Canada has abruptly suspended the peer review process for its Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, according to an IRCC notice on August 22. The pause, effective since August 1, means that IRCC officers will now be solely responsible for assessing the validity of SUV applications and commitments from designated entities. This move has raised concerns among stakeholders about the potential increase in litigation, given the complexity of evaluating new business ventures without expert input.
The peer review process, designed to prevent fraud by involving industry experts, has been paused indefinitely. This decision suggests a loss of confidence in the system, possibly due to its misuse.
Despite the change, the SUV program remains a popular pathway for business-minded immigrants, with 3,010 new permanent residents welcomed in the first half of 2024. However, the suspension may impact the program's effectiveness and lead to more legal challenges from rejected applicants.
