Status alert (verified October 2026)
- Start-Up Visa Program: PAUSED. Canada.ca states: “We’re not currently accepting new applications. The Start-Up Visa Program was paused on June 30, 2026. We’ll continue to process applications we accepted before this date.” Only applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate who applied by June 30, 2026 could proceed. IRCC has announced a new entrepreneur pilot for 2026, but eligibility criteria and an opening date have not been published.
- Self-Employed Persons Program: PAUSED. IRCC stopped accepting new applications on April 30, 2024, to clear a backlog, and on December 19, 2025 extended the pause “until further notice.” A 2026 IRCC evaluation found the program “no longer fit for purpose.” There is no reopening date.
- Open alternatives include Provincial Nominee Program entrepreneur streams and (for coming to Canada first and building) LMIA-exempt work permits for business owners who can show significant benefit to Canada.
What it is
Canada’s federal business immigration programs offer permanent residence to entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who can contribute to the Canadian economy. The Start-Up Visa targeted founders with innovative businesses that can create jobs for Canadians and compete globally. The Self-Employed Persons Program was designed for people with world-class or self-employed experience in cultural activities or athletics. With both federal programs currently paused, business-minded clients are generally looking at provincial entrepreneur streams or staged strategies (such as establishing the business first) while awaiting the announced new federal entrepreneur pilot.
Who is eligible (program requirements when active)
Start-Up Visa (for reference): Have a qualifying business (each applicant holds at least 10% of voting rights; applicants plus the designated organization together hold more than 50%); hold a letter of support from a designated organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator); meet the language requirement (Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in English or French, all four abilities); have enough settlement funds; be admissible to Canada.
Self-Employed Persons (for reference): Relevant experience: at least 2 years in the 5 years before applying, in cultural activities or athletics — self-employed, world-class level, or a combination; intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and make a significant contribution; score at least 35 out of 100 on the selection grid; have enough funds to support yourself and your family after landing.
The process (general business-immigration pathway)
- Assess which business pathway fits your background, funds, and timeline (federal programs are paused; provincial streams differ by province).
- Develop or refine your business plan/concept.
- Secure any required third-party support.
- Gather identity, financial, language, and business documents.
- Submit the permanent residence application.
- Complete medical exams, police certificates, and biometrics as requested.
- Respond to IRCC requests; await the decision.
Document checklist
Valid passport and identity documents; business plan and evidence of ownership/investment; letter of support / commitment certificate (where required); language test results; proof of settlement funds; police certificates; medical exam results; photos meeting IRCC specifications.
Important warnings
- Do not pay anyone who claims they can get you into the Start-Up Visa or Self-Employed Persons Program right now — neither is accepting new applications.
- Canada has no federal “passive investor” or golden-visa program; legitimate business streams require active involvement.
- Program details and intake levels change frequently; confirm the current status before making plans.
Based on official guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Next step: Business immigration rules are shifting quickly. Contact Journey to West Immigration for an assessment of which pathway fits your situation right now.