Canada Start-up Visa: Historical Support Process

Program update: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says the Start-Up Visa Program was paused on 30 June 2026 and is not currently accepting new applications. Applications accepted before the pause continue to be processed. Check IRCC’s current program status before relying on older guidance.

Before the pause, an eligible entrepreneur needed support from a designated organization. If an organization agreed to support a business idea, it issued a letter of support and sent a commitment certificate to IRCC. That support was part of an application, not a guarantee of permanent residence; IRCC assessed the application.

For the historical process and current updates, read IRCC’s information about support from a designated organization and the program status.