Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program (SUV) is a federal permanent residence pathway for immigrant entrepreneurs who can build an innovative business in Canada (outside Quebec).
Current status in 2026: paused (limited exception)
IRCC states that as of January 1, 2026, the Start-Up Visa Program is paused.
Key deadlines IRCC publishes:
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Commitment certificates: IRCC stopped accepting new commitment certificates from designated organizations after December 31, 2025.
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Who can still apply: Only applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate may apply, and they must apply by June 30, 2026.
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All other applications: IRCC says the program is closed to all other applications.
Work permit while you wait: closed to new applicants
IRCC’s SUV page states the work permit option for SUV applicants is closed to new applicants as of December 19, 2025. If you already have an SUV work permit, you may be able to extend it while your PR application is processed.
What SUV eligibility looks like (when intake is open)
Even though intake is paused, this is what IRCC generally requires for SUV eligibility:
1) Support from a designated organization
You need support from at least 1 designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator). The organization provides:
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a Letter of Support (you include it in your PR application), and
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a Commitment Certificate (sent directly to IRCC).
IRCC notes a commitment certificate is valid for 6 months from the date issued.
2) A qualifying business (ownership rules)
IRCC allows applying individually or as a group of up to 5 owners (rules apply to how voting rights/ownership are structured).
3) Language requirement
SUV typically requires meeting a minimum language level (CLB/NCLC), assessed through approved tests (details remain on the IRCC eligibility page).
4) Settlement funds
IRCC requires proof you have enough money to settle in Canada (amount depends on family size).
How to apply (important: only valid 2025 commitment certificate cases)
IRCC states SUV applications must be submitted online using the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal (the portal may label it “Start-Up Business Class”).
If you do not have a valid 2025 commitment certificate, you should not apply because IRCC says the program is closed to all other applications.
Fees (IRCC)
IRCC’s fee list groups Start-up visa under “Business immigration” and lists for the principal applicant:
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$1,810 processing fee + $575 right of permanent residence fee = $2,385
(Spouse/partner and dependent child fees are listed on the same IRCC fee page.)
What to remove from your old template
Delete these (they don’t fit SUV pages):
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“Endorsement Certificate From an Atlantic Province” (AIP only)
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Any “apply anytime / intake open” language (SUV is paused in 2026)
FAQ
Is the Start-Up Visa Program open in 2026?
IRCC says SUV is paused as of Jan 1, 2026. Only applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate can apply by June 30, 2026.
Can a designated organization still issue new commitment certificates now?
IRCC says Dec 31, 2025 was the last day to submit commitment certificates.
Is the SUV work permit still available?
IRCC says it is closed to new applicants as of Dec 19, 2025, but extensions may be possible for existing SUV work permit holders.
How do I find designated organizations?
IRCC publishes the official list and tells applicants to check each organization’s website for how they choose proposals.
Reality check (Canadianow style)
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SUV is a real PR pathway, but it is not generally open to new applicants in 2026.
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“Letter of Support” claims from unofficial sources are a common risk. Use IRCC’s designated organization list and official rules only.
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PR is never automatic. IRCC still assesses admissibility (medical/security/criminality) and application completeness.
Start-Up Visa Program (main status page):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa.html
Who can apply (pause + June 30, 2026 deadline):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/eligibility.html
About the program (pause details):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/about.html
How to apply (PR Portal):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/apply.html
List of designated organizations:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/designated-organizations.html
Designated organizations: commitment certificate + letter of support:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa/participate/commitment-certificate.html
IRCC Help Centre (support from designated organization):
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=646&top=6
IRCC fee list (Start-up visa under Business immigration):
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
IRCC processing times tool:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
