As of January 1, 2026, IRCC no longer accepts new applications under the Start-Up Visa (SUV) and Self-Employed Persons programs, and new optional SUV work permits are halted immediately. Only SUV applications backed by a valid 2025 commitment certificate from a designated entity may still be filed, and only through June 30, 2026. The government is transitioning to a new, more targeted entrepreneur pilot with details expected later in 2026.
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Canada pauses Start-Up Visa intake Jan 1, 2026; new targeted pilot coming
Why this matters for founders
A foreign founder relying on the SUV must have a designated-entity commitment certificate issued in 2025 and file by June 30, 2026, or wait for the replacement pilot; those already in Canada can still extend existing SUV work permits.
Source: Fragomen
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