Canada has closed the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program as part of a transition toward a new entrepreneur-focused permanent residence pilot.
As of December 19, applications for the optional SUV work permit are no longer accepted, except for extensions from applicants already in Canada. New permanent residence applications under the program will stop after December 31 at 11:59 pm.
A limited exception applies to applicants who received a valid commitment certificate in 2025 but have not yet applied. Those applicants must submit their application by June 30, 2026.
The pause on the Self-Employed Persons Program remains in place until further notice.
The government says details of the new entrepreneur pilot will be announced in 2026.
