Business Immigration Pathways for Entrepreneurs After the Start-Up Visa Closure

Why the Start-Up Visa Closure Matters for Entrepreneurs

The Start-Up Visa Program was designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs supported by designated Canadian investors. However, due to growing application backlogs and program restructuring, the federal government has officially closed the program to new applicants.

While this has removed a direct permanent residence option for start-up founders, Canada continues to prioritize economic immigration, particularly through programs that demonstrate real economic impact, job creation, and long-term business sustainability.

Business Immigration Pathways for Entrepreneurs in Canada

Canada’s immigration system places strong emphasis on provincial and regional economic needs. As a result, many of the most effective business immigration pathways for entrepreneurs are now offered through provincial and territorial programs.

Provincial Nominee Program Business Immigration Pathways

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remains one of the strongest alternatives for entrepreneurs following the Start-Up Visa closure. Each province and territory operates its own entrepreneur or business stream, designed to attract experienced business owners who can contribute to local economic development.

IRCC – Provincial Nominee Program
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/provincial-nominees.html

Entrepreneur PNP Streams as Business Immigration Pathways

Most PNP entrepreneur streams follow a performance-based model, meaning applicants must first establish or purchase a business and actively operate it in the province before being nominated for permanent residence.

Common requirements include:

• Minimum personal net worth

• Minimum investment amount

• Business ownership and active management

• Job creation for Canadians or permanent residents

• Physical presence in the province

Provinces offering entrepreneur streams include:

• British Columbia

• Alberta

• Manitoba

• New Brunswick

• Nova Scotia

• Prince Edward Island

• Newfoundland and Labrador

• Yukon and Northwest Territories

These business immigration pathways for entrepreneurs are particularly suitable for applicants with proven management experience and the ability to invest in and grow a Canadian business.

Québec Business Immigration Pathways for Entrepreneurs

Québec operates its own immigration system and continues to offer dedicated business immigration programs independent of federal streams. For entrepreneurs willing to settle in Québec, these programs provide structured and well-defined options.

Québec Business Immigration Programs
https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/business-people

Québec’s business pathways include:

• Entrepreneur Program – for individuals launching or acquiring a business in Québec

• Investor Program – for high-net-worth individuals making a prescribed investment

• Self-Employed Worker Program – for professionals creating their own employment

These programs typically require business experience, net worth thresholds, and, in many cases, French language ability. For the right profile, Québec remains one of the most established business immigration pathways for entrepreneurs in Canada.

C-11 Work Permit: A Temporary Business Immigration Pathway

For entrepreneurs who want to enter Canada quickly and begin operations before securing permanent residence, the C-11 work permit offers a flexible alternative.

The C-11 work permit is an LMIA-exempt option under Canada’s International Mobility Program, allowing entrepreneurs to work in Canada if their business provides a significant benefit to the country.

IRCC – LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/exemptions.html

How the C-11 Pathway Supports Entrepreneurs

• Allows founders to start or manage a Canadian business

• Requires majority ownership and active involvement

• Focuses on job creation, innovation, or economic benefit

• Can be used as a stepping stone to permanent residence through PNP or Express Entry

While the C-11 is not a permanent residence program on its own, it is often used strategically alongside business immigration pathways for entrepreneurs at the provincial level.

What Entrepreneurs Should Do Next

The closure of the Start-Up Visa Program signals a shift toward results-driven immigration pathways rather than concept-based approvals. Entrepreneurs who succeed under the current system are those who:

• Are prepared to invest and operate a real business

• Can demonstrate economic value to a province or region

• Take a phased approach using work permits and PNPs

Understanding the differences between each pathway is essential, as timelines, costs, and eligibility requirements vary significantly.

Conclusion: Canada Still Offers Business Immigration Pathways for Entrepreneurs

Although the Start-Up Visa Program is no longer available, Canada continues to welcome entrepreneurs through business immigration pathways for entrepreneurs that focus on tangible economic contribution. Provincial nominee entrepreneur streams, Québec business programs, and strategic work permit options such as the C-11 provide realistic and achievable alternatives for founders who are ready to build and grow businesses in Canada.

With the right planning and guidance, entrepreneurs can still turn their Canadian business goals into permanent residence opportunities — even in a post-Start-Up Visa landscape.