IRCC revised the Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Programs to minimize the backlogs and improve the processing times. With effect from April 30, IRCC has started executing new policies concerning Start-Up Visa applications and their processing times. Yesterday, on April 30, the department paused the incoming applications for the Self-Employed Persons Programs.
IRCC revised Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Programs – Looking at the updates of the Start-Up Visa
Beginning on April 30, IRCC will modify the application processing under the Start-Up Visa, emphasizing the following:
- Restricting the number of PRs under this program by not including applicants linked to 10 start-ups according to the designated organizations.
- Prioritizing processing for entrepreneurs who have received assistance for their start-up in the form of Canadian capital or business incubator, Canada’s Tech Network’s member. This also includes applications that have already been submitted under this program.
Note: Designated organizations indicate business groups in Canada, such as business incubators, angel investor groups, and venture capital funds. These groups have been approved through the program to make investments in a start-up business. The Start-Up Visa applicants will receive the support of a designated organization to qualify for a program.
The recent changes to the Self-Employed Persons Program
According to the immigration department, the application intake for the Self-Employed Persons Program will see a complete pause. The program will come into execution in the latter half of 2026. Due to an increased number of program inventory applications, the processing times have been prolonged to more than four years. Meanwhile, IRCC continues to process and approve applications amidst the temporary pause. The department will further seek opportunities to modify the program and maintain its integrity.
Essential details of the two programs
The Start-Up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-Up Visa program enables foreign nationals who either partially or completely own a Start-Up Visa to immigrate and settle permanently in Canada. However, they must fulfill the following:
- Have an eligible business;
- Attain a letter of support from a designated organization;
- Fulfill language requirements;
- Get sufficient money to settle in Canada
The Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed Persons Program is the gateway to Canadian Permanent Residence for foreign nationals with self-employment. These people tend to possess considerable experience in art, culture, sports, or recreation and can significantly contribute to Canada’s cultural diversity.
However, these applicants must fulfill the following to become eligible for this program:
- Demonstrate relevant experience;
- Show strong willpower and potential to be self-employed in Canada;
- Fulfill program selection criteria;
- Fulfill medical, security, and additional pre-conditions.
The above two programs are a part of the Immigration Levels Plan’s Federal Business category. The immigration admission target will increase from an allocation of 5,000 for newcomers to an allocation of 6,000 as 2025 begins.
In addition, on April 29, Marc Miller reminded everyone that more productive processing for the streams is the need of the hour. He further stated that expedited processing times are crucial for entrepreneurs who arrive here via federal business programs. Moreover, these recent updates will speed up the processing times while further reforms are being considered to convert these programs into sustainable and efficient programs in the future.
If you seek information on Start-Up Visa, you can talk to our MakeHomeCanada experts at 1-800-979-0509, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].
