Limited
Business immigration and work-permit strategy
Assess the business purpose, ownership, Canadian benefit, employer relationship and long-term immigration plan before choosing a pathway.
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Immigration programs
Compare all 14 Canadian immigration pathways by family and current intake status.
Program family
Business immigration
Paused
Start-Up Visa program
IRCC paused new Start-Up Visa applications on June 30, 2026. This page is maintained for existing files and current program-status information.
View programPaused
Self-Employed Persons Program
IRCC stopped accepting new applications under this federal program on April 30, 2024 and has extended the pause until further notice.
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Skilled immigration
Open
Skilled worker immigration
Federal and provincial skilled-worker pathways use different criteria, selection methods and timelines.
View programOpen
Express Entry
Express Entry manages three federal economic programs and uses both general and category-based invitation rounds.
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Study and post-graduation
Limited
Study permits
Most applicants need a valid letter of acceptance, a current PAL or TAL where required, credible financial evidence and a coherent study plan.
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Plan your studies in Canada
A strong plan connects the student’s background and goals with a suitable school, program, budget and current immigration rules.
View programOpen
Post-Graduation Work Permit
The rules can depend on the DLI, program, study length, study-permit application date, language results and field of study.
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Visitors and family
Open
Visitor visas and Super Visas
Visitor and super visa applications require accurate, consistent evidence; an invitation letter alone is not enough.
View programLimited
Family sponsorship
Spouse, partner and dependent-child sponsorship remains available; the parent and grandparent sponsorship intake is paused until further notice.
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Refugee protection
Open
Refugee claims and IRB representation
A refugee claim requires an eligibility decision, a complete Basis of Claim record, supporting evidence and preparation for the Refugee Protection Division process.
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Appeals and complex matters
Limited
Refugee and immigration appeals
The Refugee Appeal Division and Immigration Appeal Division have different jurisdiction, forms, records and deadlines.
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Humanitarian and compassionate applications
An H&C application must identify the exemptions being requested and support the person’s circumstances with detailed evidence.
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Pre-removal risk assessment
A PRRA evaluates specified risks before removal and follows the forms, evidence rules and deadlines provided to the eligible person.
View programNo programs match this status.