Application process for immigrant entrepreneurs
Status: Paused
As of June 30, 2026, the Start-Up Visa Program is paused.
We stopped accepting commitment certificates from organizations after December 31, 2025. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate had to apply by June 30, 2026. We’ll continue to process applications we received before that date.
We aren’t currently designating new organizations.
Applicants must submit an application for permanent residence under Start-up Visa before the commitment certificate expires. They must include the Letter of Support with their application.
If the entrepreneur wants to come to Canada while we process their permanent residence application, they can apply for a short-term work permit under the International Mobility Program. For the entrepreneur to be eligible for the work permit, you must have identified them as an “essential applicant” on their commitment certificate.
The entrepreneur can apply for a work permit before or after applying for permanent residence. In both cases, they need a letter of support from you.