01 — Overview
Why closed-program information remains useful
Old advertisements, videos and checklists can remain online after a program closes. This page helps users identify names that should not be presented as current general application options.
Closed intake does not necessarily mean IRCC has stopped processing files received before the deadline. Applicants with existing files must follow the instructions for their submitted program.
02
Programs currently listed by IRCC as paused or closed
Start-up Visa — paused
General new intake is paused; the limited deadline for a valid 2025 commitment certificate was June 30, 2026.
Self-Employed Persons — paused
The federal cultural and athletic self-employed program is paused.
Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot — closed
The federal EMPP is closed; separate protection and economic routes must be assessed under their current rules.
TR to PR pathway — closed
The 2021 temporary-resident-to-permanent-resident public policy is not open for new applications.
Agri-Food Pilot — closed
The pilot ended on May 14, 2025 and does not accept new applications.
Sudan conflict pathway — closed
The listed special permanent-residence pathway for people affected by the conflict in Sudan is closed.
Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan family pathway — closed
The family-based humanitarian pathway listed by IRCC is closed.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot — closed
RNIP ended on August 31, 2024; current community applications use RCIP or FCIP.
Out-of-status construction workers — closed
The Greater Toronto Area public policy is closed to new applications.
Ukraine family pathway — closed
The permanent-residence pathway for Ukrainian nationals with family in Canada is closed.
PS752 families pathway — closed
The public policy for families of flight PS752 victims is closed.
Yazidi and Daesh survivors initiative — closed
The special resettlement initiative is listed as closed.
03
How to read a paused or closed status
- Confirm whether the program is paused or permanently closed
- Check whether any narrow transitional deadline still applies
- Keep proof of the date an existing application was submitted and accepted
- Do not assume an old job offer, endorsement or support letter creates a current pathway
- Assess alternatives using their own current eligibility rules
04
If you find an old program online
- 01
Check the official status
Open the current IRCC page and identify the exact pause or closure wording and date.
- 02
Separate old files from new intake
Determine whether the question concerns an existing application or a person hoping to apply now.
- 03
Preserve existing-file evidence
Keep submission confirmations, application numbers and proof of meeting the former deadline.
- 04
Review current alternatives
Compare open federal, provincial, regional, family or protection routes without transferring old criteria.
05
Important points
- Paused and closed programs must not be advertised as open pathways.
- Processing of an old application does not mean intake has reopened.
- A new program with a similar name may have different communities, occupations and requirements.
- Always use the official page's latest status before signing a service or employment agreement.
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.