Federal business programs

IRCC's 2026 Deputy Minister transition binder states that new application intake in the Start-up Visa and Self-employed Persons programs is indefinitely paused, that the 2026 admissions target for federal business programs is 500, and that the Minister is pursuing the launch of a new High Impact Start-up Pilot to replace the Start-Up Visa Program (no launch date or criteria given).

A provincial nominee whose nomination was based on providing capital, or who intends to participate (or has participated) in an immigration-linked investment scheme, is not a member of the provincial nominee class unless: the capital goes to a business in the nominating province not operated primarily to derive investment income; the foreign national controls at least 33 1/3% of the equity (including spouse's holdings) or an equity investment of at least $1,000,000; the foreign national provides active and ongoing management from within the nominating province; and the investment terms include no redemption option. The nominee must also intend to reside in the nominating province.

IRCC stopped accepting applications for the Self-employed Persons Program on April 30, 2024 (program status: paused). The program targets people with at least two years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics.

The Start-up Visa Program was paused on June 30, 2026 and IRCC is not currently accepting new applications; applications received before that date continue to be processed. Where IRCC received a commitment certificate before January 1, 2026, the applicant had 6 months to submit the application.

Applicants must have a qualifying business, get a letter of support from a designated organization (which also sends a commitment certificate directly to IRCC), and incorporate the business in Canada if approved. Each applicant must hold at least 10% of the voting rights, and the applicants and the designated organization together must hold more than 50% of the total voting rights. Applicants must meet Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in listening, reading, writing and speaking (English or French), and show unborrowed settlement funds (the Government of Canada will not support them financially). Settlement funds (updated July 29, 2025): 1 person $15,263; 2 $19,001; 3 $23,360; 4 $28,362; 5 $32,168; 6 $36,280; 7 $40,392; each additional member $4,112.

As of December 19, 2025 IRCC no longer accepts new applications for the Start-up Visa work permit; existing holders may be able to extend it while their permanent residence application is processed. IRCC's Start-up Visa eligibility page (modified the same day, July 21, 2026) still says eligible applicants can apply for an open work permit while their application is processed, and that applicants can apply to extend a temporary open work permit.