IRCC halts new Start‑Up Visa applications and optional SUV work‑permit intake, extends Self‑Employed pause

IRCC halts new Start‑Up Visa applications and optional SUV work‑permit intake, extends Self‑Employed pause

Date: 2025-12-19 | Source: IRCC | Program affected: Start-Up Visa | Urgency: Important

Summary: IRCC has immediately ended intake for the optional Start‑Up Visa work permit (with limited in‑Canada extensions allowed), will stop most new SUV permanent residence filings at 11:59 p.m. on 2025-12-31, and has extended the pause on the Self‑Employed Persons Program. Existing in‑Canada SUV work‑permit holders’ PR files will be prioritized. A new targeted entrepreneur pilot is planned for 2026. Ottawa — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced changes to business immigration aimed at supporting sustainable immigration levels under the 2026–2028 Levels Plan and Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy. Effective today, IRCC is no longer accepting applications for the optional work permit for Start‑Up Visa (SUV) applicants, except for in‑Canada applicants seeking to extend an existing SUV work permit. IRCC will prioritize permanent residence applications for applicants already in Canada on an SUV‑specific work permit, subject to Levels Plan capacity. The existing prioritization criteria remain in place. Effective 2025-12-31 at 11:59 p.m., IRCC will stop accepting new Start‑Up Visa Program applications, except from applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment from a designated organization who have not yet applied. IRCC will extend the current pause on the Self‑Employed Persons Program until further notice. According to IRCC, these measures will help manage a large application inventory and lay the groundwork for a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs, with further details expected in 2026. Analysis and implications:
- Positive:
- Backlog control and predictability: Prioritizing in‑Canada SUV work‑permit holders may accelerate decisions for those already contributing to Canada’s economy.
- Policy reset: A targeted 2026 pilot could better align entrepreneur selection with economic outcomes.
- Negative:
- Reduced access for overseas founders: The end of the optional SUV work‑permit intake and the year‑end halt to most new SUV PR filings limit short‑term entry routes for entrepreneurs not already in Canada.
- Prolonged uncertainty for self‑employed applicants: The indefinite extension of the Self‑Employed Persons Program pause continues to defer opportunities for cultural and athletic contributors.
- Time pressure on designated‑organization commitments: Only those with valid 2025 commitments can file after 2025-12-31, creating a narrow window and potential timing risk for teams finalizing endorsements. What to know now:
- Optional SUV work‑permit intake: Closed as of 2025-12-19 (extensions allowed for eligible in‑Canada holders).
- New SUV PR applications: Generally closed after 2025-12-31 at 11:59 p.m., except with a valid 2025 designated‑organization commitment.
- Self‑Employed Persons Program: Paused until further notice.
- Future pathway: New targeted entrepreneur pilot to be announced in 2026. We will continue monitoring IRCC’s forthcoming guidance on the 2026 entrepreneur pilot and any transitional instructions.

Tags: Canada immigration, IRCC, Start-Up Visa, Self-Employed Persons Program, business immigration, entrepreneur immigration, work permits, Immigration Levels Plan, Talent Attraction Strategy, policy update