Hamilton, ON — CBC reports that Canada’s Start‑Up Visa (SUV) program—meant to fast‑track permanent residency for innovative entrepreneurs—is now facing severe delays, leaving many founders stalled and uncertain.
Main Findings from CBC
- Over 42,000 SUV applications are currently in IRCC’s backlog, with 16,370 pending for at least two years.
- Entrepreneurs like Steeson Mathew (Loop Parking) and the founders of COOCO are struggling without PR—unable to secure funding, bank loans, or stable footing for their businesses.
- Official SUV processing times have soared to 51 months, far exceeding the originally promised 18–21 months.
- Government responses in 2023–2024 included three-year open work permits, a DO intake cap of 10 startups per year, and a reduced SUV quota of 2,000 PR spots for 2025—along with priority processing for applicants backed by Canadian capital or recognized incubators.
Legal Breakthrough: Mandamus for Long‑Pending Applicants
- A pivotal Federal Court ruling in Tousi v. Canada (2025 FC 671) now permits applicants waiting over ~40 months to file for Mandamus, compelling IRCC to act if delays are unjustified or lack concrete explanations.
- Courts have ruled that vague reasons like “security checks ongoing” are no longer acceptable without evidence or timeline specificity.
MapleNews.org Commentary: Q1 2025 Freeze Signals Reform Need
- An additional viewpoint from MapleNews.org highlights that IRCC’s IRCC figures show SUV approvals during Q1 2025 were nearly zero across Ontario, BC, Alberta, and eastern provinces—a worrying trend amid Canada’s need for entrepreneurial talent.
- Analysts emphasize the real issue: weak quality control by designated organizations (DOs), which may be endorsing under-vetted ventures, eroding trust in the program and increasing IRCC scrutiny.
- Suggested solutions include:
- Auditing and rating DOs based on post-landing outcomes
- Fast-tracking applications from trusted DOs
- Enhancing fraud detection at the front-end
What Applicants Should Do
- Track your file—ensure all business updates, DO documentation, and communications with IRCC are up‑to‑date.
- Document all interactions with immigration authorities.
- Consult legal counsel if your application has been pending beyond 38–40 months.
- Consider a Mandamus application under the Tousi precedent if no credible justification has been provided.
Why It Matters
CBC’s reporting paints a clear picture: Canada’s SUV program is failing to deliver on its fast‑track promise. Legal developments like the Mandamus pathway offer overdue recourse, while the MapleNews.org commentary underscores the importance of systemic reform—especially targeting DO accountability—to maintain Canada’s appeal as a global destination for entrepreneurial immigration.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/start-up-visa-delays-1.7592037