Start-Up Visa is paused: what existing applicants should review

IRCC has paused the Start-Up Visa Program for new applications while continuing to process applications it accepted before the applicable deadline.

An applicant whose file was accepted for processing should continue to answer IRCC correspondence by the stated deadline. The pause does not cancel that file, but it also does not promise faster processing.

What to do now

• Keep contact details and representative information current.
• Track document, medical, biometrics and procedural deadlines in official correspondence.
• Obtain file-specific advice before changing business or designated-organization arrangements.

Where this guide stops

The pause creates no new pathway or priority for a pending file, and IRCC still decides each accepted application on its own evidence.

Official sources

• IRCC — Start-Up Visa Program status