Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program
Has Closed to New Applicants

On December 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced it will no longer accept new applications to the Start-Up Visa program, effective December 31, 2025.

Read the official IRCC announcement here.

Existing applications will continue to be processed. Founders already in Canada on an SUV work permit can still apply for extensions while their PR application is being processed.

What Comes Next

IRCC has indicated a new "targeted pilot program" for immigrant entrepreneurs is in development, with details expected in 2026. We at CI Ventures believe this redesign presents a critical opportunity, and we would urge the IRCC to include SUV applicants themselves among the stakeholders they consult. No one understands the program's strengths and failures better than the founders who navigated it firsthand.

Why This Matters

Immigrant entrepreneurs are economic engines. Canada's future competitiveness depends on continuing to attract and retain global founders who build companies, create jobs, and drive innovation here.

Your Options Haven't Disappeared

While the federal SUV program is paused, pathways remain. Provincial Nominee Programs offer entrepreneur streams with clearer timelines and strong support ecosystems.

If you're a founder exploring Canada, we're still here to help you find the right path forward.