Canada Start-Up Visa (paused)

Canada · North America

Golden Visa / ResidencyResidency → citizenship pathSuspendedBusiness owners

Min investment: On request
Time to status: Backlog 10+ yrs; paused to new applicants
Path to citizenship: Direct PR on approval; citizenship after 3 yrs
Residency requirement: Run the start-up in Canada
Visa-free destinations: Not specified
Dual citizenship allowed: N/A (residency)

Notes for Chinese applicants

PAUSED to new applicants from 1 Jan 2026 (no new commitment certificates); 2025-certificate holders must apply by 30 Jun 2026. Federal business intake cut ~50% (to 500/yr); backlog 10+ yrs. A new targeted entrepreneur PILOT is expected in 2026 (details TBD). Needs a letter of support (angel/VC) or CAD 75k from a designated incubator — no fixed personal investment. Worldwide tax once resident.

About Canada

Healthcare: ★★★★★
Safety: ★★★★★
Cost of living: High
Climate: Continental
China relations: Cool / Western-aligned

Country profile →

Official government link ↗Enquire about this program