Start-up Visa Closure, New Citizenship Laws, Qatari Visa Changes and Other Canada Updates

Start-up Visa Program to Close; New Entrepreneur Pilot to Launch in 2026

IRCC have announced the closure of the Start-up visa program to new applicants, with a new replacement entrepreneur immigration pilot to launch in the new year.

The official closing date for the program was 31 December 2025, although IRCC have already ceased accepting applications for work permits under the program by 19 December 2025. Those already in Canada will be able to apply to extend their existing work permit while waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed.

In addition to the Start-up visa program’s closure, IRCC will extend the pause on new applications for the Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice.

The closure of the program comes in the wake of reports that, due to a significant backlog of applications, new applicants were facing wait times of several years for their applications to be processed – in some extreme cases, up to ten years.

In an official statement, the Canadian government stated that the changes being implemented would “help address the large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs.”

The government have also announced a “transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs”, to be launched sometime in 2026.

New Citizenship Rules for Canadians Born or Adopted Abroad Becomes Law

Officially known as Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act (2025), the law allows people born before December 15, 2025 who would have been citizens if not for the first-generation limit or other rules, to be eligible to apply for proof of citizenship.

In addition, a Canadian parent born or adopted abroad can now pass on citizenship to their child born or adopted outside Canada, as long as they can demonstrate that they spent three years in Canada prior to their child’s birth or adoption.

In an official press release, the Canadian government stated: “This approach supports fairness and clarity for Canadian families abroad while reinforcing the principle that real, demonstrated ties to Canada guide citizenship by descent.

For many, this moment has been long awaited. Today’s changes affirm their place in the Canadian family and strengthen the sense of belonging that citizenship represents.”

Visa Requirements Lifted for Qatari Citizens

Qatari citizens will no longer need to apply for visas in order to visit Canada for short periods of time.

Instead, they will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) in order to travel by air into Canada, joining existing visa-exempt countries such as the UK, Australia, Japan and most European countries.

Qatari citizens who already hold a valid temporary resident visa can continue to use it to travel to Canada until it expires or until their passport is no longer valid, whichever comes first.

In an official statement, Lena Metlege Diab, the Minister of Immigration, stated: “Lifting visa requirements is an important step in our relationship with Qatar and makes it easier for eligible travellers to experience all that Canada has to offer. Not only will it strengthen opportunities for business and investment, it will deliver economic benefits at home and abroad, while also deepening the strong ties between our two countries.”

Canada to Test Digital Visas

Canada is set to test the issuance of digital visas for the first time for a small number of applicants.

From November 2025, Moroccan citizens who have been approved for a Visitor visa may be invited to receive a digital version of their visa as well as a physical counterfoil in their passport.

This first tentative rollout of digital visas is part of the Canadian government’s wider efforts to modernize immigration services and streamline service delivery.

As part of the pilot, the Canadian government will seek feedback from participants on the effectiveness and ease of use of the new digital visas. Feedback will also be used to aid the user-friendliness and security of digital visa systems in the future, as well as to test their compatibility with third parties such as airlines.

In an official government press release, digital visas are described as being designed to make travel to Canada “faster, safer and more convenient”, with benefits such as saving time and costs on postage, bypassing the need for applicants to physically submit passports, and improving verification and security.

It is unknown when the pilot will conclude, or when the Canadian government will announce details of further implementations of the digital visa scheme.

How Can IAS Help With Your Canadian Immigration Application?

IAS have a team of immigration consultants and caseworkers experienced in the field of Canadian immigration.

Our CICC-qualified immigration consultants can help you with numerous facets of Canadian immigration, including skilled worker, family, student or provincial-based immigration.

We can also give close guidance and support on Express Entry and the CRS, helping you to maximise your chances of being accepted for one of Canada’s prestigious immigration programmes.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help on your situation today. Call us on +1 844 290 6312 or reach out to us online.