Start-up Visa Program
Status: Paused
Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada (outside Quebec) that
- are innovative
- can create jobs for Canadians
- can compete on a global scale
You have a business idea
Extend your work permit while you wait
Closed to new applicants
If you already have a work permit under the Start-up Visa Program, you may be able to extend it while your permanent residence application is being processed.
Apply through the Start-up Visa Program
Paused
To apply for the Start-up Visa Program, you must:
- have a valid 2025 commitment certificate
- apply by June 30, 2026
The program is closed to all other applications.
You want to support a business
Help an entrepreneur with their start-up
Paused
As a designated organization, you can develop your own process for receiving proposals from immigrant entrepreneurs. You can also develop your own criteria to assess them.
It’s up to you to find potential immigrant entrepreneurs you’d like to support.