No minimum investment or net worth
The SUV centred not on an investment amount but on securing support from a designated organisation. The business incubator route needed no large investment; applicants only had to show settlement funds based on family size — for example CAD 15,263 for a single applicant and CAD 28,362 for a family of four.
Direct permanent residence for the family
SUV applicants used the designated organisation’s letter of support to apply for permanent residence, with their spouse and dependent children — no temporary status first.
Up to five founders
Up to five applicants could apply together with the same business, suiting founding teams.
A relatively low language requirement
The SUV required IELTS 5, a relatively low threshold for professionals looking to start a business.
Innovation and the team
Designated organisations assessed whether a business was innovative, could create jobs and could compete globally, and the strength of the founding team.
Current status
The SUV has been paused since 30 June 2026, and accepted applications continue to be processed. IRCC plans a new pilot programme for immigrant entrepreneurs, with details to be announced. Global Immigrate has specialised in the SUV since 2018 and helped more than 100 families gain permanent residence.