Business and Entrepreneur Immigration to Canada in 2026: What Is Still Open
If you plan to start or buy a business in Canada and want to live here, the landscape has changed sharply. Many guides online still describe programs that no longer accept new applications, so it is worth understanding what is actually available before you invest time or money.
Federal programs: closed or paused
- Start-Up Visa: closed to new applications since the end of 2025. See our Start-Up Visa status guide.
- Self-Employed Persons Program: paused since April 2024, and IRCC now describes it as no longer fit for purpose.
- A new entrepreneur pilot has been promised, but I found no published eligibility rules or launch date. Do not build a plan around it until IRCC publishes the details.
What is still available
- Provincial entrepreneur streams. Several provinces and territories nominate entrepreneurs who start or buy a business and actively manage it. See our provincial entrepreneur programs guide.
- C11 significant benefit work permit. A temporary permit for entrepreneurs whose business will significantly benefit Canada. See our C11 guide.
- Intra-company transfer. For established foreign companies that open or expand a Canadian branch. See our intra-company transfer guide.
How most business routes work
Most provincial streams follow a similar sequence: you show your business experience and funds, you may visit the province, you obtain a work permit to run the business, you operate it for a set period, and then the province decides whether to nominate you for permanent residence. Passive investment does not qualify. You must actively manage the business.
Common risks
- Documenting your net worth and source of funds is demanding and closely checked.
- Business plans must be realistic and match the province's economic needs.
- Some provincial streams require a refundable deposit (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island have used them) that can be lost if you do not carry out the business as agreed.
- Rules and intake change often. Streams open, pause and close with little notice.
Get help from a licensed consultant
Choosing the wrong route can cost a great deal of money. I can review your business background and funds and tell you honestly which routes are realistic. No consultant can guarantee a nomination or an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Start-Up Visa still open? No. It stopped accepting new applications at the end of 2025.
Can I still immigrate as an entrepreneur? Possibly, through provincial entrepreneur streams and related work permits, depending on your background and funds.
Do I need to invest a specific amount? Provincial streams set their own minimum investment and net worth, which vary by province and region. Check each program's page.
Sources: IRCC, Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Program notices; IRCC transition binder (July 2026); provincial program pages.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.