Canada has suspended parts of its business immigration visa framework as it prepares to introduce a new pilot scheme aimed at attracting immigrant entrepreneurs.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on December 19 that it has halted the acceptance of applications for the optional work permit linked to the Start-Up Visa (SUV) programme. The only exception is for applicants already residing in Canada who are seeking to renew their existing SUV work permits.

In addition, IRCC disclosed that it will stop receiving new Start-Up Visa applications from December 31 at 11:59 p.m. However, a special provision has been made for individuals who secured a valid commitment from a designated organisation in 2025 but have not yet submitted their applications. Those applicants will be allowed to apply under the SUV stream until June 30, 2026.

The department also confirmed that applications under the Self-Employed Persons Program will remain suspended. This programme has been on pause since April 30, 2024, and no timeline has been provided for its reopening.

According to the federal government, the decisions form part of a broader plan to transition toward a more focused and targeted pilot programme for immigrant entrepreneurs. Authorities indicated that further information about the proposed pilot initiative will be released in 2026.

The Start-Up Visa programme came under scrutiny in 2025 due to extensive processing delays. Earlier in the year, a government tracking tool revealed that some entrepreneurs could wait up to a decade before obtaining permanent residency through the SUV route.

Officials explained that the latest measures are intended to reduce the growing backlog of applications within Canada’s business immigration streams while aligning with the country’s Talent Attraction Strategy, as outlined in the most recent Immigration Levels Plan.