Canada Start-Up Visa Open Work Permit: 2026 Status and Extension Rules

The Canada Start-Up Visa open work permit is closed to new applicants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stopped accepting new applications for this optional permit on December 19, 2025. Eligible existing Start-Up Visa work permit holders may still be able to extend their permits while their permanent residence applications are being processed.

The permanent residence pathway has also changed. IRCC states that the Start-Up Visa Program was paused on June 30, 2026, and applications accepted before that date continue to be processed.

This guide focuses on current permit holders, applicants with previously submitted applications and entrepreneurs trying to understand what remains available.

For the broader immigration pathway, see our Canada Start-Up Visa Program guide.

Is the Canada Start-Up Visa Open Work Permit Still Available?

Not for new applicants. The remaining option is primarily an extension for eligible people who already hold a work permit issued under the Start-Up Visa Program. IRCC also recognizes certain previous holders who qualify for restoration.

A pending Start-Up Visa permanent residence application does not, by itself, allow someone to submit a new initial application for the optional open work permit. The dedicated IRCC Start-Up Visa work permit guidance confirms the closure and directs existing holders toward extensions.

Current Status at a Glance

What Was the Start-Up Visa Open Work Permit?

The optional open work permit allowed eligible entrepreneurs to work in Canada while their Start-Up Visa permanent residence applications were being processed.

IRCC describes it as a permit that can be valid for up to three years and allows holders to:

• Develop their Canadian start-up.
• Work for almost any Canadian employer to supplement their income.

This flexibility could help founders support themselves while building a business. However, the permit’s previous availability should not be confused with eligibility to submit a new application today. Existing holders should also check the conditions printed on their individual permits.

Who Can Extend a Start-Up Visa Work Permit?

An extension is not automatic. Under IRCC’s current criteria, applicants must:

• Hold a valid SUV-category work permit, or have held one and qualify for restoration.
• Have submitted a Start-Up Visa permanent residence application.
• Remain an essential member of the entrepreneurial team.
• Intend to live outside Quebec.
• Show that their work or business has provided, and will continue providing, significant economic benefit to Canada.
• Demonstrate sufficient funds for personal and family support and continued business development.

If the commitment certificate was issued to an entrepreneurial team, all members must continue to have their permanent residence applications pending.

The current IRCC extension eligibility requirements explain these conditions.

For background on the underlying PR pathway, our Start-Up Visa eligibility guide explains the program’s requirements. Those requirements should be read alongside the program’s current paused status.

What Does Significant Economic Benefit Mean?

IRCC identifies benefits such as job creation, innovation, support for remote economies and training opportunities for Canadians. Applicants need evidence of their entrepreneurial experience and the benefits their business has provided. Insufficient evidence can lead to refusal.

For an existing founder, the practical question is how to document that progress clearly.

Depending on the business, useful evidence could include:

• Payroll records and employment agreements.
• Product development or commercialization records.
• Customer contracts and sales information.
• Partnerships with Canadian organizations.
• Training records.
• Documents showing investment in Canadian operations.

These are illustrative evidence examples, rather than a universal document checklist. Select material that supports the actual claims made about your business.

An extension submission should explain what has happened since the original commitment, how your role contributed to that progress and what the business plans to do next.

Financial Requirements for an SUV Work Permit Extension

Applicants need to address two separate funding requirements.

Personal and Family Support Funds

IRCC requires enough accessible, transferable funds to meet the minimum income requirement for the applicant’s family size for 52 weeks. Debts or other obligations must not restrict the availability of that money.

Business Development Funds

Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient money for their business. Business funds must be separate from the funds used to support the applicant and their family.

IRCC’s cited instructions do not set a universal business-funding amount of “CAD $200,000 per applicant.” The business budget should instead explain the resources needed for the proposed operations, staffing and development.

Our Canada Start-Up Visa costs and fees guide explains the distinction between government fees, family support funds and business capital. You can also review our Start-Up Visa minimum investment guide for background on investment and designated-organization support.

Documents for a Start-Up Visa Work Permit Extension

IRCC’s document instructions include:

• Proof that you and any applicable team members submitted PR applications.
• Your designated organization’s Letter of Support.
• Evidence of family support funds.
• Medical examination results.
• A police certificate, if required.
• Evidence of separate business funds.

IRCC also recommends a business plan showing progress since the commitment certificate, a staffing plan, exploratory research, your résumé and evidence of relevant skills and available investment funds.

For background on the organization that issued your support, see our guide to Canada Start-Up Visa designated organizations.

Show Progress Since the Original Commitment

An updated business plan should connect the original proposal with the company’s current position.

Explain:

• Which milestones have been completed.
• What changed and why.
• What work you personally performed.
• How the remaining activities will be funded.
• Which documents support the progress described.

For example, if your plan refers to hiring, include relevant staffing evidence. If it describes product development, provide records that help establish the stage reached.

Keep the narrative, financial information and supporting records consistent.

How to Apply for an Extension

Begin with the official IRCC SUV work permit extension instructions, which link to the extension application process.

Before submitting, organize your preparation around these questions:

1. Status: Do you hold a qualifying permit, or need a restoration assessment?
2. PR application: Can you document the pending application and relevant team circumstances?
3. Business role: Can you explain your continuing essential role?
4. Business progress: Does the evidence support the claimed economic benefit?
5. Funding: Are personal support funds and business funds clearly separated?
6. Documents: Have you followed the current instructions and applicable checklist?

Our Start-Up Visa application process guide provides background on the PR process for existing files. It should not be interpreted as an invitation to begin a new application under the paused program.

If you need help reviewing an existing permit or approaching expiry date, you can book a CanadaPass consultation.

Can You Keep Working While the Extension Is Processing?

IRCC advises extension applicants to check whether they can continue working during processing. Submitting an extension application should not be treated as automatic confirmation of work authorization.

Review your permit expiry date, application timing and current status before making employment plans. If your permit has already expired, assess the restoration situation before assuming that you can continue working.

What If You Applied Before December 19, 2025?

IRCC maintains instructions for people who submitted an initial work permit application before December 19, 2025. The closure of new applications does not mean that every previously submitted application was automatically cancelled.

Continue monitoring your application account and responding to IRCC correspondence. A pending application should not be confused with an approved permit or permission to start working.

Can Your Spouse or Children Stay With You?

Eligible family members may accompany an SUV work permit holder, subject to temporary residence requirements. A spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit, and dependent children may apply for study permits.

For family members already in Canada, IRCC says they can apply to extend their visitor status, work permit or study permit after the principal applicant submits the work permit extension. Each person’s status needs attention.

Prepare a family status schedule with each document’s expiry date. This helps identify whether separate applications need to be coordinated.

What Happened to Start-Up Visa Permanent Residence Applications?

According to IRCC’s current Start-Up Visa program information, the program was paused on June 30, 2026. IRCC continues processing applications accepted before that date.

Keep the two immigration processes distinct:

An extension approval should not be presented as a guarantee of PR approval. Likewise, a pending PR application alone does not establish eligibility for a new initial SUV open work permit.

Our Canada Start-Up Visa Program guide explains the broader status and its implications for existing applicants.

Alternatives for New Entrepreneurs

If you are beginning your immigration planning, assess options based on your current profile and the programs available when you apply.

A useful assessment should consider:

• Your business ownership or management experience.
• Language ability.
• Available capital.
• Preferred province.
• The proposed business and your intended role.
• Whether your priority is temporary work authorization or permanent residence.

Start with our Business Immigration to Canada guide and provincial entrepreneur programs overview. Availability and intake conditions need to be checked before committing to a business or immigration strategy.

To discuss your circumstances, complete the CanadaPass free assessment form or book a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article provides general information and does not replace advice on your individual immigration circumstances.