Canada
Investor & Business Immigration (UAE / GCC)
Start-up Visa (SUV) • PNP Entrepreneur • Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) • LMIA leadership roles (where applicable)
Start-up Visa (SUV) • PNP Entrepreneur • Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) • LMIA leadership roles (where applicable)
“As of January 1, 2026, the Start-Up Visa Program is paused.”
“We’ll stop accepting commitment certificates from organizations after December 31, 2025.”
“Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026.”
“As of December 19, 2025, we’re no longer accepting new applications.”
Canada is a stable jurisdiction to build and scale a business. Business immigration pathways differ by eligibility, documentation, compliance requirements and government policy updates.
These pathways are suitable for applicants with verifiable business ownership or senior management experience and documented source of funds. Final decisions are made by Canadian authorities.
Federal pathway linked to designated organization support. Current IRCC intake rules apply (see IRCC update above).
VC ≥ CAD 200k Angel ≥ CAD 75k Incubator: acceptanceProvince-specific business pathways with net worth, investment, job creation and active management requirements.
Nomination → PRCorporate mobility work permit for eligible executives/managers/specialized knowledge staff transferring to Canada.
See work permit optionsThe Start-up Visa is linked to support from a designated organization. Applicants typically rely on a Letter of Support and a commitment certificate issued under the designated-organization process, and then apply to IRCC under the program’s published requirements.
Provinces run entrepreneur programs to attract owners/operators who will actively manage a business and create jobs. Each stream has its own criteria and process.
Typical flow: EOI → Invitation → Business Plan → Performance Agreement → Work Permit → Nomination → PR.
ICT is designed for qualifying corporate structures transferring key personnel to a Canadian entity. Many clients use this as an operational bridge while planning longer-term PR options.
Where policy allows and eligibility is met, leadership roles may be supported through an LMIA process aligned to wage, advertising and genuineness requirements.
Strong files are evidence-based. Business routes usually require identity documents, corporate records, financials and lawful source-of-funds documentation.
Information is general and may change with IRCC and provincial policy updates. Final outcomes are at the discretion of Canadian authorities.
IRCC states: “As of January 1, 2026, the Start-Up Visa Program is paused.”
IRCC states: “We’ll stop accepting commitment certificates from organizations after December 31, 2025.”
IRCC states: “Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate must apply by June 30, 2026.”
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