Canada is changing its approach to business immigration: the Start-Up Visa program is no longer accepting new applications and is being replaced by a model focused on real business results. At the same time, work visas and provincial programs remain available to foreign businesspeople. Learn more about alternative immigration routes for entrepreneurs to Canada in 2026

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At the end of 2025, Canada officially stopped accepting new applications for the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, one of the most popular business immigration tools in the world. The decision took effect on December 31 and came as a surprise to thousands of potential applicants. However, the closure of the SUV does not mean that Canada has given up on attracting foreign entrepreneurs. The country is transforming the business immigration model itself, shifting the focus from promises to real results.

What alternative entry routes exist, what has changed in Ottawa's approach, and what to expect from the new pilot programs — we will discuss this further in the article.

Are you planning to enter the international market or relocate your business to Canada or another country?

A personal business lawyer from the Visit World portal will help you at every stage, from registering your company and obtaining a work visa to minimizing tax risks and supporting document flow.

Why did Canada close the Start-Up Visa program?

The SUV program was launched in 2013 as a pilot project and received permanent status in 2018. The mechanism looked attractive: an entrepreneur received support from an accredited venture capital fund, a group of business angels, or an incubator, and in return, Canada granted them permanent resident status to develop their startup. According to the plan, the entire process was supposed to take about six months. The reality turned out to be quite different.

By 2023, the number of applications had grown by more than 600%, and the backlog of unprocessed cases had reached approximately 43,200 — twice the 20,000 mark that had prompted the government to take its first restrictive measures in April 2024. The waiting period for new applicants exceeded ten years, which completely negated the very idea of a quick start. In addition, the structure of the program had a significant flaw: up to five co-founders could apply for one startup, obtain permanent resident status, and at the same time, there was no legal obligation to continue business activities after that. The government limited each accredited organization to ten applications per year, but this measure came too late — the system was already overloaded.

By the way, we recently reported that Canada is increasing the work experience requirement for Express Entry starting in 2026.

New model of business immigration to Canada: results first, then residency

Ottawa deliberately chose the word “pause” rather than “cancellation.” The immigration plan for 2026-2028 provides for 500 annual spots in the SUV category, ranging from 250 to 1,000. The government continues to review applications that have already been submitted, and the approval rate has increased from 60% in 2023 to 75% in 2024, with 7,635 people accepted along with their family members. All of this indicates that the program is in the process of being rebooted, not eliminated.

The key change is in the approach. Business immigration standards, updated in mid-2025, now require proof of active entrepreneurial activity before a permanent residence application is approved. The “residence first, business later” model is giving way to the “results first, residence later” format. This approach is already standard in most OECD countries: an entrepreneur enters on a work visa, proves the viability of their business, and only then applies for permanent residence.

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C-11 work visa for entrepreneurs: an underrated route to Canada

Among the existing alternatives, the C-11 work visa, available under the Canadian International Mobility Program, is particularly noteworthy. This tool allows entrepreneurs to enter Canada, start or purchase a business, and then transition to permanent residence through provincial or federal channels. The visa has been around for a long time, but previously remained in the shadow of the more well-known SUV.

The main requirement is that the applicant must demonstrate the measurable economic impact of their business before arriving in the country. In fact, C-11 implements the same “create first, then immigrate” logic that Ottawa is now incorporating into its updated business immigration strategy. For entrepreneurs with a real business and a willingness to work in the Canadian market, this path is becoming the primary entry strategy rather than a backup option.

Canada has officially opened the season International Experience Canada (IEC) 2026 – one of the most popular temporary mobility programs for young people.

Provincial programs for entrepreneurs in Canada: who is accepting applications in 2026?

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have become a central element of the Canadian business immigration system. These programs focus on job creation and regional economic development, and entrepreneurs receive permanent residence nominations after achieving specific business performance indicators. The 2026-2028 immigration plan allocates 91,500 to 92,500 annual spots to PNPs, making them the dominant channel for economic immigration. Currently, six provinces are actively accepting applications under regional entrepreneur programs.

Notably absent from this list is the province of Ontario, home to Toronto and the country's largest economy. Ontario's entrepreneur program was suspended and subsequently closed, creating a gap in the most attractive market for foreign business founders. At the same time, the province is undergoing a major reorganization of its immigration system with an emphasis on flexibility, and government statements indicate the possible launch of a targeted pilot program for entrepreneurs as early as 2026.

Ontario's return to this space will significantly change the balance of power for foreign businesspeople who are considering Canada as a place to scale up.

About Open Work Permit in Canada 2026 — read here.

New federal pilot program for entrepreneurs: what to expect?

IRCC communications and the 2026-2028 immigration plan clearly indicate the preparation of a new federal pilot program for entrepreneurs. It is expected to be much more selective and focused on specific performance outcomes. The mid-2025 standards, which require proof of active business operations, set the direction for the future format: obtaining permanent resident status will only be possible after demonstrating a real economic contribution.

An exact copy of the old SUV should not be expected. The previous model, in which a well-written business plan and a letter of support from an incubator ensured permanent residence without obligations, is a thing of the past. The new program is likely to return to the application processing times characteristic of the early years of the SUV — measured in months rather than decades. For entrepreneurs with real businesses who are ready to work in Canada even before obtaining permanent status, the transition period opens up new opportunities. Work visas remain available, provincial programs are actively accepting applications, and the updated federal system is in the final stages of development.

Remember! The transformation of the Canadian business immigration system is a striking example of how quickly the rules of the game are changing for entrepreneurs in international markets. Navigating the new requirements, choosing the right entry route, and avoiding mistakes in paperwork is much easier with the support of an experienced specialist. The Visit World portal offers the services of a personal business lawyer — a specialist who accompanies the entrepreneur at all stages: from company registration and choice of taxation system to obtaining a work visa, relocating the business abroad, and remotely launching a representative office.

A personal lawyer will help with document management, reporting, minimizing tax risks, providing notary services, and resolving disputes with contractors. Legal support becomes critically important in situations involving lawsuits, complex negotiations with partners, or government officials.

Working with a specialist allows you to avoid unpleasant consequences and resolve all legal issues in your favor. A personal lawyer for business from Visit World is a reliable partner who will protect your business, money, and time.

Order a consultation with a personal lawyer for business on the Visit World portal and develop your business abroad with professional legal support!

Reminder! It was recently announced that there will be restrictions on the number of foreign students in Canada in 2026.

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