Canada Pauses Start-Up Visa Program, Prepares New Entrepreneur PR Pathway
Canada Ends Start-up Visa Programme : Plans New Entrepreneur Pilot
Canada has announced sweeping changes to its immigration framework, confirming the closure of two widely used permanent residence pathways. The updates affect both caregivers working in private households and entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in Canada, marking a decisive shift in how the country plans to manage economic and labour-based immigration moving forward.
Caregiver Immigration Programs Taken Off the Table for the Long Term
One of the most significant changes impacts foreign nationals working in home-based care roles. The federal government has confirmed that the Home Care Worker permanent residence pilots will remain closed well beyond 2026.
Under recently published ministerial directives, Canada will not accept new applications under these caregiver programs from March 31, 2026 until March 30, 2030. This effectively eliminates a previously anticipated reopening window for thousands of caregivers planning their immigration journey.
Why These Pathways Mattered
- Home child care providers
- Home support workers
However, application limits were reached within hours of launch, exposing the intense demand for caregiver PR options and leaving many qualified applicants without access.
What Happens Next for Care Workers?
With these pathways now closed for several years, caregivers must look beyond federal pilot programs. Potential alternatives may include:
- Province-specific nomination programs
- Employer-sponsored work permits leading to PR
- Any future caregiver-focused initiatives announced by IRCC
As of now, no replacement federal caregiver program has been confirmed.
Sharp Decline in Temporary Resident Admissions
In a major policy shift, the federal government has announced plans to substantially reduce the number of temporary resident admissions beginning in 2026:
| Category | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Temporary Residents | 673,650 | 385,000 | ↓ 43% |
| International Students | 305,900 | 155,000 | ↓ 49% |
| Temporary Foreign Workers | 367,750 | 230,000 | ↓ 37% |
Entrepreneur Immigration Faces a Major Overhaul
Canada has also confirmed the closure of the Start-Up Visa Program to new applicants, a decision that reshapes the country’s business immigration landscape. Immigration authorities have outlined clear-cut-off points:
- New Start-Up Visa work permit applications are no longer being accepted, except for renewals from candidates already in Canada
- Permanent residence applications under the program will cease after December 31
- A limited exception exists for candidates who secured a commitment certificate in 2025, allowing them to apply until June 30, 2026
What Prompted These Business Immigration Changes?
The federal government has linked these closures to plans for launching a new entrepreneur-focused immigration pilot in 2026. In recent years, the Start-Up Visa Program faced growing criticism due to extreme processing delays, with some applicants waiting close to a decade for permanent residence decisions. These inefficiencies raised concerns about Canada’s ability to compete globally for innovative founders and investors. Officials state that pausing existing programs will help:
- Reduce accumulated application backlogs
- Redesign the entrepreneur selection criteria
- Align immigration with Canada’s evolving economic priorities
- Support a modernised Talent Attraction Strategy
A Clear Shift Toward Selective Immigration
- Caregivers will need to rely more heavily on provincial or employer-led pathways
- Entrepreneurs should prepare for stricter, more targeted eligibility requirements under the upcoming pilot
Staying informed and adaptable will be essential as new pathways emerge.
Work Permits for Provincial Nominees to Be Processed in Just 14 Days
Governor General’s Role Remains Advisory
Key Questions for Immigration Changes
Canada has reset its immigration strategy by phasing out certain caregiver permanent residence pathways and discontinuing Start-Up Visa intake under the existing framework.
Entrepreneurs may need to explore alternative business immigration pathways, as new applications under the current Start-Up Visa model are no longer being accepted.
Applications already submitted before the phase-out will continue to be processed under the rules in place at the time of submission.
What Applicants Should Do Now
Canada’s immigration system is evolving rapidly—and those who understand these shifts early will be best positioned to respond when new opportunities arise in 2026 and beyond.
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