Canada Start-Up Visa (SUV) Officially Paused:What’s Next for Entrepreneurs in 2026? A Complete Overview of Alternative Pathway

shimjoongs
Jan 6
2 min read

The Start-Up Visa (SUV) program has long been one of the most popular immigration pathways for global entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence (PR) in Canada. With relatively clear eligibility criteria and a streamlined process, it was especially attractive to founders hoping to immigrate through innovation and business creation.

Full article: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/immigration-measures-entrepreneurs.html

However, with IRCC’s recent policy shift, the suspension of the SUV program may disrupt the plans of many entrepreneurs currently considering Canada as their next destination.

Effective January 1, 2026,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will stop accepting new Start-Up Visa (SUV) applications and plans to launch a brand-new Entrepreneur Pilot Program later in 2026.

By reading this article, you will understand:

why the policy has changed
explore viable alternative pathways

and prepare strategically for the upcoming Entrepreneur Pilot Program, expected to launch later in 2026.

▌Why Has IRCC Suspended the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program?

The federal government has stated that the suspension is driven by growing concerns over long-standing application backlogs and increasing processing delays. Government data indicates that by 2025, processing times for some Start-Up Visa applications could extend to nearly ten years.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) acknowledged that the current system requires greater precision and efficiency in order to attract entrepreneurs who can deliver significant and measurable economic benefits to Canada.

▌Who Can Still Apply After the SUV Suspension?

Only applicants holding a valid Commitment Certificate issued in 2025 may continue to submit their permanent residence applications, with a final deadline of June 30, 2026.
All new SUV-related work permit applications have been suspended.
(Exceptions apply to applicants who have already submitted in-Canada extension applications.)

▌What Are the Alternatives? How Should You Prepare?

Although the SUV pathway is closing, Canada still offers other business and entrepreneurship-based immigration options.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNPs) is a key alternative, and since eligibility requirements vary by province, careful and strategic planning is essential.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):

Programs jointly operated by individual provinces and the federal government, designed to meet specific regional economic needs, such as targeted industries, investment thresholds, and residency commitments.

Best suited for: Applicants willing to commit to a specific province and accept a staged assessment process
Common risks: Insufficient evaluation of on-the-ground feasibility, which may result in business failure and negatively affect immigration outcomes

▌Change Brings Opportunity!

Your Immigration Strategy Must Be Flexible

In times of rapid policy change, choosing a realistic and well-aligned pathway is far more important than following the “most popular” option.

The professional team at Withus Immigration is closely monitoring developments surrounding the 2026 Entrepreneur Pilot Program. If you are reassessing your next steps after the SUV suspension, we can provide an initial background assessment to help clarify the most viable business and immigration strategy for your situation.

👉 Click the image below or scan the QR code to book a free one-on-one consultation.