Can you still bring your start-up to Canada?
Yes, but not through the Start-up Visa. IRCC stopped accepting new Start-up Visa applications at the end of 2025, and the new entrepreneur pilot it promised has not opened yet.
Founders still move to Canada every year. They now use work permit routes that are built around the business you own or run: the C11 entrepreneur permit, provincial entrepreneur streams, Intra-Company Transfers and, for U.S. and Mexican citizens, CUSMA. This page explains what changed, which route fits which founder, and the mistakes that sink applications.
Key takeaway
Don’t wait for the new pilot. Choose the route that fits your business today, and plan your path to permanent residence before you apply for the work permit.
What happened to the Start-up Visa?
On December 19, 2025, IRCC announced it was closing the Start-up Visa (SUV) Program to new applicants. Here is where things stand.
New applications
What changed
New SUV work permit applications stopped on December 19, 2025. New permanent residence applications stopped after December 31, 2025.
What it means
You can no longer start a new SUV file, even with a letter of support.
Files already submitted
What changed
IRCC continues to process applications already in the queue. SUV work permit holders in Canada can apply to extend their permits.
What it means
In-Canada SUV work permit holders get priority PR processing, within annual immigration targets.
New entrepreneur pilot
What changed
IRCC said it will launch a targeted pilot for immigrant entrepreneurs, with details to come in 2026.
What it means
No name, criteria or launch date has been published. Treat it as a future option, not a plan.
Already in the SUV queue, or holding an SUV work permit? Read our Start-up Visa closure guide for what to do next.
Red flag
Anyone selling a Start-up Visa letter or commitment certificate today is selling something you cannot use. Never pay for a support letter.
Which route fits your start-up now?
The right route depends on three things: whether you already run a business abroad, how much you can invest, and how soon you need permanent residence. These are the routes founders use most.
C11 entrepreneur work permit
Best for
Founders who buy or start a Canadian business they own (51% or more) and run themselves.
Watch out
A temporary permit. Your business must bring a real benefit to Canada, and renewals depend on results.
Provincial entrepreneur streams
Best for
Founders who can meet a province's investment, net worth and business plan rules.
Watch out
Each province sets its own rules, and streams open, pause and close often.
Intra-Company Transfer
Best for
Owners or senior staff of a company operating abroad who want to open a Canadian office.
Watch out
The foreign company must keep operating. New offices get a short first permit.
CUSMA work permits
Best for
U.S. and Mexican citizens investing in, transferring to or working for a Canadian business.
Watch out
Only for citizens of those countries, and each category has its own tests.
Express Entry
Best for
Founders with skilled work experience, strong language scores and education.
Watch out
A points-based PR system. Owning a business does not earn points on its own.
Go deeper: C11 work permit guide, C60 work permit guide, Intra-Company Transfer guide, CUSMA work permit guide and Express Entry for business people.
How do you choose the right route?
Most founders who are refused picked a route before they understood their own case. Work through these four steps first.
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Step 01
Define your role
Will you own and run the Canadian business, or transfer from a company you already run abroad? This decides your starting route.
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Step 02
Check your business and funds
List what you own abroad, what you can invest and where the money comes from. Officers check both.
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Step 03
Pick a province and business model
Provincial streams and C11 both reward a clear plan for a real business in a specific market.
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Step 04
Plan PR from day one
Decide how your time in Canada will lead to permanent residence before you file the work permit.
C11, provincial entrepreneur and ICT compared
| C11 entrepreneur | Provincial (C60) | ICT new office | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it fits | Owner-operators who buy or start a Canadian business | Founders ready to meet a province’s investment and net worth rules | Owners or senior staff of a business already operating abroad |
| Ownership | At least 51% and active management | Set by the province | Your foreign company must be related to the Canadian one |
| First permit | Up to 18 months | Based on the province’s support letter | Up to 1 year |
| Path to PR | Not built in; C11 time doesn’t count for the Canadian Experience Class | Built in: nomination once you meet your business agreement | Canadian work experience can support Express Entry |
Permit lengths are the usual maximums. The officer can issue a shorter permit.
What mistakes do founders make?
These are the mistakes we see most often in founder files since the Start-up Visa closed.
Waiting for the new pilot
Why it hurts
There is no launch date or criteria yet. Months spent waiting are months your business isn't growing.
What works instead
Start on a route that is open today. You can still consider the pilot when it launches.
Treating C11 as a PR program
Why it hurts
C11 permits are temporary. Time on C11 doesn't count for the Canadian Experience Class, and renewals are judged on what your business has achieved.
What works instead
Map your PR route, such as a provincial nomination, before you apply.
A passive or thin investment
Why it hurts
Officers refuse files where the founder doesn't control and run the business, or where the plan has no real market.
What works instead
Show ownership, your active role, a costed plan and the source of your funds.
Assuming your family can work
Why it hurts
Since January 21, 2025, spouses qualify for an open work permit only in limited cases, and dependent children no longer do.
What works instead
Check family eligibility for your exact permit before you move.
What should you do next?
Founders who prepare in this order spend less, wait less and face fewer refusals.
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Gather your business facts
Ownership, financials, and the source of your funds.
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Shortlist two routes
A main route and a back-up, in case a provincial stream pauses.
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Map your PR path
Know which experience or nomination will lead to permanent residence.
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Get a lawyer’s review
Before you sign a lease, buy a business or file with IRCC.
Frequently asked questions about bringing your start-up to Canada
No. IRCC stopped accepting new Start-up Visa work permit applications on December 19, 2025, and new permanent residence applications after December 31, 2025.
IRCC is still processing applications already in the queue. If you hold an SUV work permit and are in Canada, you can apply to extend it, and your PR application gets priority processing within annual targets. See our Start-up Visa closure guide.
IRCC has said only that a targeted pilot for immigrant entrepreneurs is coming, with details in 2026. As of October 2026, no name, criteria or launch date has been published.
Not exactly. The Start-up Visa led directly to PR. C11 is a temporary work permit for owner-operators, with a first permit of up to 18 months. You need a separate plan for PR.
Usually, yes. C11 has no fixed federal minimum, but the investment must be enough to build a business that benefits Canada. Provincial entrepreneur streams set their own investment and net worth minimums.
Your spouse and children can usually accompany you. Your spouse’s right to work depends on your job and permit length under the January 2025 rules, and dependent children no longer get open work permits. School-age children can generally attend school.
Yes. But founder files are judged on business evidence as much as on forms, and a refusal stays on your record. A lawyer’s review before you file is usually cheaper than a refusal.
Bringing your start-up to Canada: final thoughts
The Start-up Visa is gone, but Canada still welcomes founders who bring real businesses. The routes are narrower and more evidence-driven than before, so the founders who succeed are the ones who choose carefully and prepare well.
