Start-Up Visa Program
Direct PR for entrepreneurs backed by a Canadian designated organization - now closed to new files.
Official Canada pageWho this route is for
Founders with a scalable business idea backed by a Canadian designated venture-capital fund, angel group or incubator. No new commitment certificates are being issued.
Eligibility requirements
- CLOSED to new commitment certificates after 31 December 2025; holders of a valid 2025 certificate must submit their PR application by 30 June 2026
- Founders must hold 10%+ of the voting rights, and the founders plus the designated organization must together hold more than 50%
- A Commitment Certificate from a designated organization (minimum investment: VC $200,000+, angel group $75,000+, business incubator no minimum but acceptance required)
- Language CLB/NCLC 5+ in English or French in all four abilities
- Settlement funds from CAD $15,263 (single) up to ~$40,392 (family of seven)
Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Suspended as part of the 2026-2028 levels cuts to business immigration. Quebec also runs its own (separately paused) Entrepreneur and Investor programs.
Other Canada routes
Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
PermanentClassic points route to PR for skilled professionals with foreign work experience.
Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
PermanentThe fastest in-Canada route - turns skilled Canadian experience into PR.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)
PermanentPR for experienced tradespeople - no education or selection-grid pass mark needed.
Express Entry Category-Based Draws
PermanentTargeted invitations that let lower-CRS candidates get picked for in-demand work.