Last verified: June 28, 2026 · Official sources: canada.ca/Start-Up Visa · canada.ca/Self-Employed
General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.
The 2026 landscape for entrepreneur immigration
Federal entrepreneur immigration contracted sharply in 2026:
- SUVSUV: Start-Up Visa — a federal program that let entrepreneurs with a business idea supported by a designated Canadian organization (venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator) apply for permanent residence. IRCC stopped accepting new commitment certificates on January 1, 2026. (SUV) — stopped accepting new commitment certificates on January 1, 2026
- Self-Employed Persons Program — paused since April 2024, extended indefinitely
- Federal business-class PR cut ~50% in the 2026–2028 levels plan (roughly 1,000 → ~500 principal applicants per year)
The realistic paths for entrepreneurs right now are provincial entrepreneur streams and the C11C11: C-11 — an IRCC work permit exemption code for self-employed foreign nationals whose work would create a significant economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada. It allows working without an LMIA but requires demonstrating significant benefit — a high bar that is highly fact-specific. work permit as a step toward PR.
Start-Up Visa (SUV) — closed to new applicants
The Start-Up Visa was designed for entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas who could secure support from a designated Canadian organization — a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
Current status
- IRCC stopped accepting new commitment certificates on January 1, 2026
- Designated organizations are now capped at 10 start-ups per year that they can support for immigration purposes
- If you received a commitment certificate in 2025, you must submit your PR application to IRCC by June 30, 2026 — this deadline is firm
- A redesigned entrepreneur pilot is expected in 2026, targeting in-Canada work-permit holders in high-growth sectors. Details had not been published on canada.ca as of June 28, 2026.
⚠️ Monitor canada.ca/Start-Up Visa for the redesigned pilot announcement.
Self-Employed Persons Program — paused indefinitely
The Self-Employed Persons Program was for people with relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management who intended to be self-employed in Canada.
The program has been paused since April 2024 and the pause was extended indefinitely as of 2026. IRCC is not accepting new applications.
Monitor canada.ca/Self-Employed for any future change.
Provincial entrepreneur streams — the active alternative
With federal programs closed or paused, provincial entrepreneur streams are the most accessible path for most business-minded immigrants. Each province runs its own program with its own eligibility criteria, minimum net worth, minimum investment amounts, and business plan requirements.
Active programs as of June 28, 2026:
| Province | Program | Official site |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | BC PNP Entrepreneur Immigration | welcomebc.ca |
| Alberta | Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) | alberta.ca/aaip |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program — Business Investor Stream | immigratemanitoba.com |
| New Brunswick | NB Entrepreneur Stream | welcomenb.ca |
| Nova Scotia | NS Entrepreneur Stream | novascotiaimmigration.com |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI Business Impact Program | gov.pe.ca/immigration |
| Yukon | Yukon Nominee Program — Business | yukon.ca |
| Northwest Territories | NWT Nominee Program | nwtimmigration.ca |
⚠️ Provincial program status, intake windows, and requirements change frequently. Confirm on each province's official immigration site before taking any action. The list above reflects programs that were active as of June 28, 2026.
Note for Alberta: AAIP introduced a new $135 CAD Worker Expression of Interest (WEOI) fee from April 7, 2026 — confirm current intake rules and fees on alberta.ca/aaip.
C-11 work permit — a stepping stone to PR
The C-11 work permit (also called a self-employed work permit under IRCC's LMIA-exempt exemption) allows certain entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment if their work provides a significant benefit to Canada.
What C-11 can do for entrepreneurs
- It is a temporary work permit, not a direct PR pathway
- It lets you build time and experience in Canada
- Canadian work experience can then support PR pathways (CEC, Express Entry category draws, or a PNP stream)
- Some provincial entrepreneur programs also accept C-11 holders as eligible applicants
Who qualifies
Qualifying under C-11 requires demonstrating significant economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada. This is a high bar and highly fact-specific. IRCC officers have discretion. Cases that tend to succeed:
- Entrepreneurs with a concrete business plan, documented track record, and clear Canadian economic benefit
- Professionals in cultural or artistic fields with a strong record of work
This is not a standard "entrepreneur visa" available to all self-employed individuals. C-11 applications require a compelling, well-documented package.
Consulting a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer before applying for a C-11 work permit is strongly recommended.
What to watch in the second half of 2026
- Redesigned federal entrepreneur pilot: IRCC signalled a new program targeting in-Canada work-permit holders in high-growth sectors. No details had been published as of June 28, 2026. This is the most significant potential development for entrepreneurs to watch.
- SUV June 30, 2026 deadline: if you hold a 2025 commitment certificate, the deadline to submit your PR application to IRCC is firm.
- Provincial intake windows: many provincial entrepreneur streams open and close intake at different times of year. Check each province's official site regularly.