Canada Start-Up Visa Designated Organizations: 2026 Status and Official List

🚨 Disclaimer – Start-Up Visa Program Status (Canada)
Please note that the Government of Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program is currently closed to new applications. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stopped accepting new SUV permanent residence applications at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025, with limited transitional exceptions only for applicants who obtained a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 and who must file by June 30, 2026. In addition, new applications for the optional SUV-linked work permit are no longer being accepted as of December 19, 2025.

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is currently paused and is not accepting new permanent residence applications. IRCC states that the program was paused on June 30, 2026, while applications accepted before that date continue to be processed. Its list of designated organizations remains available, but appearing on that list does not mean an organization can provide access to a new SUV application today.

Canada Start-Up Visa designated organizations played an important role in evaluating and supporting businesses associated with the program. They included venture capital funds, angel investor groups and business incubators.

For existing applicants, understanding the supporting organization, its designation and the documents associated with its commitment remains useful. For new entrepreneurs, the first step is to assess currently available immigration options.

Our Canada Start-Up Visa guide explains the broader program status.

What Are Canada Start-Up Visa Designated Organizations?

Designated organizations are business entities approved to invest in or support potential start-ups under the Start-Up Visa framework.

Their support formed part of the immigration application. Depending on the organization’s category, this involved investment in the business or acceptance into an incubation or acceleration program. Organizations could establish their own proposal-assessment processes and selection criteria.

For a founder, it is important to understand both the organization’s immigration-program role and the commercial agreement governing the relationship. Services, investment terms and obligations should be reviewed through the relevant documents.

Are Designated Organizations Accepting New Start-Up Visa Applications?

The program is closed to new PR applications. IRCC stopped accepting commitment certificates after December 31, 2025. Applicants with valid 2025 commitment certificates had to apply by June 30, 2026. IRCC also states that it is not currently designating new organizations.

The official IRCC guidance for designated organizations explains these restrictions.

An organization’s website may still describe business programs, mentoring or investment opportunities. Before committing to any service, establish exactly what is being offered and whether the proposal concerns ordinary business support or an existing immigration file.

Enrolling in a business program should not be treated as a way to reopen the paused SUV pathway.

The Three Types of Designated Organizations

The historical framework provided three categories of support:

These investment thresholds concerned designated-organization funding. Incubator acceptance did not establish that every business expense or program service was free.

Our Start-Up Visa minimum investment guide explains the distinction between designated investment, founder contributions and business capital.

When reviewing a relationship with an organization, identify:

• The investment or services actually promised.
• Any equity, repayment or payment terms.
• The founder’s responsibilities.
• Milestones and reporting arrangements.
• Conditions for ending the agreement.

Where Can You Find the Official List?

Use the official IRCC list of designated organizations as the starting point for verification.

Examples currently appearing on that list include:

These are examples, not recommendations or confirmation of an organization’s current commercial intake.

Use the exact organization name when checking documents. If an agreement uses a trading name or refers to an affiliated company, establish how that entity relates to the organization associated with your immigration file.

What Should Existing Applicants Verify?

Compare the information in your records:

• Organization name on the Letter of Support.
• Business and founder details.
• Relevant dates and reference information.
• Agreement or term-sheet details.
• Subsequent correspondence explaining changes.

If something appears inconsistent, ask for a written explanation and review whether it affects the file. A clear document trail is more useful than relying on a verbal assurance.

Letter of Support vs. Commitment Certificate

The Letter of Support and commitment certificate are related documents with different recipients and purposes.

IRCC’s commitment-document guidance states that a commitment certificate was valid for six months after issuance. That historical validity period does not override the program’s closure deadlines.

For existing files, keep the Letter of Support together with the agreements and correspondence explaining the organization’s commitment.

Our Start-Up Visa application process guide explains how designated support fitted into the broader application sequence.

Does Designated-Organization Support Guarantee Permanent Residence?

No. Designated support was one requirement within an immigration application. IRCC still assessed the application, including eligibility, financial support and admissibility.

A support document should therefore be understood alongside the other evidence submitted, rather than treated as an approval decision.

Our Start-Up Visa eligibility guide explains the applicant and business requirements.

When discussing your file with a provider, ask them to distinguish between:

• Services they will deliver.
• Business outcomes they expect.
• Immigration decisions that remain with IRCC.

Keep those distinctions visible in your planning and agreements.

What Happens if an Organization Is Suspended or Loses Designation?

Designation changes can affect applications linked to the organization.

Under IRCC’s suspension and loss-of-designation guidance, suspension can place linked SUV applications on hold.

If an organization loses designation, IRCC can refuse applications based on its commitment or return applications it has not started processing and refund fees. IRCC says it will notify affected applicants about their next steps.

The outcome depends on the circumstances and instructions for the affected file. Do not assume that a designation change automatically has the same result for every applicant.

If you receive a notice:

1. Record the response deadline.
2. Read what IRCC says about your application.
3. Gather the support documents and related agreements.
4. Obtain advice before making assumptions about replacing the organization or submitting new documents.

The paused intake makes it particularly important to assess the options available for the individual file.

Fees, Services and Investment Are Different

A designated investment commitment, a program-service charge and an immigration application fee serve different purposes.

Before making or reviewing a payment, establish:

• Who receives it.
• What it covers.
• Whether it is an investment or a service charge.
• What contractual conditions apply.
• Whether any refund provisions exist.

Avoid using a generalized “Letter of Support price” as a substitute for reviewing the actual services and agreement.

Our Canada Start-Up Visa costs and fees guide explains the broader budget, including personal support funds, business expenses and immigration-related costs.

What Existing Applicants Should Do Now

For an existing applicant, practical preparation includes maintaining an organized record of:

• Support documents and agreements.
• Investment and payment records.
• Correspondence with the organization.
• Business progress and financial information.
• IRCC requests and responses.

Follow instructions issued for your application. If a business or organizational change raises questions, review it in the context of the submitted file.

Temporary immigration status also needs separate attention. Our Start-Up Visa open work permit guide explains the closure of new optional work permit applications and the extension framework for eligible existing holders.

You can book a CanadaPass consultation to discuss your support documents, correspondence or concerns about an existing application.

Alternatives for New Entrepreneurs

If you are beginning your immigration planning, assess current options using your business experience, language ability, capital, preferred location and intended role in the company.

Start with our Business Immigration to Canada guide and provincial entrepreneur programs overview.

To share your circumstances, complete the CanadaPass free assessment form. The assessment should identify options available for your profile before you commit to an immigration strategy or business-support agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can book a consultation to discuss the documents, agreements and correspondence associated with your application.

This article provides general information. Follow the instructions issued for your application and obtain advice suited to your circumstances.