Startup Visa Program Timeline

[Fiat@fifo]

Has anyone heard any solid rumours about new IRCC policies for the Start-Up Visa after New Year? An immigration agency mentioned that changes might be coming but they did not share any official documents or clear details so right now it feels more like gossip than confirmed news.

Still, if one consultant is talking about it there might be something circulating in the industry which is why I wanted to ask here. I also heard talk that IRCC could ask existing SUV files to submit extra documents to show the current status and real operations of the projects so I am curious if anyone has actually received that kind of request yet.

I have heard similar rumours, possibly from the same source. An immigration agency mentioned that IRCC sent a survey to TCN incubators only, with a response deadline around mid‑January 2025 (as far as I remember). This is very similar to what happened in 2023, when IRCC sent a survey shortly before the major Start‑Up Visa changes announced in April 2024. This is what I heard, but there is no way to verify it yet, so it should still be treated as unconfirmed information.

What seems more certain is that, if IRCC acts rationally, some form of change or intervention is almost unavoidable at this stage (not necessarily negative for everyone, but likely affecting at least part of the SUV inventory). The current situation is not sustainable: the backlog is reported to be above 42–44,000 files, while annual admissions are around 500, and new intake has been several times higher than the yearly quota. In just the last couple of months, roughly 1,200 new SUV cases appear to have been added to the inventory, which would mean something in the range of 7,000+ per year against only 500 spots, creating effectively “infinite” waiting times for non‑priority files if nothing changes

Regarding your question about IRCC possibly asking existing SUV files to provide extra documents to prove current business activity and real operations: this actually needs some clarification. IRCC already issues “additional document requests” (ADR for business) for most groups, where they ask for updated business information and evidence of activity. This is part of the usual processing for many files. The rumor some people are mentioning seems to go beyond the standard ADRs and suggests a more systematic re‑screening of all or many pending SUV files, but so far there is no official confirmation that such a broad exercise has started.

 

[Ash134]

The Federal Court has affirmed that, in a work permit application submitted under the Start-Up Business Class, a Designated Organization’s commitment certificate and letter of support stating that an applicant’s entry to Canada is urgent is “only an expression of opinion for an officer’s consideration.”

When this jurisprudence is combined with IRCC’s current treatment of Start-Up Business Class applicants, it places applicants in an increasingly difficult, and arguably untenable, position.

Processing times for permanent residence under the Start-Up Business Class now exceed ten years. Applicants who wish to begin building their business in Canada sooner must repeatedly demonstrate that their presence is urgent, including on each subsequent work permit extension. At the same time, applicants who choose to wait rather than uproot their lives and relocate to Canada risk later being accused that their proposed business is a sham undertaken primarily to obtain permanent residence.

This dynamic leaves applicants navigating a narrow and uncertain path. They must continually justify urgency over many years, or avoid the perception that waiting undermines the genuineness of their business, despite the extraordinary processing delays.

Source :-

https://twitter.com/x/status/2000249260856471751

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Update on Immigration Measures for Entrepreneurs​

Ottawa, December 19, 2025 — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing several changes to its business immigration programs to support the sustainable immigration levels and Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy announced in the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

Effective today, IRCC is no longer accepting applications for the optional work permit available to Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program applicants, except for those already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit.

In support of reducing Canada’s temporary resident population through transitions to permanent residence, we are also prioritizing the permanent residence applications of those already in Canada with a SUV-specific work permit, as Levels Plan targets allow. The existing criteria for prioritization also remains in place.

Effective December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., IRCC will stop accepting new SUV Program applications, except for those from applicants who have a valid commitment from a designated organization that was made in 2025 but haven’t applied yet. We will also extend the current pause on accepting applications to the Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice.

These measures will set the foundation for the transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs and help address the large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs. More information about the new pilot program for entrepreneurs will be communicated in 2026.

 

[kenkenk]

Update on Immigration Measures for Entrepreneurs​

Ottawa, December 19, 2025 — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing several changes to its business immigration programs to support the sustainable immigration levels and Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy announced in the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

Effective today, IRCC is no longer accepting applications for the optional work permit available to Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program applicants, except for those already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit.

In support of reducing Canada’s temporary resident population through transitions to permanent residence, we are also prioritizing the permanent residence applications of those already in Canada with a SUV-specific work permit, as Levels Plan targets allow. The existing criteria for prioritization also remains in place.

Effective December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., IRCC will stop accepting new SUV Program applications, except for those from applicants who have a valid commitment from a designated organization that was made in 2025 but haven’t applied yet. We will also extend the current pause on accepting applications to the Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice.

These measures will set the foundation for the transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs and help address the large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs. More information about the new pilot program for entrepreneurs will be communicated in 2026.

Is this good news or bad news? My project hasn't gotten the AOR yet, but I've already entered on a work permit. Will this cause my project to get rejected or my work permit renewal to fail?

 

[RonaldoNazario]

Update on Immigration Measures for Entrepreneurs​

Ottawa, December 19, 2025 — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing several changes to its business immigration programs to support the sustainable immigration levels and Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy announced in the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

Effective today, IRCC is no longer accepting applications for the optional work permit available to Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program applicants, except for those already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit.

In support of reducing Canada’s temporary resident population through transitions to permanent residence, we are also prioritizing the permanent residence applications of those already in Canada with a SUV-specific work permit, as Levels Plan targets allow. The existing criteria for prioritization also remains in place.

Effective December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., IRCC will stop accepting new SUV Program applications, except for those from applicants who have a valid commitment from a designated organization that was made in 2025 but haven’t applied yet. We will also extend the current pause on accepting applications to the Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice.

These measures will set the foundation for the transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs and help address the large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs. More information about the new pilot program for entrepreneurs will be communicated in 2026.

Thanks for the info.
So the outland applicants are not considered now, because theyve messed up accepting unlimited applications?

 

[Hali-2025]

Update on Immigration Measures for Entrepreneurs​

Ottawa, December 19, 2025 — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing several changes to its business immigration programs to support the sustainable immigration levels and Canada’s Talent Attraction Strategy announced in the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

Effective today, IRCC is no longer accepting applications for the optional work permit available to Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program applicants, except for those already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit.

In support of reducing Canada’s temporary resident population through transitions to permanent residence, we are also prioritizing the permanent residence applications of those already in Canada with a SUV-specific work permit, as Levels Plan targets allow. The existing criteria for prioritization also remains in place.

Effective December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., IRCC will stop accepting new SUV Program applications, except for those from applicants who have a valid commitment from a designated organization that was made in 2025 but haven’t applied yet. We will also extend the current pause on accepting applications to the Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice.

These measures will set the foundation for the transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs and help address the large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs. More information about the new pilot program for entrepreneurs will be communicated in 2026.

Hi Fiat@fifo,
Thanks for your information. Just wish you to clarify this point if it is possible:
IRCC said "we are also prioritizing the permanent residence applications of those already in Canada with a SUV-specific work permit, as Levels Plan targets allow. The existing criteria for prioritization also remains in place."
As my understanding, the one who is inside Canada with SUV work permit as well as with the priority DO will be firstly considered.
I am outland with priority DO & applied since 2020.
Comparing with the one inside Canada with non-priority DO => Which one will be arranged in front by IRCC?
Just let me know your idea.
Many thanks
Hali

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Hi Fiat@fifo,
Thanks for your information. Just wish you to clarify this point if it is possible:
IRCC said "we are also prioritizing the permanent residence applications of those already in Canada with a SUV-specific work permit, as Levels Plan targets allow. The existing criteria for prioritization also remains in place."
As my understanding, the one who is inside Canada with SUV work permit as well as with the priority DO will be firstly considered.
I am outland with priority DO & applied since 2020.
Comparing with the one inside Canada with non-priority DO => Which one will be arranged in front by IRCC?
Just let me know your idea.
Many thanks
Hali

I believe priority is given to applicants outside. My question is, if an outside applicant with priority reaches the final stage (security) and is cleared, will IRCC hold their file until all priority inside applicants are cleared? Or is priority applied when picking files for processing, or only at certain stages? Many questions arise during the limbo we are living in.

 

[Fiat@fifo]

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 159, Number 51: GOVERNMENT NOTICES

https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2025/2025-12-20/html/notice-avis-eng.html#ne3

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Dear All,

I know there is no clear-cut answer, but I have a question about processing order. If an applicant has met all the requirements (from eligibility to PAL to security all passed) and is classified as a second‑priority outland case, will IRCC effectively wait to process their file until inland applications are finalized, or can these outland files still be approved in parallel?

 

[RonaldoNazario]

Dear All,

I know there is no clear-cut answer, but I have a question about processing order. If an applicant has met all the requirements (from eligibility to PAL to security all passed) and is classified as a second‑priority outland case, will IRCC effectively wait to process their file until inland applications are finalized, or can these outland files still be approved in parallel?

IRCC is not using one single waiting line for Start-Up Visa applications.


They are using three separate processing categories:








Category 1 – Priority + Start-Up work permit (mostly inland)





Applicants who:

• Have a Start-Up–specific work permit, and
• Are supported by a priority designated organization (VC, angel, or strong incubator)

These are processed first.














Category 2 – Priority without work permit





Applicants with a priority designated organization but not working in Canada.





These are processed after Category 1.














Category 3 – Non-priority designated organizations





Applicants supported by non-priority designated organizations


(Inland or outland does not matter here.)





This category is slower — but applications are processed in date order (FIFO).














Important points

• IRCC does not mix these categories
• A newer priority case cannot jump ahead of an older non-priority case
• Priority cases move faster within their own category, not by replacing older files
• Older applications (e.g. 2021) still move first inside their category

For older applications already in process








If IRCC has already:

• Requested documents (birth certificates, photos, etc.)
• Accepted added dependants
• Let medicals expire without refusal

That means the case is already in final processing, not at the beginning.





New ministerial instructions do NOT cancel or reset these older files.














Bottom line








Priority cases may be finalized earlier,


but not at the expense of older non-priority applications.


Each group moves forward in its own lane.

 

[Fiat@fifo]

IRCC is not using one single waiting line for Start-Up Visa applications.


They are using three separate processing categories:








Category 1 – Priority + Start-Up work permit (mostly inland)





Applicants who:

• Have a Start-Up–specific work permit, and
• Are supported by a priority designated organization (VC, angel, or strong incubator)

These are processed first.














Category 2 – Priority without work permit





Applicants with a priority designated organization but not working in Canada.





These are processed after Category 1.














Category 3 – Non-priority designated organizations





Applicants supported by non-priority designated organizations


(Inland or outland does not matter here.)





This category is slower — but applications are processed in date order (FIFO).














Important points

• IRCC does not mix these categories
• A newer priority case cannot jump ahead of an older non-priority case
• Priority cases move faster within their own category, not by replacing older files
• Older applications (e.g. 2021) still move first inside their category

For older applications already in process








If IRCC has already:

• Requested documents (birth certificates, photos, etc.)
• Accepted added dependants
• Let medicals expire without refusal

That means the case is already in final processing, not at the beginning.





New ministerial instructions do NOT cancel or reset these older files.














Bottom line








Priority cases may be finalized earlier,


but not at the expense of older non-priority applications.


Each group moves forward in its own lane.

Thank you, and I hope everyone has good news in the new year.