Short answer: Canada’s Start-up Visa has paused new applications; cases already accepted continue to be processed. IRCC has indicated a new entrepreneur pilot will be introduced. In the meantime, applicants can consider provincial entrepreneur or business immigration streams.
Current position
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| New applications | Paused |
| Existing cases | Continue to be processed |
| Future | New entrepreneur pilot planned |
Alternatives to consider
| Province / programme | Approx. threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BC Entrepreneur | From CAD 200,000 (CAD 100,000 regional) | Roughly four years registration to PR |
| New Brunswick business | CAD 150,000 investment, CAD 500,000 net worth | Active operation required |
| Alberta AAIP and others | Varies by stream | Some target graduates or entrepreneurs |
Conditions, invitation systems and processing differ by province — choose based on your profile and where you are willing to live.
Our advice
If you were targeting the SUV, assess whether you meet a provincial entrepreneur stream and watch for the federal pilot announcement. Genuine business operation and residence in the province are central to most routes.