quebec). IRCC looks for businesses that:
- are innovative,
- can create jobs for people in Canada, and
- can compete on a global scale.
To take part, your business needs the backing of a designated organization — an approved Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator — which provides a Letter of Support.
Who can apply
Under the current rules, to apply you need:
- a valid 2025 commitment certificate (the program is otherwise paused), and
- a qualifying business idea supported by a designated organization, shown through a Letter of Support.
The IRCC pages we track here don't spell out every eligibility detail (such as language or funding requirements) — check the official IRCC page for the complete criteria before relying on them.
How to apply
- Submit an application for permanent residence under the Start-up Visa Program before your commitment certificate expires.
- Include your Letter of Support with the application.
- If you hold a valid 2025 commitment certificate, apply by 30 June 2026.
There was an optional work permit you could get while waiting, but it is now closed to new applicants (see Good to know).
Costs & processing times
- Application fee: from $2,495 (increased 30 April 2026).
- Processing time: IRCC currently lists more than 10 years.
Fees can change — confirm the current amount on IRCC's fee page before you pay.
Good to know
- The business must be located in Canada outside Quebec.
- Optional work permit (closed): as of 19 December 2025, IRCC is no longer accepting new work-permit applications under this program. If you already hold one, you may be able to extend it while your PR application is processed. These open work permits were valid for up to 3 years and let you work on your business and — to supplement your income — for almost any employer.
- Designated organizations are Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, and business incubators. IRCC is not designating new organizations at this time.