Maple News reports that a beloved poutine institution in northern Quebec has found new life thanks to two immigrants from Benin. When Chez Morasse, a staple in the town of Rouyn-Noranda, faced the threat of closure, newcomers Carlos Sodji and Sylviane Senou stepped in—not just to save a business, but […]
Category: Start-Up Visa
Bill C-2 Threatens Integrity of Immigration System — Start-Up Visa Could Face Serious Collateral Damage
Maple News | Ottawa | August 2025 As Parliament debates the sweeping immigration legislation known as Bill C‑2, a growing chorus of concern is emerging—not only from refugee advocates but also from Canada’s entrepreneurial and business immigration sector. While the bill is officially framed as a “border security modernization” measure, […]
Start‑Up Visa Delays Leave Entrepreneurs in Limbo, CBC Reports
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 Legal Breakthrough: Mandamus for Long‑Pending Applicants MapleNews.org Commentary: Q1 2025 Freeze Signals Reform Need What Applicants Should Do Why […]
Start-up Visa Slowdown Signals Urgency for Immigration Reform
Maple News – July 2025 | Ottawa As Canada continues to position itself as a global destination for innovation and entrepreneurship, troubling signs are emerging from the latest immigration data. According to newly published IRCC figures, the number of approved permanent residents under the Start-up Visa (SUV) program has declined […]
Canada’s Federal Court Sends Positive Signal: Start-Up Visa Is a Golden Path for Global Entrepreneurs
An Interview with Immigration Consultant Leila Abbaszadeh, RCIC Maple News sat down with Leila Abbaszadeh, a leading Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC), to discuss a recent landmark decision from the Federal Court (2025 FC 671) and what it means for Start-Up Visa (SUV) applicants and future entrepreneurs eyeing Canada as […]
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Entices U.S.-Based Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Maple News reports that Canada’s Start-Up Visa program is increasingly attracting immigrant entrepreneurs living in the United States, offering them an alternative pathway to grow their ventures in a more supportive immigration environment. A recent study conducted by Saerom Lee and Britta Glennon at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School […]
Does Canada Offer a ‘Golden Visa’? A Guide to Entrepreneur Immigration Pathways
As discussions around investor visas heat up globally—especially with recent headlines about a proposed $5 million “Gold Card” visa by former U.S. President Donald Trump—entrepreneurs and investors are naturally wondering whether Canada offers a similar fast-track to permanent residency. Maple News reports that while Canada doesn’t offer a direct ‘Golden […]
A Guide to Business Insurance for Newcomers Launching in Canada
Maple News reports that starting a new business in Canada can be an exciting step for newcomers looking to establish themselves. However, along with the thrill of entrepreneurship comes the crucial responsibility of protecting your investment. One of the most essential ways to do this is by securing appropriate business […]
Federal Court Case Reinforces Importance of Intent and Business Plans for Start-Up Visa Applicants
In a recent Federal Court case, 2024 FC 599, key insights were provided that are particularly relevant for applicants of Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program (SUV). The court addressed issues around intent and the importance of having a solid business plan, which are crucial factors for entrepreneurs immigrating under this program. […]
British Columbia Makes Entrepreneur Regional Program a Permanent Pathway for Newcomers
Maple News reports that the province of British Columbia (B.C.) has officially made its Entrepreneur Regional Pilot Program a permanent feature of its immigration strategy. Now known as the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional Stream, the initiative is part of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and aims to attract […]
Canada Overhauls Startup and Self-Employed Immigration Streams to Speed Up Processing
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced significant changes to two federal business immigration programs: the Start-up Visa and the Self-Employed Persons program. These updates, which take effect on April 30, 2024, are designed to reduce backlogs, streamline processing, and refocus resources on high-potential applicants. […]
Alberta Launches Two New Immigration Pathways for Global Graduates Aiming to Build Businesses
Maple News reports that Alberta is rolling out two new provincial immigration pathways designed to empower international graduates to establish businesses within the province, fostering economic diversification and job creation. The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) has officially launched the International Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream as of October 26. This […]
Ontario Targets Regional Growth with Plan to Attract 100 Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Maple News reports that Ontario is launching a major initiative to bring 100 immigrant entrepreneurs to communities outside the Greater Toronto Area over the next two years. The goal of this effort is to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and revitalize regions that suffered job losses during the pandemic. Prospective […]
Alberta Opens New Immigration Pathway for International Graduate Entrepreneurs
Maple News reports that Alberta has officially launched a new immigration stream tailored for international graduates seeking to start businesses in the province. The Foreign Graduate Start-Up Visa Stream (FGSVS) is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from candidates who meet the eligibility requirements. Introduced on January 27, 2021, the […]