What Does Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan Mean For The Start-Up Visa?

Canada’s Federal Business immigration stream was not left out of the significant reduction in immigration announced by the Liberal government last week.

The category, which mainly focuses on the Start-Up Visa but also includes the Self-Employed Program, saw its target for new immigrants reduced to 2,000 for 2025, down from 5,000 in 2024.

Under the previous Immigration Levels Plan, the Federal Business stream was forecast to grow to 6,000 in 2025 and 2026; now it will shrink, from 2,000 next year to 1,000 in both 2026 and 2027.

Canada’s Federal Business 2025 to 2027 Immigration Levels Plan

This will have clear implications for Start-Up Visa immigrants, but all is not lost got those hoping to get their Canadian permanent residence through this program.

Clearly, fewer spaces in the SUV category means fewer candidates becoming permanent residents through the stream. This is an unavoidable consequence of Canada’s decision to significantly reduce its immigration levels.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has been strong in asserting that he is overseeing a reset in a system that had been allowed to grow too quickly. The Federal Business stream – likely almost ever immigration to Canada stream – has to play its part in that.

SUV applicants can expect longer processing times and a slower pathway to Canada as a result of the reduction, but a recent change to the rule of the program may work in their favour.

Canada recently moved to make SUV applicants eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work in other jobs in the country alongside trying to grow their business idea.

As of October 3, those wishing to supplement their income by taking other jobs while building their business can do so.

Previously, Canada Start-Up Visa candidates were only entitled to a closed work permit that allowed them to work for the business that was part of their application.

Now, IRCC has recognized that candidates may need to do other work while starting their business to help them thrive in Canada.

Start-Up Visa Open Work Permit: Essential Information

This permit, valid for three years, allows candidates to work for almost any employer in Canada while building their business. Those who applied before this date may still apply for the open work permit but will need to submit a new application.

Candidates may be eligible to bring immediate family members to Canada, provided they meet temporary residence requirements. Spouses or partners can apply for their own open work permit, and children will need a study permit to attend school.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Start-Up Visa work permit, candidates must:

• Have applied for permanent residence through the SUV program.
• Possess an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter.
• Be an essential team member and plan to live outside Quebec.
• Demonstrate that their work or business will bring significant economic benefits to Canada.

Significant Economic Benefits:

• Sufficient funds to support themselves and their family in Canada.
• Separate funds to invest in the business, distinct from personal support funds.

Bringing Funds into Canada:

If you carry more than $10,000 in cash across the Canadian border, it must be declared upon arrival. Failure to declare can result in fines or confiscation of funds.

Family Members Eligible to Accompany:

• Spouses or common-law partners.
• Dependent children, who can also accompany the applicant if they meet temporary residence requirements.

Work and Study Permits for Family Members:

Family members may apply for:

• An open work permit, if eligible.
• A study permit for dependent children. Each family member must complete a separate application form (visitor visa, work permit, or study permit), which can be submitted alongside the candidate’s application.

Applying for the Start-Up Visa Open Work Permit

To apply online, candidates will need:

• A scanner or camera for electronic copies of documents.
• A valid credit or debit card for payment.

Required Documents:

1. Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) – Letter received upon submission of the permanent residence application.
2. Letter of Support – From a designated entity supporting the business.
3. Proof of Funds – Evidence of personal support funds.
4. Medical Examination Results – Valid medical exam report.
5. Police Certificate – If required, provide a valid police clearance.
6. Proof of Business Funds – Documentation of separate funds for business start-up.

Additional Recommended Documents:

• Business Plan – Steps taken toward business operations.
• Staffing Plan – Detailed hiring plan.
• Proof of Exploratory Research – Supplier discussions, site selection, and records of visits.
• Résumé and Proof of Competency – Evidence of professional qualifications, transferable skills, and investment funds.

Submission Process:

Applications must be completed online, with a questionnaire to guide applicants through specific instructions.

After Applying

For applicants outside Canada:

1. Biometrics – Book an appointment as soon as possible to prevent delays.
2. Application Review – IRCC will review the application to confirm all documents and biometrics are complete.

• Medical Exam: A medical exam might be required and may add up to three months to processing time.

Applicants will receive updates via an application status tracker. For approved work permits, IRCC will issue a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, which must be presented upon arrival to receive the official work permit.

Processing Times

Processing times vary by country, and incomplete applications will be returned without processing.

FAQ: Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan and the Start-Up Visa Program