Business Immigration FAQs 2026

Canada Business Immigration covers PR pathways for entrepreneurs and self-employed applicants. The main federal routes are the Start-Up Visa Program and the Self-Employed Persons Program, but both federal programs are paused for new applications in 2026.

Neither main federal business immigration program is open for new applications right now. IRCC paused the Start-Up Visa Program from June 30, 2026 through December 31, 2026, and stopped accepting new federal Self-Employed Persons Program applications on April 30, 2024.

No. IRCC paused new Start-Up Visa Program applications from June 30, 2026 to December 31, 2026. Applications received before the pause continue to be processed, and applicants should follow IRCC updates before preparing a new file.

Before the pause, applicants needed a qualifying business, a Letter of Support from an IRCC-designated organization, CLB 5 in English or French, enough settlement funds, and admissibility clearance. Up to 5 founders could apply if ownership and voting-right rules were met.

IRCC does not set a fixed personal investment amount. Support must come from a designated organization: a qualifying VC investment, angel investment, or incubator acceptance, depending on the sponsor type.

No. IRCC paused the federal Self-Employed Persons Program for new applications from April 30, 2024. Existing applicants should follow IRCC updates, and new applicants should review other PR pathways.

The federal program targeted people with at least 2 years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who could become self-employed in Canada and contribute to Canadian cultural or athletic life.

Not by itself. The federal self-employed program was limited to cultural activities and athletics. General business ownership, consulting, trading, or unrelated freelancing usually does not qualify.

The SEPP selection grid is scored out of 100, with a 35-point pass mark. IRCC scores education, experience, age, language, and adaptability after checking whether the applicant fits the self-employed definition.

Start-Up Visa applicants need CLB 5 in all 4 abilities. SEPP had no fixed minimum, but English or French ability was scored, so approved test results could strengthen the application.

Applicants must show enough unencumbered settlement funds for their family size when the relevant program is accepting applications. Start-Up Visa had no fixed personal investment minimum, and SEPP had no fixed net-worth threshold, but funds had to be available and credible.

Yes. A spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in the PR application. Each family member must pass applicable medical, security, and background checks.

No. Federal Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Program applicants must intend to live outside Quebec. Quebec runs separate business and self-employed immigration pathways through its own system.