What exactly changed for the Start-Up Visa on December 19 and after December 31?

IRCC paused new work permits tied to the IRCC Start-Up Visa on December 19. After December 31, 2025, most new permanent residence applications under the pathway will not be accepted. Existing applicants should follow official instructions for their file status. immigration canada says the pause allows a reset that will prioritize in-Canada founders and measurable outcomes. Founders should keep status valid, maintain documentation of traction, and await criteria for the 2026 entrepreneur pilot before committing to new application plans.

Will the Self-Employed Persons Program reopen soon?

IRCC has extended the Self-Employed Persons pause. There is no announced reopening timeline. The pause covers areas like cultural, arts, and athletic self-employment routes that previously led to permanent residence. immigration canada is moving toward tighter selection and clearer outcomes across non-employer PR streams. If you planned to apply, avoid incurring costs based on old assumptions. Monitor official updates, review temporary status options, and prepare evidence of concrete achievements should criteria shift in the future.

How should founders and investors plan for 2026 under these changes?

Plan for longer timelines and higher proof-of-traction thresholds as Canada entrepreneur immigration adjusts. Build hiring plans that do not assume quick PR-linked offers, and model costs in CAD for temporary work permits. Investors should track portfolio exposure to immigration timing, revise milestones, and add buffers for onboarding international hires. For founders, keep status valid, document revenues, jobs, and funding, and stay engaged with designated organizations while immigration canada finalizes the 2026 pilot’s criteria.

What does the 2026 entrepreneur pilot imply for in-country founders?

The 2026 pilot is expected to prioritize founders already in Canada and to stress measurable outcomes like job creation and delivery. While details are pending, the signal is a tighter intake than the IRCC Start-Up Visa historically allowed. immigration canada will likely focus on execution inside Canada, with closer oversight of participating organizations. In-country founders should maintain legal status, keep strong records of traction, and time capital raises to show clear progress when criteria are announced.

Law and Government

December 22: Canada IRCC Pauses Start-Up Visa and Home-Care PR Intake; 2026 Entrepreneur Pilot Teed

ByHuzaifa Zahoor December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

immigration canada made a major policy shift. On December 19, IRCC halted new Start-Up Visa work permits. After December 31, most new SUV permanent residence applications will stop. Ottawa also extended the Self-Employed Persons pause and confirmed home care worker PR pathways will stay closed from 2026 to 2030. A tighter entrepreneur pilot is planned for 2026 that prioritizes in-Canada founders. We break down what changed, how it affects founders, caregivers, and investors, and what to watch as immigration canada updates the innovation agenda.