Start-up Visa closes to new applications and enters a pause

IRCC stopped designated organisations from issuing commitments after 31 December 2025. Applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment had until 30 June 2026 to file; the programme is now paused and IRCC continues processing accepted applications. The optional Start-up Visa work permit closed to new applicants on 19 December 2025 except for qualifying in-Canada extensions. A future entrepreneur pilot has been signalled but is not yet a public application route.