Maple News reports that, as of January 1, 2026, Canada officially closed its federal Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program, a key initiative that previously enabled innovative foreign entrepreneurs to build businesses and gain permanent residency (PR) in the country. While this marks the end of a prominent business immigration path, aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs still have viable alternatives to explore.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a targeted pilot program is currently in development to replace the SUV. While stakeholders await further details, prospective entrepreneurs are encouraged to consider several active alternatives, particularly through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and work permit options designed to support business ownership and innovation.
One of the most accessible and structured routes now available is through entrepreneur-focused streams within various PNPs. These streams allow foreign nationals to start or invest in businesses in participating provinces. In return, entrepreneurs may become eligible for provincial nomination—a critical step toward Canadian permanent residency.
Currently, nine provincial programs offer active entrepreneur or business immigration streams. Notably, British Columbia held 16 entrepreneur-focused draws in 2025 and has already conducted one draw in January 2026, confirming ongoing demand and activity in the region.
These PNP streams generally require applicants to operate a business for a specified duration under a temporary work permit before becoming eligible for nomination. Each province also outlines a performance agreement, where entrepreneurs commit to meeting certain benchmarks. Failure to meet these conditions—even after securing a nomination—can result in the cancellation of the nomination.
Provinces like Alberta stand out for offering multiple pathways tailored to different entrepreneurial backgrounds. Alberta’s Graduate Entrepreneur Stream targets recent international graduates from Alberta-based institutions who wish to launch or purchase a business in the province. Another option, the Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream, caters to international graduates from abroad who can invest between $50,000 and $100,000 depending on the business location.
Other provinces, including Ontario, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia, also offer similar business immigration options. Quebec continues to run its own specialized business programs outside the federal system, and applicants interested in setting up ventures in that province must meet separate eligibility criteria.
Entrepreneurs can also look into the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit, a temporary pathway that allows business owners to manage Canadian operations while working toward PR through other channels.
Although the closure of the Start-Up Visa Program may appear as a setback, Canada’s provincial and temporary immigration programs ensure that the country remains accessible to global entrepreneurial talent. As new pilot initiatives are unveiled, Maple News will continue to provide in-depth coverage and updates for international entrepreneurs navigating the Canadian immigration landscape.