Vietnam
Hong Kong
TaiwanThe current status at a glance
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 19 December 2025 | New applications for the optional SUV work permit stopped (extensions for people already in Canada excepted) |
| 31 December 2025 | New commitment certificates stopped; only holders of a valid 2025 certificate could still apply |
| 30 June 2026 | Deadline for holders of 2025 certificates; the programme has been paused since |
Accepted applications continue to be processed. Applicants already in Canada on an SUV work permit can extend it, and are prioritised for permanent residence as immigration levels allow.
Will it reopen?
In its December 2025 notice, IRCC said these measures set the foundation for the transition to "a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs", with more information to be communicated in 2026. Canada is not giving up on entrepreneurs — it is redesigning the programme.
IRCC has not yet announced the new programme’s requirements, quotas or opening date. Any claim to know the details should be checked against official announcements.
What each applicant should do
In Canada on an SUV work permit
- Note your permit’s expiry date and extend before it expires
- Keep the business genuinely operating, with financial and operating records
- Stay in touch with your designated organisation
Applied, still overseas
- Renew police certificates and medicals as required
- Tell IRCC if your address or contact details change
- Keep developing the business, ready for the assessment
Interested, not yet applied
- Prepare your business idea, a product prototype, IELTS 5 results and proof of funds
- Watch for IRCC’s announcement of the new programme
Why the SUV was so popular
- Permanent residence for the whole family, with no temporary status first
- No minimum investment or net worth requirement — the incubator route needs no large investment
- A relatively low language requirement of IELTS 5
- Up to five founders could apply together with the same business
Our role
Global Immigrate has specialised in start-up immigration since 2018. Our in-house developers build business plans and product prototypes for clients, and we have helped more than 100 families gain Canadian permanent residence through the SUV. We will notify registered clients as soon as the new programme is announced.