- with readers working within the Insurance and Retail & Leisure industries
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced major changes to the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program today.
Effectivetoday, IRCC is no longer accepting applications for the optional work permit available to SUV Program applicants, except for those already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit.
Applicants can continue to apply for an extension of their work permit to be able to remain and work in Canada. IRCC will also prioritize permanent residence applications of those SUV applicants who are currently in Canada on a valid SUV-specific work permit.
IRCC's latest announcement also states that effective December 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM, IRCC will stop accepting new permanent residence applications pursuant to the SUV program except for those who have already received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025.
These changes are intended to provide a smoother transition to the proposed pilot program for entrepreneurs, further details for which are expected in 2026. They come at a time when IRCC is in the process of amending several immigration policies to ensure better alliance with the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan which were announced by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship last month, in November 2025.
If you have any questions about the SUV program or any other permanent residence pathways, please contact us.
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