Canada’s Start-up Visa Deadline Passes: Impact on Entrepreneurs

Start-Up Program Closed to New Applicants

The deadline applied to applicants who had already secured a valid 2025 commitment certificate from a designated organisation. The program is now closed to new applicants and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is no longer accepting applications from entrepreneurs who did not meet the cut-off.

What has Changed Now the Deadline has Passed?

Canada paused the Start-up Visa Program from 1 January 2026 and stopped accepting commitment certificates from designated organisations after 31 December 2025. A short transitional window remained open for entrepreneurs who already held a valid 2025 commitment certificate, but that window closed on 30 June 2026.

As a result, entrepreneurs who did not submit a complete permanent residence application before the deadline are no longer able to use the Start-up Visa route under its previous rules. Those who did apply before the cut-off will now need to wait for their application to be processed.

Can Anyone Still Benefit from the Start-up Visa Program?

The Start-up Visa Program is no longer open for new permanent residence applications and the Canadian government has put it on pause.

However, entrepreneurs who filed a complete application before 30 June 2026 will still have their case processed, provided they met the program requirements at the time of submission.

• Applicants needed a valid 2025 commitment certificate and letter of support from a designated organisation.
• They needed to have submitted a complete permanent residence application by 30 June 2026.
• They also had to meet the Start-up Visa requirements, including a qualifying business, language ability and settlement funds.
• Entrepreneurs without a 2025 commitment certificate are no longer eligible under the paused programme.
• Those already in Canada on a Start-up Visa-specific work permit may be able to seek an extension while their permanent residence application is processed.

Why Has the Route Been Passed?

The Canadian government said the changes were intended to support a transition to a new targeted pilot programme for immigrant entrepreneurs and to help address a large inventory of business immigration applications.

The move will have a strong impact on those who had been considering Canada as a destination for launching or scaling an innovative business. Anyone who did not secure and use a valid 2025 commitment certificate by the final deadline will now need to consider other immigration options.

What should Entrepreneurs Do Now?

Entrepreneurs who submitted an application before the deadline should keep copies of their submission, monitor communications from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Those who missed the cut-off may need to wait for details of Canada’s new entrepreneur pilot or consider alternative immigration pathways, such as provincial entrepreneur streams or other business-related routes.

Professional advice can help applicants understand whether they still have any viable options and avoid relying on a route that is no longer open.

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 apply for an alternative pathway to moving to Canada.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help on your situation today. Call us on +1 844 312 4979 or reach out to us online.