The Canada startup visa official website is an online government platform that provides information about the Startup Visa program. It includes various resources, such as eligibility criteria, documentation, and investment guidelines.
Hosted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the program aims to attract international entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to create jobs for Canadian citizens, boost economic growth, and compete globally. In return, investors gain permanent residence in Canada.
Navigating many processes can be difficult, but we are here to help. This guide lists all the steps to apply and common mistakes to avoid.
Keep reading to find out:
Canada SUV Official Website – Key Takeaways
Only applicants who received a valid commitment certificate from a designated organization in 2025 may still apply for permanent residence, with a final submission deadline of June 30, 2026. New SUV work permit applications are no longer accepted, though current permit holders may apply for extensions while awaiting permanent residence decisions.
IRCC has confirmed that a new, more selective entrepreneur pilot program will launch in 2026, featuring lower intake caps and stricter eligibility requirements.
With this new program, applicants with a valid letter of support have six months (until June 2026) to apply for permanent residence. Your letter of support may be amended, but there will be no issuing of new letters. Even if a letter is amended to include a new date, IRCC will still count the six-month deadline from the original issuance date, not the amendment date.
Overview of the Canada Startup Visa Official Website
The Canada Start-up Visa official website is an online government resource for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business and immigrate to Canada.
The official website provides full details about:
- Eligibility requirements
- Application process
- Documentation
- Language requirements
- Fees and processing times
The official website for the Canada Startup Visa program is managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a federal government body.
How to Apply Through the Canada Startup Visa Official Website
To apply for the Start-Up Visa program (SUV program), visit the official website and follow these steps.
- Create an account or sign in. SUV applicants must go to the online platform Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. The application for the Start-up Visa is called “Start-Up Business Class.”
- Pay your fees. The application processing fee starts at $2,385. You would pay for yourself, and any family members included in the application. After the application is approved, you need to pay a right of permanent residence fee.
- Submit all the documents and forms. Fill out the forms, attach the documents, and provide receipts. A Canada Startup Visa lawyer will guide you through obtaining a visa. They can help compile and file your investor application and all the supporting documents and represent and prepare you for the interview.
Updates to the Canada Startup Visa Application Process 2026
A new immigration pilot for entrepreneurs has launched in 2026, replacing the current SUV program. The government has cut the annual business immigration cap by 50%, limiting the program to about 500 spots per year. This new pilot program will focus on high-impact businesses in priority sectors with stricter requirements and lower intake caps, aiming to attract founders with proven economic impact and faster processing times.
This new program gives applicants with a valid letter of support six months to apply for permanent residence. If your letter requires amendment and includes a new date, the six-month deadline will be calculated from the original issuance date, not the amendment date.
IRCC will be processing applications based on different priority levels:
- Maximum priority
- If someone from your group already has a Canadian work permit or has already applied for one and is in Canada.
- If you have a letter of support from an angel investor, venture capitalist, business incubator or have received at least $75,000 funding for your business
- Top priority
- If you have a letter of support from an angel investor, venture capitalist, or business incubator, or at least $75,000 in funding.
- Final priority
- If you are going through a non-funded and non-priority pathway, with or without the work permit
Things to note
There are currently over 40,000 applicants in the system already, and the Canadian Government plans to approve only 1,000 applications this year, with 1,500 as the absolute maximum. About 20% of these 40,000 applicants are likely in the priority category and their applications will be processed first.
Based on these numbers, if the government processes at least 1,000 priority applicants per year, people in this category face a wait time of 3 to 5 years. All other applicants (not priority) are facing a 10-year wait time.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
