Canada has officially closed the federal Start Up Visa programme to new applicants as of January 1, 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirmed that entrepreneurs can no longer file new permanent residence applications under the SUV stream.

Launched in 2013, the Start Up Visa programme helped foreign founders gain Canadian permanent residence with support from designated investors. But long processing backlogs and limited post-landing impact raised concerns.

IRCC will still process existing applications. Founders with 2025 commitment certificates get a grace period until June 30, 2026. Work permit extensions remain available. What’s next for entrepreneurs? Provincial entrepreneur streams, Quebec programmes, and the C 11 work permit are now key alternatives.