Canada Updates its Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Program

Canada has long been celebrated for its welcoming attitude towards immigrants, offering a diverse array of pathways for those seeking to make a new start in the country. Among these pathways are the Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs, which have recently undergone changes aimed at reducing backlogs and enhancing processing times, thereby fostering innovation and economic growth.

The Start-Up Visa program, introduced in 2013, was designed to attract innovative entrepreneurs with the potential to create jobs and compete on a global scale. Similarly, the Self-Employed Persons program provides a pathway for individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics to establish themselves in Canada. However, both programs have faced challenges in meeting demand and processing applications efficiently.

Updates in the Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Programs

In response to these challenges, the Canadian government has implemented a series of reforms to streamline these programs and improve their effectiveness. Here’s a summary of the updates:

• Implementing a cap on the number of permanent residence applications processed annually for ventures linked to no more than 10 start-ups per designated organization.
• Providing expedited processing for entrepreneurs whose start-ups receive backing from Canadian capital or are supported by a business incubator affiliated with Canada’s Tech Network, including ongoing applications and new submissions.
• Temporarily suspending the acceptance of applications for the Self-Employed Persons Program starting April 30, 2024. This temporary halt aims to prioritize the processing of existing applications from the backlog.

By restricting application intake until the end of 2026 and enacting planned increases in admissions for the federal business category outlined in the 2024–2026 multi-year levels plan, IRCC aims to slash the backlog and shorten wait times. This approach ensures that Canada remains open to welcoming talented, innovative, and entrepreneurial newcomers essential for sustaining the country’s economic prosperity.