IRCC Enhances Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Programs

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced significant revisions to Canada's Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs.

Effective April 30th, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement new procedures for processing Start-Up Visa applications. Simultaneously, the department will halt application intake for the Self-Employed Persons program.

Start-Up Visa Modifications:

Starting April 30th, IRCC will adjust application processing for the Start-Up Visa by:

1. Limiting the number of permanent residents admitted under this program, excluding applicants linked with more than 10 start-ups per designated organization.

2. Granting priority processing to entrepreneurs whose start-up receives support from a Canadian capital or business incubator that is part of Canada's Tech Network, including applications previously submitted under the program.

Designated organizations are Canadian business entities like venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators approved under the program to invest in start-up businesses. Applicants seeking the Start-Up Visa must secure support from a designated organization to qualify.

Self-Employed Persons Program Updates:

IRCC has instituted a complete pause on application intake for the Self-Employed Persons program, which is anticipated to remain in effect until the end of 2026. Due to a substantial number of applications in the program's inventory, processing times have exceeded four years.

During the temporary pause, IRCC will continue processing existing applications while exploring opportunities to enhance the program's efficiency without compromising its integrity.

Program Overview:

Start-Up Visa:

Canada's Start-Up visa program enables foreign nationals who own or co-own a start-up business to immigrate and settle permanently in Canada, provided they meet the following criteria:

1. Possess a qualifying business venture.

2. Obtain a letter of support from a designated organization.

3. Fulfill language proficiency requirements.

4. Have sufficient funds to establish themselves in Canada.

For further details on the program, visit the dedicated webpage.

Self-Employed Persons Program:

The Self-Employed Persons program offers a pathway to permanent residency for self-employed foreign individuals with significant experience in art, culture, recreation, or sports, who can contribute to Canada's cultural vibrancy.

Eligible applicants must:

1. Possess relevant experience in their field.

2. Demonstrate willingness and ability to be self-employed in Canada.

3. Meet program selection criteria.

4. Satisfy medical, security, and other prerequisites.

For more information on the Self-Employed Persons program, refer to the dedicated webpage.

Both programs fall under the "Federal Business" category of Canada's immigration levels plan, which is slated to increase from an allocation of 5,000 newcomers to 6,000 newcomers annually starting in 2025.

Addressing the changes on April 29th, Miller stressed the necessity for expedited processing for these immigration streams:

"Efficient processing is crucial for the success of entrepreneurs arriving in Canada through our federal business programs. These essential adjustments will result in quicker processing times as we continue to work towards implementing further reforms to enhance the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of these programs."