Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on December 19 that it has stopped accepting applications for the optional work permit linked to the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program. The only exception applies to SUV applicants already in Canada who are seeking extensions of their existing work permits.
In a further move, IRCC confirmed that it will cease accepting new Start-Up Visa applications effective December 31 at 11:59 p.m. However, applicants who secured a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 but have not yet submitted their applications will be given a grace period. These individuals must file their SUV applications no later than June 30, 2026.
The department also maintained its suspension of the Self-Employed Persons Program, which has been on hold since April 30, 2024, as part of broader reforms to Canada’s business immigration framework.
According to the federal government, the pauses are intended to support a “transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs,” with further details expected to be released in 2026. Officials said the changes are also designed to help reduce the growing backlog of applications across business immigration streams.
The Start-Up Visa program came under increased scrutiny in 2025 due to lengthy processing delays. Earlier this year, a government tool revealed that some applicants could face waiting periods of up to 10 years before obtaining permanent residence through the program.
IRCC noted that the latest measures align with Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy and objectives outlined in the most recent Immigration Levels Plan, as the government seeks to balance innovation-driven immigration with improved efficiency and faster processing times.