Start-Up Visa: Program Paused
Status, help for applications in process, and options for entrepreneurs
Status (checked October 2026 on canada.ca)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has paused the Start-Up Visa Program. New applications closed after December 31, 2025. People holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate had until June 30, 2026 to apply; that deadline has passed.
IRCC continues to process applications it received before the pause. IRCC has said it plans a new pilot for entrepreneurs, but no launch date or details have been announced.
How we can help now
- Your Start-Up Visa application is already in process: we can help you respond to IRCC requests, keep your documents current, extend an existing Start-Up Visa work permit if you are already in Canada, and plan your next steps after a decision.
- You are an entrepreneur thinking about Canada: we review your background against the programs that are open today and tell you honestly whether one fits.
- Waiting for the new entrepreneur pilot: we will update this page as soon as IRCC publishes details.
Book a consultation · (647) 873-3132 · info@urchance.ca
Program rules change often. This page is general information, not legal advice for your situation. The official source is the Start-up Visa page on canada.ca.