In a December 19, 2025 notice, IRCC stopped accepting new Start-Up Visa (SUV) applications as of 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025, except for applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment from a designated organization (who must file for PR by June 30, 2026). IRCC is prioritizing PR for founders already in Canada on SUV work permits, and the 2026-2028 Levels Plan cuts federal business immigration to roughly 500 spots per year. A new 'high impact' Start-Up Visa pilot will replace the program, with details due in 2026.
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Canada closes Start-Up Visa to new applicants; high-impact pilot due 2026
Why this matters for founders
Foreign founders can no longer start a fresh SUV application, so anyone with a 2025 commitment certificate should file their PR application before the June 30, 2026 deadline, while prospective founders watch for the new high-impact pilot and consider a work-permit route in the meantime.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (Canada.ca)
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