Canada has put key business immigration streams on hold while it gets ready to introduce a new program for entrepreneurs.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has decided to slow parts of its business immigration system. The department wants to prepare for a new program aimed at entrepreneurs. Officials shared the update on December 19. The changes affect current and future applicants under several business streams.
The department has stopped accepting applications for the optional work permit linked to the Start-Up Visa. This rule now applies nationwide. Only one group remains eligible. People already in Canada may apply to extend their existing Start-Up Visa work permit. New applicants outside Canada can no longer access this option.
The government has also set a clear end date for new Start-Up Visa applications. The intake will close on December 31 at 11:59 p.m. After that time, officers will reject new submissions. This move marks a major shift in how Canada manages entrepreneur immigration.
Some applicants still have a small window. Entrepreneurs who received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 may still apply. These applicants must submit their files by June 30, 2026. Officials will not accept applications after that deadline. The rule applies only to confirmed 2025 commitments.
The government has also extended the pause on the Self-Employed Persons Program. This pause started on April 30, 2024. Officials have not shared an end date. Applicants in arts, culture, and sports must continue waiting. The department said it will share updates later.
Federal officials said the changes support a “transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs.” The government plans to release full details in 2026. The pilot will focus on specific goals. Officials hope it will work faster and better than older programs.
The Start-Up Visa faced heavy criticism in 2025. Processing delays frustrated many entrepreneurs. A government tool showed extreme wait times. Some applicants faced waits close to ten years for permanent residence. Many founders said the delays hurt business plans and investments.
Officials said the pause will “help address the large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs.” The department wants to reduce backlogs. It also wants to improve future processing speed. These steps form part of a broader system reset.
The government connected these changes to its Talent Attraction Strategy. This strategy appears in the latest Immigration Levels Plan. Officials want to attract skilled founders faster. They also want programs to match economic needs more closely.
Having an 'Identity Verified' badge or being 'Identity Verified' simply indicates that an individual has submitted information to complete our identity verification process or we have conducted internal verification using various authorized websites. While this process includes safeguards, it does not guarantee that the person is who they claim to be.
If you encounter any issues with this profile, please report them here. While all consultants who are verified have RCIC ID, we may not have the latest data in terms of their renewal/cancellation/discontinuation of their RCIC ID.
The "Verified Consultants" profiles are created using publicly available information, including data from the IRCC website, official consultant sites, other listing platforms, and social media. Immiperts.com is an independent platform, not affiliated with IRCC or any registered immigration consultants. To update, claim, or remove your profile, please contact us at [email protected].
╳