Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is currently paused and is not accepting new permanent residence applications. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that the program was paused on June 30, 2026, while applications accepted before that date continue to be processed.
The Canada Start-Up Visa application process remains relevant to entrepreneurs with existing applications and readers trying to understand how the program worked. However, older guides that encourage new applicants to obtain support and submit a Start-Up Visa application no longer reflect the current position.
This guide explains the historical application stages and practical next steps for applicants whose files are already with IRCC.
For the broader program update, see our Canada Start-Up Visa guide.
Can You Still Apply for the Canada Start-Up Visa?
New permanent residence applications are currently closed. IRCC’s official Start-Up Visa status page confirms that existing accepted applications continue through processing.
Your next step depends on your situation:
| Your situation | What to focus on |
|---|---|
| You have an existing application accepted by IRCC | Monitor correspondence and follow the instructions for your file |
| You submitted an application but received a return or incompleteness notice | Review the notice and your options in light of the pause |
| You obtained support but did not submit an eligible application before the deadline | Assess current alternatives |
| You are beginning your immigration planning | Review programs available for your profile |
| You hold an SUV-category work permit | Assess your temporary status and possible extension eligibility |
A Letter of Support, a submitted application and an approved application represent different stages. Keep those distinctions clear when reviewing your position.
How the Canada Start-Up Visa Application Process Worked
Historically, the process involved establishing eligibility, obtaining designated-organization support, preparing the application and completing IRCC’s assessment.
The stages below describe the program’s historical framework. They are not instructions to begin a new application today.
1. Establish Eligibility
The program required a qualifying business, designated-organization support, language proficiency and sufficient settlement funds.
The business ownership requirements included both of these conditions:
- Each applicant held at least 10% of the total voting rights.
- The applicants and designated organization together held more than 50% of the total voting rights.
Applicants also needed at least Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in all four language abilities in English or French.
Our Start-Up Visa eligibility guide provides background on these requirements.
2. Obtain Designated-Organization Support
A designated organization evaluated the proposed business and, if it agreed to support it, provided the entrepreneur with a Letter of Support. The organization submitted a commitment certificate directly to IRCC.
These documents served different purposes:
| Document | Role |
|---|---|
| Letter of Support | Evidence of designated-organization support provided to the applicant |
| Commitment certificate | Information submitted by the organization directly to IRCC for evaluation |
Support was an important requirement, but it did not itself constitute permanent residence approval.
Read our guide to Start-Up Visa designated organizations for background on their roles, and our minimum investment guide for the funding distinctions.
3. Prepare Forms and Supporting Documents
Application preparation involved immigration forms and evidence relating to identity, family circumstances, language ability, designated support and finances.
The precise requirements came from the applicable document checklist and instructions. Translation requirements also needed attention where documents were not in English or French.
For an existing-file review, retain an organized copy of:
- The forms and documents submitted.
- Support documents and relevant agreements.
- Fee receipts.
- Submission records.
- Subsequent requests and responses.
Our Start-Up Visa costs and fees guide explains the broader financial categories associated with the process.
4. Submit the Permanent Residence Application
IRCC’s published instructions describe online submission through the Permanent Residence Portal, where the program is called the Start-Up Business Class.
Each entrepreneurial team member submitted their own application. IRCC states that it would not process the team’s applications until it received them all.
The official application instructions remain useful for understanding existing submissions. Their continued availability does not override the program’s paused status.
What Happens After You Submit a Start-Up Visa Application?
IRCC’s assessment includes checking that the application is complete, reviewing eligibility and assessing admissibility.
Its Start-Up Visa instructions for existing applicants explain the post-submission stages.
Completeness Review
IRCC checks forms, signatures, fees and required documents. An incomplete application may be returned without processing.
A submission record does not establish that the application passed the completeness review. If you receive a return notice, assess what it means for your specific file, particularly given the current pause.
Biometrics, Medical Examinations and Police Certificates
Applicants may need to complete biometrics, medical examinations and police-certificate requirements. Follow the instructions and deadlines applicable to your file, including requirements concerning family members.
Additional Requests and a Decision
IRCC may request further documents or an interview before deciding the application. Approval involves confirmation-of-permanent-residence documentation and applicable instructions for completing the process.
Keep each request together with the response and evidence of submission. This makes it easier to establish what was supplied and when.
What Existing Applicants Should Do Now
For an applicant with a pending file, the most useful preparation is to keep immigration correspondence, business records and temporary-status documents organized.
Monitor Correspondence and Deadlines
Check the account and communication channels associated with your application. If a representative handles correspondence, agree on how requests and deadlines will be shared.
A simple tracking sheet can help:
| Item | What to record |
|---|---|
| IRCC request | Date received and documents requested |
| Deadline | Due date stated in the correspondence |
| Response | Documents provided and date submitted |
| Submission evidence | Receipt, confirmation or reference number |
| Outstanding task | Person responsible and next action |
Report Relevant Personal Changes
IRCC advises applicants to report changes such as contact details or the birth of a child. Follow the appropriate instructions for updating your file.
Keep copies of updates and their confirmations.
Maintain Business Records
Depending on the company, useful records may include:
- Current business plans and financial statements.
- Investment and banking records.
- Customer contracts.
- Product-development milestones.
- Staffing records.
- Documents explaining your role and activities.
Keeping these records is practical preparation. It does not mean every applicant must send unsolicited business reports on a fixed schedule.
When responding to a request, select evidence relevant to the issue raised and explain how it supports your response.
Review Entrepreneurial Team Changes
IRCC instructs applicants to notify it if a business partner will no longer submit a PR application.
If circumstances change within your team, review the implications for the individual applications and the shared business arrangements rather than assuming that every file is unaffected.
How Long Does the Start-Up Visa Application Process Take?
Use the current IRCC processing-time tool for the latest published estimate.
IRCC states that its processing times are not a maximum or a guarantee. An individual application may take longer.
Avoid basing business, housing or family commitments on a promised approval date. Build flexibility into plans that depend on an immigration decision.
Can You Work in Canada While Your PR Application Is Processing?
The work permit rules have changed separately from the PR process.
New applications for the optional Start-Up Visa open work permit closed on December 19, 2025. Eligible existing SUV work permit holders may still be able to extend their permits while their PR applications are processed.
A pending PR application alone should not be treated as permission to work or as confirmation that a new initial SUV work permit application is available.
Our Start-Up Visa open work permit guide explains the current extension framework. Existing holders should review their permit conditions and expiry dates alongside their PR file.
Alternatives for New Entrepreneurs
If you are beginning your immigration planning, assess current options according to your experience, language ability, capital, preferred province and proposed business role.
Start with our Business Immigration to Canada guide and provincial entrepreneur programs overview. Program availability and intake conditions should be checked before you commit to a strategy.
Complete the CanadaPass free assessment form to share your circumstances, or book a consultation to discuss an existing application or alternative pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canada Start-Up Visa application process still open?
The program is currently paused and is not accepting new PR applications. IRCC continues processing applications accepted before the pause.
Does a Letter of Support guarantee permanent residence?
No. It documents designated-organization support. IRCC still assesses the immigration application.
Do all founders share one PR application?
Each entrepreneurial team member submits their own application. The applications are connected through the qualifying business and designated support.
What if my application was returned as incomplete?
Review the return notice and obtain advice on your specific circumstances. Do not assume the old resubmission instructions automatically permit a new submission under the current pause.
Can I apply for an initial SUV open work permit while waiting?
New optional SUV open work permit applications are closed. The current route concerns qualifying extensions for existing holders.
Should I send regular business reports to IRCC?
Keep business records available and follow requests that apply to your file. There is no general instruction in the guidance cited here requiring every applicant to submit unsolicited reports on a fixed schedule.
You can book a consultation with CanadaPass to discuss your submission history, correspondence, temporary status and questions about the remaining process.
This article provides general information. Follow the instructions issued for your application and obtain individual advice where your circumstances require it.
