01 — Overview
Do not rely on older business-program advertising
The Start-up Visa Program is paused. IRCC limited the remaining application window to applicants with a qualifying 2025 commitment certificate who applied by June 30, 2026; other new applications are closed.
The federal Self-Employed Persons Program, intended for qualifying cultural and athletic experience, is also paused. These statuses do not close Québec business immigration or every provincial entrepreneur stream.
02
Programs to distinguish
Start-up Visa — paused
A federal program outside Québec for qualifying innovative entrepreneurs supported by designated organizations; general new intake is paused.
Self-Employed Persons — paused
A federal program for qualifying cultural or athletic experience and contribution; intake is paused.
Québec business immigration
Separate Québec investor, entrepreneur and self-employed selection programs with a provincial CSQ stage.
Provincial entrepreneur streams
Some provinces and territories operate business streams with their own EOI, investment, operation and nomination requirements.
03
Before considering a business pathway
- Current intake status and the correct federal, Québec or provincial program
- Business ownership, senior management, cultural, athletic or self-employment experience
- Lawful net worth and source-of-funds evidence
- Required investment, active management, community or designated-organization support
- Language, education, settlement and performance-agreement requirements
04
What prospective applicants should do
- 01
Verify the live status
Do not rely on old Start-up Visa or Self-Employed Persons eligibility lists while intake is paused.
- 02
Separate federal and provincial routes
Determine whether Québec or a PNP entrepreneur stream is a realistic current alternative.
- 03
Review business evidence
Assess ownership, management, source of funds and the proposed business against the selected program.
- 04
Wait for official reopening rules
A future reopening may use new criteria; prepare only against published current instructions.
05
Important points
- A letter of support obtained after a federal intake closes does not create eligibility to submit.
- Designated-organization status does not guarantee approval of a Start-up Visa file.
- A paused program is not the same as a refused or cancelled application already in processing.
- Business immigration marketing should identify the exact open program, jurisdiction and status.
Official sources
Verify the current rules at the source.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Program status, criteria and intake can change. Confirm the current official instructions before applying.