Startup Visa Program Timeline

[RonaldoNazario]

Hi everyone.
Does anyone has a clue or an idea what is going to happen with this program? I applied since 2021. And my last communication with IRCC was nearly 2 years ago.
I’m aware about the c-12 and the reduction of the numbers in this stream.
Any rumors news or updates would be much appreciated.

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Hi everyone.
Does anyone has a clue or an idea what is going to happen with this program? I applied since 2021. And my last communication with IRCC was nearly 2 years ago.
I’m aware about the c-12 and the reduction of the numbers in this stream.
Any rumors news or updates would be much appreciated.

HI,
Which month in 2021 was it (Exact timeline)? Did you receive a PAL? Which designated organization gave you your Letter of Support?

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Yesterday, I came across a YouTube video from a law firm specializing in Canadian business immigration, particularly the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program. While the video is about a month old, I thought it would be valuable to outline its key points here, as it might benefit someone in this community.

Summary of a recent video by a Canadian business immigration law firm (specializing in the Start‑up Visa Program):

Key data (from an Access‑to‑Information request):

• Since early 2025, SUV application activity has dropped sharply: applications received down 87%, processed down 92%, and approved down 98%.
• Reported approval rate: around 23% (compared to roughly 93% last year).
• SUV work permit applications decreased only about 27% (from 695 to 505).

Main thesis:
The firm believes this dramatic decline reflects a change in IRCC’s processing methodology rather than a real drop in demand or program failure. They describe the shift as “strategic processing” or a restructured intake and triage system.

Three possible processing changes:

1. Intake and triage restructuring: IRCC may now count an application as “received” only after all team members and background checks are complete. This would make the official received numbers look lower even if people are still applying.
2. Fast refusals: Incomplete, abandoned, or clearly ineligible applications may be refused more quickly to clear the backlog.
3. Complex files on hold: Strong or complex applications might be held for extended review and processed later.

Implications for applicants:

• The reported 23% approval rate is misleading since it likely reflects only the current subset of processed files, not the long‑term success rate.
• Well‑prepared or complex cases may face longer processing times due to deeper scrutiny and deprioritization compared with easy refusals.
• Overall approval trends could improve once IRCC finishes this backlog cycle (the firm refers to about 17,000 pending applications).
• Strong applicants should stay patient, maintain updated files, and consider backup or complementary immigration strategies.

Practical advice:

• Keep the startup active and in good standing.
• Update IRCC about ownership, business progress, or structural changes.
• Explore alternative business‑immigration routes if delays persist.
• The firm refers viewers to articles on its website (sovos.com) and offers consultation services.

Tone and outlook:
The presenters describe their findings as a developing hypothesis and commit to providing updates as more data becomes available. They invite comments, questions, and direct contact for professional support.