As of September of 2026, Canada has paused its Start-Up Visa Program, making traditional business immigration the obvious choice for entrepreneurial growth. If you’re planning to bring your startup to Canada, you should know that you still have plenty of options despite the current pause. One option is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) entrepreneur stream, including the British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration Stream. Aside from these options, “traditional” programs like the Intra-Company Transfer or the C11 Owner-Operator Work Permit could be viable. To determine the most effective immigration pathway, consider discussing your unique circumstances with a business immigration lawyer in Canada.
Why Is The Start-Up Visa Paused in Canada?
In late June of 2026, the Canadian government decided to pause the federal Start-Up Visa Program. However, the actual pause occurred long before that, as immigration officials stopped accepting new applications in December of 2025. While the government will continue to process applications it has already received, new entrepreneurs who wish to utilize this immigration pathway will need to consider alternative options.
The government faced widespread criticism for halting the program, which many saw as a critical way to attract new talent and drive innovation. Some blamed untenable backlogs that were clearly unsustainable. Others say that the program collapsed because of widespread fraud. There were rumors of applicants facing scams and questionable fees from third parties, while many applicants reportedly lied on their forms.
PNPs: The Obvious Alternative to the Federal Start-Up Visa Program
While the federal Start-Up Visa Program is no longer an option, many provinces in Canada offer very similar immigration pathways through their PNPs. British Columbia is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants today, and it is home to one of the most innovative entrepreneurial sectors.
The West Coast province’s Entrepreneur Base Stream reflects this focus on innovation, and it draws in many entrepreneurs each month. The minimum investment for this visa is $200,000. A reduced minimum investment of $100,000 is possible if you choose the Regional Pilot Stream and establish your startup outside of the Metro Vancouver area.
Another example of a “start-up visa” on the provincial scale is Saskatchewan’s entrepreneur-focused PNP, which has similar minimum investment requirements. Manitoba, Alberta, and Nova Scotia all have similar programs, and you can select a province based on business opportunities, lifestyle, or a mixture of both. Unfortunately, Ontario’s Entrepreneur Stream is currently closed.
What About “Traditional” Business Immigration Options?
Although the exact definition of a “traditional” business immigration pathway is open to interpretation, two options that fall into this general category include the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit and the C11 Owner-Operator Work Permit.
The ICT pathway allows you to create a new subsidiary or branch in Canada. In order to do this, you’ll need a legitimate foreign business in your home country. Effectively, you will ask the Canadian government for permission to relocate to the country and establish your new branch. Once your Canadian subsidiary is up and running, you can easily transition to permanent residence and a long-term future in the True North.
There are only a few requirements to consider when choosing the ICT pathway. You’ll need to show that your foreign business is profitable, and that it has a reserve of liquid assets capable of sustaining the new operation in Canada. You’ll also need to lease or purchase physical premises for your new branch. No “virtual offices” are allowed for this program.
The Canadian government expects your new branch to be operational relatively quickly. The initial visa expires in just one year, although it is possible to extend your visa while you build your startup and establish a foothold in the Canadian market. To give yourself the best chance of extending your one-year visa, you should strongly consider hiring Canadian staff members as soon as you’re able.
The ICT visa does not require you to go through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, and you can bring your spouse and children with you to Canada while you build your startup. That said, your business must have a solid track record of success before you apply. This rules out those with brand-new, relatively unproven ideas.
Another “traditional” form of business immigration in Canada is the C11 Owner-Operator Permit. This visa program falls under the “International Mobility Program,” and it is also exempt from LMIA requirements. Recently, the program has operated under the moniker of “Work Permit for Business Owners with Temporary Residence Intent.”
If you are running your own business and you wish to obtain a temporary work permit, this pathway might be for you. While the initial permit only lasts 18 months, it can easily lead to long-term permanent residence or even citizenship. The “catch” is that your business must benefit Canada in some way or another. This might be as simple as creating a few jobs for Canadian workers. Another example is an innovative new technology that gives Canada an edge.
Start Planning Now
Regardless of which option you choose, it makes sense to start the planning process as soon as possible. Just like starting a new business, an immigration plan requires brainstorming and discussions before any first steps. If you are planning to emigrate to Canada within the next few years, you may need to start accumulating investment capital. Start your foreign business today, and you’ll have plenty of time to establish your financial sustainability in the eyes of Canadian immigration authorities.
Contact Ackah Business Immigration Law to Discuss Your Options in More Detail
A business immigration lawyer in Canada may be able to help you assess startup visa programs, traditional business immigration options, and various other pathways. While online research is a positive first step, a legal professional can assess your unique financial circumstances and business goals before recommending the most appropriate business pathway. Ackah Business Immigration Law has over five decades of combined experience with startup visas, transnational corporate expansions, and much more. A legal strategy session can clarify many key concepts, so contact us today at (587) 854-3866. You can also visit us online.
