{"id":954,"date":"2026-07-23T09:15:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T13:15:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/?page_id=954"},"modified":"2026-09-01T10:35:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T14:35:34","slug":"startup-visa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/investment\/startup-visa\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada Start-Up Visa"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"954\" class=\"elementor elementor-954\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-920515b e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-2bbb13a \" data-id=\"920515b\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"920515b\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a0fcb4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"3a0fcb4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!--\r\n  VISALINE | Canada Start-Up Visa 2026 | English Elementor HTML Widget\r\n  Updated: 2026-09-01\r\n\r\n  Recommended SEO settings in Yoast \/ Rank Math:\r\n  SEO title: Canada Start-Up Visa 2026 | Program Pause & Existing Cases\r\n  Meta description: Canada's Start-Up Visa is paused for new applications. Review pending-file issues, work permit extensions, fees, risks and alternatives for founders.\r\n  Canonical: https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/investment\/startup-visa\/\r\n\r\n  Recommended hreflang tags (add in the page <head>, not inside this widget):\r\n  <link rel=\"alternate\" hreflang=\"en\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/investment\/startup-visa\/\">\r\n  <link rel=\"alternate\" hreflang=\"fa\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/canadian-permanent-residence\/investor-immigration\/canada-startup-visa-guide\/\">\r\n  <link rel=\"alternate\" hreflang=\"x-default\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/investment\/startup-visa\/\">\r\n\r\n  If Yoast or Rank Math already generates FAQ schema from the visible FAQ,\r\n  remove the JSON-LD block at the end to prevent duplicate FAQPage markup.\r\n-->\r\n\r\n<div id=\"vl-suv-en\" dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en-CA\">\r\n  <style>\r\n    #vl-suv-en {\r\n      --navy: #071b35;\r\n      --navy-2: #102b50;\r\n      --navy-3: #173d69;\r\n      --red: #b9233d;\r\n      --red-dark: #941b30;\r\n      --gold: #c9a45c;\r\n      --gold-soft: #f3e9d2;\r\n      --green: #177159;\r\n      --green-soft: #e9f6f1;\r\n      --amber: #996515;\r\n      --amber-soft: #fff7e6;\r\n      --blue-soft: #edf4fb;\r\n      --white: #fff;\r\n      --bg: #f5f7fa;\r\n      --warm: #fbf8f2;\r\n      --text: #142033;\r\n      --muted: #5f6f84;\r\n      --line: #e2e8f0;\r\n      --shadow: 0 20px 55px rgba(7, 27, 53, .09);\r\n      --shadow-soft: 0 12px 34px rgba(7, 27, 53, .07);\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      overflow-x: hidden;\r\n      overflow-x: clip;\r\n      color: var(--text);\r\n      background: var(--white);\r\n      font-family: Inter, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\", Arial, sans-serif;\r\n      font-size: 16px;\r\n      line-height: 1.75;\r\n      -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;\r\n      text-rendering: optimizeLegibility;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en *,\r\n    #vl-suv-en *::before,\r\n    #vl-suv-en *::after { box-sizing: border-box; }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en a { color: inherit; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en img { display: block; max-width: 100%; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en h1,\r\n    #vl-suv-en h2,\r\n    #vl-suv-en h3,\r\n    #vl-suv-en p,\r\n    #vl-suv-en ul,\r\n    #vl-suv-en ol { margin-top: 0; }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en h1,\r\n    #vl-suv-en h2,\r\n    #vl-suv-en h3 {\r\n      line-height: 1.2;\r\n      letter-spacing: -.025em;\r\n      text-wrap: balance;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en h1 {\r\n      max-width: 760px;\r\n      margin-bottom: 20px;\r\n      color: var(--white);\r\n      font-size: clamp(38px, 4.6vw, 66px);\r\n      font-weight: 850;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en h2 {\r\n      margin-bottom: 0;\r\n      color: var(--navy);\r\n      font-size: clamp(29px, 3vw, 43px);\r\n      font-weight: 850;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en h3 {\r\n      margin-bottom: 0;\r\n      color: var(--navy);\r\n      font-size: 20px;\r\n      font-weight: 800;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en p { margin-bottom: 0; color: var(--muted); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en [id] { scroll-margin-top: 96px; }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-skip {\r\n      position: absolute;\r\n      top: -60px;\r\n      left: 16px;\r\n      z-index: 100;\r\n      padding: 10px 14px;\r\n      border-radius: 10px;\r\n      background: var(--white);\r\n      color: var(--navy);\r\n      font-weight: 800;\r\n      text-decoration: none;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-skip:focus { top: 16px; }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-shell {\r\n      width: min(1160px, calc(100% - 32px));\r\n      margin-inline: auto;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-section { position: relative; padding: 92px 0; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-section--soft { background: var(--bg); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-section--warm { background: var(--warm); }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-section-head {\r\n      max-width: 830px;\r\n      margin: 0 auto 44px;\r\n      text-align: center;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-section-head p {\r\n      max-width: 750px;\r\n      margin: 15px auto 0;\r\n      font-size: 17px;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-eyebrow {\r\n      display: inline-flex;\r\n      align-items: center;\r\n      gap: 9px;\r\n      margin-bottom: 14px;\r\n      color: #826326;\r\n      font-size: 13px;\r\n      font-weight: 850;\r\n      letter-spacing: .06em;\r\n      text-transform: uppercase;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-eyebrow::before {\r\n      width: 28px;\r\n      height: 2px;\r\n      background: var(--gold);\r\n      content: \"\";\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-grid { display: grid; gap: 22px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-grid-2 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-grid-3 { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr)); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-grid-4 { grid-template-columns: repeat(4, minmax(0, 1fr)); }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-card {\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      height: 100%;\r\n      padding: 28px;\r\n      border: 1px solid var(--line);\r\n      border-radius: 24px;\r\n      background: var(--white);\r\n      box-shadow: var(--shadow-soft);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-card p { margin-top: 10px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-card ul { margin: 16px 0 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-card li {\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      margin-top: 8px;\r\n      padding-left: 22px;\r\n      color: var(--muted);\r\n      font-size: 14px;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-card li::before {\r\n      position: absolute;\r\n      top: .72em;\r\n      left: 0;\r\n      width: 8px;\r\n      height: 8px;\r\n      border-radius: 50%;\r\n      background: var(--gold);\r\n      content: \"\";\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-number,\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-icon {\r\n      display: inline-grid;\r\n      place-items: center;\r\n      width: 48px;\r\n      height: 48px;\r\n      margin-bottom: 18px;\r\n      border-radius: 15px;\r\n      background: var(--blue-soft);\r\n      color: var(--navy);\r\n      font-size: 17px;\r\n      font-weight: 850;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-btn {\r\n      display: inline-flex;\r\n      align-items: center;\r\n      justify-content: center;\r\n      min-height: 54px;\r\n      padding: 13px 25px;\r\n      border: 1px solid transparent;\r\n      border-radius: 14px;\r\n      font-size: 15px;\r\n      font-weight: 800;\r\n      text-align: center;\r\n      text-decoration: none;\r\n      transition: transform .2s ease, background-color .2s ease, border-color .2s ease, box-shadow .2s ease;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-btn:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-btn:focus-visible,\r\n    #vl-suv-en a:focus-visible,\r\n    #vl-suv-en summary:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid var(--gold); outline-offset: 4px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-btn--primary { background: var(--red); color: var(--white); box-shadow: 0 15px 34px rgba(185, 35, 61, .25); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-btn--primary:hover { background: var(--red-dark); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-btn--light { background: var(--white); color: var(--navy); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-btn--outline { border-color: rgba(255,255,255,.35); color: var(--white); background: rgba(255,255,255,.04); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-btn--outline:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,.11); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-text-link { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; gap: 7px; color: var(--red); font-weight: 800; text-decoration: none; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-text-link::after { content: \"\u2192\"; }\r\n\r\n    \/* Hero *\/\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero {\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      min-height: 790px;\r\n      overflow: hidden;\r\n      background: var(--navy);\r\n      isolation: isolate;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__media,\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__shade { position: absolute; inset: 0; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__media img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; object-position: center; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__shade {\r\n      z-index: 1;\r\n      background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(7,27,53,.04) 0%, rgba(7,27,53,.22) 34%, rgba(7,27,53,.82) 61%, rgba(7,27,53,.98) 100%);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__inner {\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      z-index: 2;\r\n      display: flex;\r\n      align-items: center;\r\n      min-height: 790px;\r\n      padding: 92px 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__content { width: min(700px, 61%); margin-left: auto; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-breadcrumb { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; align-items: center; gap: 8px; margin-bottom: 24px; color: #d4dfec; font-size: 13px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-breadcrumb a { text-decoration: none; }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-status-pill {\r\n      display: inline-flex;\r\n      align-items: center;\r\n      gap: 9px;\r\n      margin-bottom: 18px;\r\n      padding: 8px 14px;\r\n      border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2);\r\n      border-radius: 999px;\r\n      background: rgba(185,35,61,.23);\r\n      color: var(--white);\r\n      font-size: 13px;\r\n      font-weight: 850;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-status-pill::before { width: 9px; height: 9px; border-radius: 50%; background: #ff6f80; box-shadow: 0 0 0 5px rgba(255,111,128,.13); content: \"\"; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__lead { max-width: 680px; color: #dbe5f0; font-size: clamp(17px, 1.55vw, 20px); line-height: 1.8; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 12px; margin-top: 30px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__facts { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr)); gap: 10px; margin-top: 30px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__fact { padding: 14px 15px; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15); border-radius: 15px; background: rgba(255,255,255,.08); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__fact strong { display: block; color: var(--white); font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.45; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__fact span { display: block; margin-top: 4px; color: #bac9d9; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__source { margin-top: 20px; color: #b9c8d9; font-size: 12px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__source a { color: var(--gold-soft); }\r\n\r\n    \/* Quick navigation *\/\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-quick-nav { position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 30; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); background: rgba(255,255,255,.98); box-shadow: 0 8px 22px rgba(7,27,53,.06); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-quick-nav__track { display: flex; gap: 8px; padding: 10px 0; overflow-x: auto; scrollbar-width: none; overscroll-behavior-inline: contain; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-quick-nav__track::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-quick-nav a { flex: 0 0 auto; padding: 8px 13px; border-radius: 10px; color: #526176; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 750; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-quick-nav a:hover { background: var(--blue-soft); color: var(--navy); }\r\n\r\n    \/* Answer and dates *\/\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-answer-box { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.25fr .75fr; gap: 28px; padding: 38px; border: 1px solid #ecd0d6; border-radius: 28px; background: linear-gradient(135deg,#fff 0%,#fff8f9 100%); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-answer-label { display: inline-flex; margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 6px 12px; border-radius: 999px; background: #fbe9ed; color: var(--red-dark); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 850; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-answer-box h2 { font-size: clamp(27px,2.6vw,39px); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-answer-box p { margin-top: 14px; font-size: 17px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-answer-side { display: grid; align-content: center; gap: 12px; padding: 22px; border-radius: 20px; background: var(--navy); color: var(--white); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-answer-side strong { color: var(--gold-soft); font-size: 14px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-answer-side p { margin: 0; color: #dce6f1; font-size: 14px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-date-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr)); gap: 18px; margin-top: 28px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-date-card { position: relative; padding: 24px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 20px; background: var(--white); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-date-card::before { position: absolute; top: 0; right: 24px; left: 24px; height: 3px; border-radius: 0 0 3px 3px; background: var(--gold); content: \"\"; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-date-card time { color: var(--red); font-size: 14px; font-weight: 850; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-date-card h3 { margin-top: 6px; font-size: 17px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-date-card p { margin-top: 8px; font-size: 14px; }\r\n\r\n    \/* Persona router *\/\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-persona { display: flex; flex-direction: column; padding-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-persona::before { height: 7px; background: var(--navy); content: \"\"; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-persona:nth-child(2)::before { background: var(--gold); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-persona:nth-child(3)::before { background: var(--red); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-persona__body { display: flex; flex: 1; flex-direction: column; padding: 28px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-persona__tag { align-self: flex-start; margin-bottom: 17px; padding: 6px 11px; border-radius: 999px; background: var(--blue-soft); color: var(--navy-2); font-size: 12px; font-weight: 850; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-persona p { margin-top: 10px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-persona .vl-text-link { margin-top: auto; padding-top: 18px; }\r\n\r\n    \/* Metrics, notes and tables *\/\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-metrics { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr)); margin-top: 28px; overflow: hidden; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 22px; background: var(--white); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-metric { padding: 24px; text-align: center; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-metric + .vl-metric { border-left: 1px solid var(--line); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-metric strong { display: block; color: var(--red); font-size: 28px; font-weight: 850; line-height: 1.25; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-metric span { display: block; margin-top: 5px; color: var(--muted); font-size: 14px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-note { margin-top: 24px; padding: 20px 22px; border-left: 4px solid var(--gold); border-radius: 15px; background: var(--amber-soft); color: #624817; font-size: 14px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-note strong { color: #563d0e; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-note--red { border-color: var(--red); background: #fff1f3; color: #722336; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-note--green { border-color: var(--green); background: var(--green-soft); color: #195845; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-table-wrap { margin-top: 28px; overflow-x: auto; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 22px; background: var(--white); box-shadow: var(--shadow-soft); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en table { width: 100%; min-width: 720px; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: left; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en th,\r\n    #vl-suv-en td { padding: 18px 20px; border-bottom: 1px solid var(--line); vertical-align: top; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en th { background: var(--navy); color: var(--white); font-size: 14px; font-weight: 800; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en td { color: var(--muted); font-size: 14px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en tbody tr:last-child td { border-bottom: 0; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en tbody tr:nth-child(even) td { background: #fafbfd; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en td strong { color: var(--navy); }\r\n\r\n    \/* Split checklist and process *\/\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-split { display: grid; grid-template-columns: .88fr 1.12fr; gap: 38px; align-items: start; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-split__intro { position: sticky; top: 94px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-split__intro p { margin-top: 14px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-checklist { display: grid; gap: 14px; margin: 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-checkitem { position: relative; padding: 20px 20px 20px 64px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 18px; background: var(--white); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-checkitem::before { position: absolute; top: 20px; left: 20px; display: grid; place-items: center; width: 30px; height: 30px; border-radius: 10px; background: var(--green-soft); color: var(--green); content: \"\u2713\"; font-weight: 850; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-checkitem strong { display: block; color: var(--navy); font-size: 15px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-checkitem span { display: block; margin-top: 4px; color: var(--muted); font-size: 13px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-process { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(5,minmax(0,1fr)); gap: 14px; margin: 32px 0 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; counter-reset: process; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-process li { position: relative; min-height: 210px; padding: 66px 20px 22px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 20px; background: var(--white); counter-increment: process; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-process li::before { position: absolute; top: 20px; left: 20px; display: grid; place-items: center; width: 35px; height: 35px; border-radius: 12px; background: var(--navy); color: var(--white); content: counter(process); font-weight: 850; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-process strong { color: var(--navy); font-size: 15px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-process p { margin-top: 8px; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.7; }\r\n\r\n    \/* Risks, work permit and paths *\/\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-risk { border-top: 4px solid var(--red); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-risk:nth-child(2n) { border-top-color: var(--gold); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-risk small { display: block; margin-bottom: 8px; color: var(--red); font-weight: 850; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-panel { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.05fr .95fr; gap: 30px; padding: 42px; border-radius: 30px; background: radial-gradient(circle at 85% 20%,rgba(201,164,92,.15),transparent 32%),var(--navy); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-panel h2,\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-panel h3 { color: var(--white); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-panel p { margin-top: 14px; color: #d8e3ee; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-facts { display: grid; gap: 12px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-fact { padding: 18px; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14); border-radius: 17px; background: rgba(255,255,255,.07); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-fact strong { display: block; color: var(--gold-soft); font-size: 14px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-fact span { display: block; margin-top: 4px; color: #d8e3ee; font-size: 13px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-path { display: flex; flex-direction: column; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-path__status { align-self: flex-start; margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 6px 10px; border-radius: 999px; background: var(--green-soft); color: var(--green); font-size: 12px; font-weight: 850; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-path .vl-text-link { margin-top: auto; padding-top: 18px; }\r\n\r\n    \/* Pilot, CTA and FAQ *\/\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-pilot-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 22px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-pilot-box { padding: 30px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 24px; background: var(--white); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-pilot-box--known { border-top: 5px solid var(--green); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-pilot-box--unknown { border-top: 5px solid var(--amber); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-pilot-box ul { margin: 17px 0 0; padding-left: 20px; color: var(--muted); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-pilot-box li + li { margin-top: 7px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-cta { position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 52px; border-radius: 32px; background: radial-gradient(circle at 88% 15%,rgba(201,164,92,.2),transparent 32%),linear-gradient(135deg,var(--navy),var(--navy-2)); color: var(--white); box-shadow: var(--shadow); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-cta::after { position: absolute; bottom: -90px; right: -70px; width: 250px; height: 250px; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.11); border-radius: 50%; content: \"\"; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-cta__grid { position: relative; z-index: 1; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.15fr .85fr; gap: 34px; align-items: center; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-cta h2 { color: var(--white); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-cta p { margin-top: 14px; color: #dce6f1; font-size: 17px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-cta__actions { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 11px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-cta__actions .vl-btn { width: 100%; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-cta__micro { margin-top: 10px; color: #b9c8d9; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-faq-list { display: grid; max-width: 920px; margin: 0 auto; gap: 12px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en details { border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 17px; background: var(--white); box-shadow: 0 7px 20px rgba(7,27,53,.04); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en summary { position: relative; padding: 20px 58px 20px 24px; color: var(--navy); cursor: pointer; font-weight: 800; list-style: none; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en summary::after { position: absolute; top: 50%; right: 20px; display: grid; place-items: center; width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 9px; background: var(--blue-soft); color: var(--navy); content: \"+\"; transform: translateY(-50%); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en details[open] summary::after { content: \"\u2212\"; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-faq-answer { padding: 0 24px 22px; color: var(--muted); font-size: 15px; }\r\n\r\n    \/* Sources and related content *\/\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-source-box { padding: 30px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 24px; background: var(--white); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-source-box h2 { font-size: clamp(25px,2.5vw,35px); }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-source-list { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr)); gap: 10px 22px; margin: 22px 0 0; padding: 0; list-style: none; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-source-list a { color: var(--navy-2); font-size: 14px; font-weight: 750; text-decoration-thickness: 1px; text-underline-offset: 4px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-disclaimer { margin-top: 20px; padding-top: 18px; border-top: 1px solid var(--line); color: var(--muted); font-size: 12px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-related-track { display: grid; grid-auto-columns: minmax(285px,32%); grid-auto-flow: column; gap: 18px; padding: 4px 2px 18px; overflow-x: auto; scroll-snap-type: inline mandatory; scrollbar-color: var(--gold) #e9edf2; scrollbar-width: thin; overscroll-behavior-inline: contain; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-related-card { display: flex; min-height: 260px; flex-direction: column; padding: 26px; border: 1px solid var(--line); border-radius: 22px; background: var(--white); box-shadow: var(--shadow-soft); scroll-snap-align: start; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-related-card__category { align-self: flex-start; padding: 5px 10px; border-radius: 999px; background: var(--gold-soft); color: #715522; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 850; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-related-card h3 { margin-top: 17px; font-size: 18px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-related-card p { margin-top: 8px; font-size: 13px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-related-card .vl-text-link { margin-top: auto; padding-top: 18px; font-size: 14px; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-carousel-hint { margin-top: 14px; color: var(--muted); font-size: 12px; text-align: center; }\r\n    #vl-suv-en .vl-mobile-cta { display: none; }\r\n\r\n    @supports (content-visibility: auto) {\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-defer { content-visibility: auto; contain-intrinsic-size: 1px 820px; }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 1024px) {\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-grid-4 { grid-template-columns: repeat(2,minmax(0,1fr)); }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-process { grid-template-columns: repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr)); }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-related-track { grid-auto-columns: minmax(285px,43%); }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 820px) {\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-section { padding: 74px 0; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-grid-3,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-answer-box,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-split,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-panel,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-cta__grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-split__intro { position: static; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-date-grid,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-source-list { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-related-track { grid-auto-columns: minmax(280px,64%); }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 700px) {\r\n      #vl-suv-en { padding-bottom: 82px; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-shell { width: min(calc(100% - 24px),1160px); }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-hero { min-height: 0; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__media { position: relative; height: 280px; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__media img { object-position: 20% center; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__shade { inset: 0 0 auto; height: 281px; background: linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(7,27,53,.02) 25%,rgba(7,27,53,.94) 100%); }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__inner { min-height: 0; padding: 28px 0 54px; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__content { width: 100%; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-breadcrumb { margin-bottom: 16px; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en h1 { font-size: clamp(34px,10vw,46px); }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__actions { display: grid; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__actions .vl-btn { width: 100%; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-hero__facts,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-grid-2,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-grid-4,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-pilot-grid,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-metrics,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-process { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-metric + .vl-metric { border-top: 1px solid var(--line); border-left: 0; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-answer-box,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-dark-panel,\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-cta { padding: 28px 22px; border-radius: 24px; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-process li { min-height: 0; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-related-track { grid-auto-columns: 87%; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-mobile-cta { position: fixed; right: 10px; bottom: calc(10px + env(safe-area-inset-bottom)); left: 10px; z-index: 80; display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr auto; gap: 8px; padding: 8px; border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.13); border-radius: 17px; background: var(--navy); box-shadow: 0 15px 42px rgba(0,0,0,.25); }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-mobile-cta .vl-btn { min-height: 48px; padding: 10px 14px; font-size: 13px; }\r\n      #vl-suv-en .vl-mobile-cta__status { display: grid; place-items: center; padding: 0 10px; color: #dce6f1; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.35; text-align: center; }\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {\r\n      #vl-suv-en *,\r\n      #vl-suv-en *::before,\r\n      #vl-suv-en *::after { scroll-behavior: auto !important; transition: none !important; }\r\n    }\r\n  <\/style>\r\n\r\n  <a class=\"vl-skip\" href=\"#vl-main\">Skip to main content<\/a>\r\n\r\n  <!-- 01: HERO -->\r\n  <section class=\"vl-hero\" aria-labelledby=\"vl-suv-en-title\">\r\n    <picture class=\"vl-hero__media\">\r\n      <img fetchpriority=\"high\"\r\n        src=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ChatGPT-Image-Sep-1-2026-05_15_01-PM.jpg\"\r\n        alt=\"Startup founders presenting an innovative business concept to Canadian advisors in Toronto\"\r\n        width=\"1774\"\r\n        height=\"887\"\r\n        fetchpriority=\"high\"\r\n        loading=\"eager\"\r\n        decoding=\"async\"\r\n      >\r\n    <\/picture>\r\n    <div class=\"vl-hero__shade\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"vl-shell vl-hero__inner\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-hero__content\">\r\n        <nav class=\"vl-breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\">\r\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/\">Home<\/a><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\/<\/span>\r\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/investment\/\">Business immigration<\/a><span aria-hidden=\"true\">\/<\/span>\r\n          <span aria-current=\"page\">Start-Up Visa<\/span>\r\n        <\/nav>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-status-pill\">Paused for new applications<\/div>\r\n        <h1 id=\"vl-suv-en-title\">Canada Start-Up Visa 2026: Program Status and Options for Founders<\/h1>\r\n        <p class=\"vl-hero__lead\">\r\n          Canada paused the federal Start-Up Visa Program on June 30, 2026. Earlier applications remain in processing, some current work-permit holders may be able to extend, and new founders need a different strategy\u2014not an outdated sales pitch.\r\n        <\/p>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-hero__actions\">\r\n          <a class=\"vl-btn vl-btn--primary\" href=\"#choose-path\">Find my situation<\/a>\r\n          <a class=\"vl-btn vl-btn--outline\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/book-consultation\/\">Book a legal consultation<\/a>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-hero__facts\" aria-label=\"Key program facts\">\r\n          <div class=\"vl-hero__fact\"><strong>June 30, 2026<\/strong><span>New SUV intake paused<\/span><\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"vl-hero__fact\"><strong>December 19, 2025<\/strong><span>New optional work-permit intake closed<\/span><\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"vl-hero__fact\"><strong>Earlier files<\/strong><span>IRCC says processing continues<\/span><\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <p class=\"vl-hero__source\">\r\n          Status verified September 1, 2026 from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/immigrate-canada\/start-visa\/about.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRCC<\/a>. Immigration rules can change.\r\n        <\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/section>\r\n\r\n  <!-- QUICK ACCESS -->\r\n  <nav class=\"vl-quick-nav\" aria-label=\"On this page\">\r\n    <div class=\"vl-shell vl-quick-nav__track\">\r\n      <a href=\"#status\">Current status<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"#choose-path\">Your situation<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"#eligibility\">Past eligibility<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"#pending-files\">Pending files<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"#work-permit\">Work permits<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"#costs\">Costs<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"#alternatives\">Alternatives<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"#faq\">FAQ<\/a>\r\n      <a href=\"#consultation\">Consultation<\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/nav>\r\n\r\n  <main id=\"vl-main\">\r\n    <!-- 02: CURRENT STATUS -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section\" id=\"status\" aria-labelledby=\"status-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <div class=\"vl-answer-box\">\r\n          <div>\r\n            <span class=\"vl-answer-label\">Direct answer<\/span>\r\n            <h2 id=\"status-title\">Is the Canada Start-Up Visa open in 2026?<\/h2>\r\n            <p><strong>No.<\/strong> IRCC paused the program for new applications on June 30, 2026. Applications accepted before that date continue to be processed. A Letter of Support or a pitch to an incubator does not reopen intake for a new applicant.<\/p>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <aside class=\"vl-answer-side\" aria-label=\"What this means\">\r\n            <strong>What this means today<\/strong>\r\n            <p>Pending applicant: protect and document the existing file.<\/p>\r\n            <p>Current SUV permit holder: assess extension eligibility early.<\/p>\r\n            <p>New founder: compare active entrepreneur routes.<\/p>\r\n          <\/aside>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"vl-date-grid\" aria-label=\"Program timeline\">\r\n          <article class=\"vl-date-card\">\r\n            <time datetime=\"2025-12-19\">December 19, 2025<\/time>\r\n            <h3>New optional open work-permit applications closed<\/h3>\r\n            <p>IRCC says existing permit holders may still be able to apply for an extension while their PR file is processed.<\/p>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-date-card\">\r\n            <time datetime=\"2025-12-31\">December 31, 2025<\/time>\r\n            <h3>Last day for new commitment certificates<\/h3>\r\n            <p>IRCC stopped accepting commitment certificates from designated organizations after this date.<\/p>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-date-card\">\r\n            <time datetime=\"2026-06-30\">June 30, 2026<\/time>\r\n            <h3>Federal SUV intake paused<\/h3>\r\n            <p>Applicants holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate had to submit a complete PR application by this deadline.<\/p>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"vl-note vl-note--red\"><strong>Avoid deadline confusion:<\/strong> the June 30, 2026 filing deadline has passed. This page does not imply that a person who has not already filed can submit a new Start-Up Visa application now.<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 03: PERSONA ROUTER -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-section--soft\" id=\"choose-path\" aria-labelledby=\"path-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">Start with your actual position<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"path-title\">Which situation describes you?<\/h2>\r\n          <p>The useful next step depends on what was filed, what status you hold in Canada and whether your business still matches the commitments behind the application.<\/p>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-grid vl-grid-3\">\r\n          <article class=\"vl-persona vl-card\">\r\n            <div class=\"vl-persona__body\">\r\n              <span class=\"vl-persona__tag\">Existing PR file<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"vl-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">01<\/span>\r\n              <h3>I already submitted an SUV PR application<\/h3>\r\n              <p>You need file-specific review: submission date, completeness, team structure, business progress, IRCC requests, admissibility and any procedural-fairness concern.<\/p>\r\n              <a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"#pending-files\">Review pending-file priorities<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-persona vl-card\">\r\n            <div class=\"vl-persona__body\">\r\n              <span class=\"vl-persona__tag\">Temporary status<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"vl-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">02<\/span>\r\n              <h3>I hold an SUV-related work permit<\/h3>\r\n              <p>Do not wait for the expiry date. Review extension eligibility, status-preservation timing, passport validity, business evidence and your underlying PR application.<\/p>\r\n              <a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"#work-permit\">See the work-permit update<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-persona vl-card\">\r\n            <div class=\"vl-persona__body\">\r\n              <span class=\"vl-persona__tag\">New founder<\/span>\r\n              <span class=\"vl-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">03<\/span>\r\n              <h3>I have not filed a Start-Up Visa application<\/h3>\r\n              <p>The current federal SUV is not accepting new files. Your strategy may instead involve C11 significant benefit, an intra-company transfer or a provincial entrepreneur stream.<\/p>\r\n              <a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"#alternatives\">Compare active alternatives<\/a>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 04: HISTORIC ELIGIBILITY -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-defer\" id=\"eligibility\" aria-labelledby=\"eligibility-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">Rules relevant to accepted files<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"eligibility-title\">What were the core Start-Up Visa requirements?<\/h2>\r\n          <p>These requirements remain important when IRCC assesses an application already in inventory. Meeting a checklist at filing does not eliminate ongoing business, credibility or admissibility issues.<\/p>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-grid vl-grid-4\">\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">01<\/span><h3>Qualifying business<\/h3><p>Required voting-rights thresholds at commitment and active, ongoing management from inside Canada after approval.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">02<\/span><h3>Letter of Support<\/h3><p>Support from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">03<\/span><h3>CLB or NCLC 5<\/h3><p>A minimum score of 5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing through an approved English or French test.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">04<\/span><h3>Settlement funds<\/h3><p>Available, transferable and unborrowed funds for the applicant and accompanying family members.<\/p><\/article>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-metrics\" aria-label=\"Historic ownership rules\">\r\n          <div class=\"vl-metric\"><strong>Up to 5<\/strong><span>owners in one SUV business group<\/span><\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"vl-metric\"><strong>10%+<\/strong><span>voting rights held by each applicant<\/span><\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"vl-metric\"><strong>More than 50%<\/strong><span>held jointly by applicants and the designated organization<\/span><\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-note\"><strong>Location:<\/strong> the federal Start-Up Visa was for entrepreneurs intending to establish outside Quebec. Quebec operates separate business-immigration selection systems.<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 05: LOS AND COMMITMENT -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-section--warm vl-defer\" id=\"support-documents\" aria-labelledby=\"support-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">Documents people often confuse<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"support-title\">Letter of Support vs Commitment Certificate<\/h2>\r\n          <p>They describe the same support arrangement to different recipients, but they are not interchangeable documents.<\/p>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-table-wrap\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Letter of Support and Commitment Certificate comparison\" tabindex=\"0\">\r\n          <table>\r\n            <thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Document<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Who receives it?<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Purpose<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Key point<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n            <tbody>\r\n              <tr><td><strong>Letter of Support<\/strong><\/td><td>The entrepreneur<\/td><td>Submitted with the permanent residence application.<\/td><td>It confirms that a designated organization supports the business proposal.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n              <tr><td><strong>Commitment Certificate<\/strong><\/td><td>IRCC directly<\/td><td>Provides the detailed commitment used by IRCC to assess the application.<\/td><td>IRCC states it is valid for six months from issue; 2025 certificates were subject to the final June 30, 2026 deadline.<\/td><\/tr>\r\n            <\/tbody>\r\n          <\/table>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"vl-grid vl-grid-3\" style=\"margin-top:22px\">\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">VC<\/span><h3>Venture capital fund<\/h3><p>Historically required a minimum designated investment of <strong>CAD 200,000<\/strong>.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">AI<\/span><h3>Angel investor group<\/h3><p>Historically required a minimum designated investment of <strong>CAD 75,000<\/strong>.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">BI<\/span><h3>Business incubator<\/h3><p>No prescribed minimum investment, but acceptance into a designated incubation program was required.<\/p><\/article>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-note\"><strong>Important:<\/strong> paying a service provider or buying incubation services was never the same as purchasing permanent residence. IRCC makes the immigration decision, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 06: PENDING FILES -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-section--soft vl-defer\" id=\"pending-files\" aria-labelledby=\"pending-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <div class=\"vl-split\">\r\n          <div class=\"vl-split__intro\">\r\n            <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">For accepted applications<\/span>\r\n            <h2 id=\"pending-title\">What should an applicant with a pending SUV file review?<\/h2>\r\n            <p>A long processing period is not a reason to let the evidentiary record go stale. Your immigration narrative, company records and real-world business conduct should remain coherent.<\/p>\r\n            <div class=\"vl-note vl-note--green\"><strong>Practical goal:<\/strong> be able to explain what has changed, why it changed and how the current business still relates to the supported venture.<\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <ul class=\"vl-checklist\">\r\n            <li class=\"vl-checkitem\"><strong>Submission and completeness record<\/strong><span>Confirm the application was accepted before the pause and preserve the portal submission, payment receipts, AOR and filed forms.<\/span><\/li>\r\n            <li class=\"vl-checkitem\"><strong>IRCC correspondence and deadlines<\/strong><span>Track biometrics, medicals, police certificates, document requests and any procedural fairness letter.<\/span><\/li>\r\n            <li class=\"vl-checkitem\"><strong>Business progress evidence<\/strong><span>Keep dated corporate, product, customer, funding, payroll, tax, banking and commercialization records appropriate to the venture stage.<\/span><\/li>\r\n            <li class=\"vl-checkitem\"><strong>Founder roles and team changes<\/strong><span>Document departures, changes in duties, cap-table movements and whether anyone was identified as essential.<\/span><\/li>\r\n            <li class=\"vl-checkitem\"><strong>Consistency across the record<\/strong><span>Reconcile the business plan, pitch materials, immigration forms, online profiles, contracts and current operating facts.<\/span><\/li>\r\n            <li class=\"vl-checkitem\"><strong>Admissibility and family changes<\/strong><span>Report relevant changes such as marriage, children, criminal charges, passport renewals or address changes as required.<\/span><\/li>\r\n          <\/ul>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <ol class=\"vl-process\" aria-label=\"Simplified processing stages\">\r\n          <li><strong>Completeness check<\/strong><p>IRCC confirms required forms, fees and supporting documents were provided.<\/p><\/li>\r\n          <li><strong>Eligibility review<\/strong><p>Officers assess the qualifying business, support arrangement, language and settlement-fund requirements.<\/p><\/li>\r\n          <li><strong>Program integrity<\/strong><p>IRCC may examine genuineness, founder roles, ownership, source records and conflicting evidence.<\/p><\/li>\r\n          <li><strong>Admissibility<\/strong><p>Medical, criminality, security and misrepresentation concerns are assessed for relevant family members.<\/p><\/li>\r\n          <li><strong>Final decision<\/strong><p>Approval is never automatic; IRCC may request more evidence before deciding.<\/p><\/li>\r\n        <\/ol>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 07: RISKS -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-defer\" id=\"risks\" aria-labelledby=\"risks-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">Evidence before slogans<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"risks-title\">High-impact risks in an existing Start-Up Visa application<\/h2>\r\n          <p>The formal peer-review process is currently paused, according to IRCC. That does not make the underlying business record, credibility or application consistency irrelevant.<\/p>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-grid vl-grid-3\">\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card vl-risk\"><small>Genuineness<\/small><h3>A venture that exists mostly on paper<\/h3><p>Generic plans, unexplained invoices, weak founder involvement or little evidence of development can undermine credibility.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card vl-risk\"><small>Group dependency<\/small><h3>An essential person is refused<\/h3><p>If a founder is designated as essential and that person is refused, IRCC says the related team applications are also refused.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card vl-risk\"><small>Founder fit<\/small><h3>Background and claimed role do not align<\/h3><p>Titles alone are not evidence. Experience, duties, decision-making and contribution should support the role claimed.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card vl-risk\"><small>Corporate record<\/small><h3>Ownership or intellectual property is unclear<\/h3><p>Cap tables, shareholder agreements, assignments, licences and corporate filings should tell the same story.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card vl-risk\"><small>Due diligence<\/small><h3>Unverified agents or support arrangements<\/h3><p>Promises of guaranteed approval, undisclosed intermediaries and unsupported transactions can create serious risk.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card vl-risk\"><small>Procedural fairness<\/small><h3>A response is late, narrow or inconsistent<\/h3><p>A procedural fairness letter can involve refusal or misrepresentation consequences; respond to the exact concern with organized evidence.<\/p><\/article>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-note vl-note--red\"><strong>Legal-risk notice:<\/strong> if IRCC raises credibility, misrepresentation, admissibility or essential-person concerns, obtain case-specific advice before responding. General web content is not a substitute for reviewing the actual record.<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 08: WORK PERMIT -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-section--soft vl-defer\" id=\"work-permit\" aria-labelledby=\"permit-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <div class=\"vl-dark-panel\">\r\n          <div>\r\n            <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\" style=\"color:#ead7ad\">Temporary status update<\/span>\r\n            <h2 id=\"permit-title\">Can you still get a Start-Up Visa open work permit?<\/h2>\r\n            <p>IRCC closed new applications for the optional SUV open work permit on December 19, 2025. If you already hold a work permit under the program, you may be able to extend it while IRCC processes your permanent residence application.<\/p>\r\n            <p>Eligibility is not automatic. Timing, current status, passport validity, the underlying PR file and evidence that you continue developing the business all matter.<\/p>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div class=\"vl-dark-facts\">\r\n            <div class=\"vl-dark-fact\"><strong>New applicant<\/strong><span>The optional SUV open-work-permit intake is closed.<\/span><\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"vl-dark-fact\"><strong>Current permit holder<\/strong><span>An extension may be available, depending on current IRCC rules and your facts.<\/span><\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"vl-dark-fact\"><strong>Do not wait<\/strong><span>Review status and file before the permit or passport approaches expiry.<\/span><\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"vl-dark-fact\"><strong>Official source<\/strong><span>Always verify the live instruction page on Canada.ca before filing.<\/span><\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 09: COSTS -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-defer\" id=\"costs\" aria-labelledby=\"costs-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">Government charges and funds<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"costs-title\">Start-Up Visa fees and settlement funds<\/h2>\r\n          <p>These figures help existing applicants understand the historical and ongoing financial framework. They are not an invitation to submit a new application.<\/p>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"vl-grid vl-grid-2\">\r\n          <div>\r\n            <h3>IRCC business-immigration fees<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"vl-table-wrap\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Start-Up Visa government fees\" tabindex=\"0\">\r\n              <table>\r\n                <thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Fee item<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Amount (CAD)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n                <tbody>\r\n                  <tr><td><strong>Principal applicant, including RPRF<\/strong><\/td><td>$2,495<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>Principal applicant, without RPRF<\/td><td>$1,895<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td><strong>Spouse or partner, including RPRF<\/strong><\/td><td>$1,590<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>Dependent child, each<\/td><td>$270<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>Biometrics, individual \/ eligible family maximum<\/td><td>$85 \/ $170<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                <\/tbody>\r\n              <\/table>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n          <div>\r\n            <h3>Minimum settlement funds shown by IRCC<\/h3>\r\n            <div class=\"vl-table-wrap\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Settlement funds by family size\" tabindex=\"0\">\r\n              <table>\r\n                <thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Family size<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Funds (CAD)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n                <tbody>\r\n                  <tr><td>1 person<\/td><td><strong>$15,263<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>2 people<\/td><td>$19,001<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>3 people<\/td><td>$23,360<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>4 people<\/td><td>$28,362<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>5 people<\/td><td>$32,168<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>6 people<\/td><td>$36,280<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>7 people<\/td><td>$40,392<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                  <tr><td>Each additional person<\/td><td>+$4,112<\/td><\/tr>\r\n                <\/tbody>\r\n              <\/table>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-note\"><strong>Re-check before relying on a number:<\/strong> the fee list was modified July 2, 2026. The settlement-fund table displayed by IRCC was last updated July 29, 2025 and IRCC says these amounts change annually. Incubator, legal, language-test, medical, translation and business expenses are separate.<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 10: ALTERNATIVES -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-section--warm vl-defer\" id=\"alternatives\" aria-labelledby=\"alternatives-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">For founders who did not file<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"alternatives-title\">Alternatives to the paused Canada Start-Up Visa<\/h2>\r\n          <p>No route is a drop-in replacement. The right option depends on ownership, management experience, available capital, business traction, the Canadian benefit and the province where you genuinely intend to operate.<\/p>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-grid vl-grid-3\">\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card vl-path\">\r\n            <span class=\"vl-path__status\">Potentially active<\/span>\r\n            <h3>C11 significant-benefit work permit<\/h3>\r\n            <p>For a founder or business operator able to show that their work and Canadian enterprise are likely to create significant economic, social or cultural benefit. Incorporation or acquisition alone is not enough.<\/p>\r\n            <a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/c11-entrepreneur-work-permit\/\">Read the C11 guide<\/a>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card vl-path\">\r\n            <span class=\"vl-path__status\">Company-led route<\/span>\r\n            <h3>Intra-company transfer<\/h3>\r\n            <p>May be relevant when a genuine foreign enterprise expands to Canada and transfers qualifying senior, managerial or specialized personnel. Corporate relationship and operating capacity matter.<\/p>\r\n            <a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/work-immigration\/work-permit\/\">Explore work permits<\/a>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card vl-path\">\r\n            <span class=\"vl-path__status\">Province-specific<\/span>\r\n            <h3>Provincial entrepreneur streams<\/h3>\r\n            <p>Often use net-worth, investment, business-experience, language, exploratory-visit and active-management criteria, followed by performance obligations before nomination.<\/p>\r\n            <a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/provincial-nominee-program\/\">Explore provincial pathways<\/a>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"vl-table-wrap\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Entrepreneur pathway comparison\" tabindex=\"0\">\r\n          <table>\r\n            <thead><tr><th scope=\"col\">Pathway<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Best initial fit<\/th><th scope=\"col\">First immigration objective<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Typical evidence focus<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\r\n            <tbody>\r\n              <tr><td><strong>Existing SUV file<\/strong><\/td><td>Applicant whose complete PR file was accepted before June 30, 2026<\/td><td>Protect and advance the existing PR application<\/td><td>Supported venture, founder role, business activity, consistency and admissibility<\/td><\/tr>\r\n              <tr><td><strong>C11 entrepreneur<\/strong><\/td><td>Hands-on owner\/operator with a credible Canadian business plan<\/td><td>Employer-specific work authorization<\/td><td>Control, significant benefit, viability, funds and temporary-residence compliance<\/td><\/tr>\r\n              <tr><td><strong>Intra-company transfer<\/strong><\/td><td>Established foreign business expanding to a related Canadian enterprise<\/td><td>Work authorization for qualifying transferee<\/td><td>Corporate relationship, foreign operations, role, Canadian premises and business capacity<\/td><\/tr>\r\n              <tr><td><strong>Entrepreneur PNP<\/strong><\/td><td>Experienced owner or senior manager committed to a specific province<\/td><td>Business performance, then provincial nomination and PR<\/td><td>Net worth, investment, experience, job creation, location and performance agreement<\/td><\/tr>\r\n            <\/tbody>\r\n          <\/table>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-note\"><strong>Strategic distinction:<\/strong> a work permit is not permanent residence, and a provincial nomination is not a federal PR approval. Map the temporary and permanent stages separately.<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 11: HIGH-IMPACT PILOT -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-section--soft vl-defer\" id=\"new-pilot\" aria-labelledby=\"pilot-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">What may come next<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"pilot-title\">Canada's proposed high-impact Start-Up Visa pilot<\/h2>\r\n          <p>IRCC's 2026\u201327 Departmental Plan says a new high-impact pilot will replace the existing program and focus on elite entrepreneurs. A policy intention is not yet an open application stream.<\/p>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-pilot-grid\">\r\n          <article class=\"vl-pilot-box vl-pilot-box--known\">\r\n            <h3>What is confirmed<\/h3>\r\n            <ul><li>IRCC plans a new high-impact Start-Up Visa pilot.<\/li><li>It is intended to address problems observed in the existing program.<\/li><li>Its focus will be business development, economic growth and elite entrepreneurs.<\/li><\/ul>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-pilot-box vl-pilot-box--unknown\">\r\n            <h3>What is not yet safe to assume<\/h3>\r\n            <ul><li>Launch date or intake window<\/li><li>Eligibility criteria and selection model<\/li><li>Required investment, language or ownership thresholds<\/li><li>Designated-organization structure, caps or processing standard<\/li><\/ul>\r\n          <\/article>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-note\"><strong>Planning advice:<\/strong> prepare verifiable founder and business evidence, but do not pay for a supposed place in a program that has not opened or published its rules.<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 12: VISALINE SERVICES -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-defer\" id=\"services\" aria-labelledby=\"services-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">Case-specific legal strategy<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"services-title\">How Visaline can help<\/h2>\r\n          <p>The objective is not to force every entrepreneur into one program. It is to identify the legally available route, surface weaknesses early and define what evidence the case actually needs.<\/p>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-grid vl-grid-4\">\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">01<\/span><h3>Pending-file review<\/h3><p>Review the filed record, IRCC correspondence, founder structure, current business evidence and unresolved risks.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">02<\/span><h3>Permit and status planning<\/h3><p>Assess extension timing, temporary status, family implications and the relationship to the underlying PR file.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">03<\/span><h3>Alternative-pathway assessment<\/h3><p>Compare C11, company expansion, provincial entrepreneur and other relevant immigration options against your profile.<\/p><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-card\"><span class=\"vl-number\">04<\/span><h3>Complex-case response<\/h3><p>Organize a case-specific response to document requests, procedural-fairness concerns, refusals or material changes.<\/p><\/article>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-note vl-note--green\"><strong>Professional boundary:<\/strong> an authorized representative can assess, explain and prepare. No representative can guarantee a visa, permit, nomination or permanent residence approval.<\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 13: FAQ -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-section--soft vl-defer\" id=\"faq\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">Questions founders ask<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"faq-title\">Canada Start-Up Visa FAQ<\/h2>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-faq-list\">\r\n          <details><summary>Is the Canada Start-Up Visa open for new applications in 2026?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">No. IRCC paused the Start-Up Visa Program on June 30, 2026 and says it will continue processing applications accepted before that date.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>Can I apply now if I have a Letter of Support?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">Not under the paused intake. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate had to submit a complete permanent residence application by June 30, 2026. That deadline has passed.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>What happens to a Start-Up Visa application already in processing?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">IRCC says applications accepted before the pause continue to be processed. Applicants should monitor correspondence, maintain accurate contact information and preserve evidence relevant to eligibility, business activity and admissibility.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>Can an existing SUV work-permit holder apply for an extension?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">Possibly. IRCC says a person who already has a work permit under the Start-Up Visa Program may be able to extend it while the permanent residence application is processed. Eligibility depends on the current instructions and individual facts.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>What language score did the Start-Up Visa require?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">The program required Canadian Language Benchmark 5 or Niveaux de comp\u00e9tence linguistique canadien 5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing through an approved language test.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>How much investment did a designated organization need to make?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">Historically, a designated venture capital fund needed to invest at least CAD 200,000 and a designated angel investor group at least CAD 75,000. A designated business incubator required acceptance into its program but no prescribed minimum investment.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>How many founders could be included in one Start-Up Visa business?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">A group could include up to five owners. Each applicant needed at least 10% of the voting rights, while the applicants and designated organization together needed more than 50%.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>What is an essential person in a Start-Up Visa group?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">An essential person is a group member specifically identified as essential to the proposed business. IRCC says that if an essential person's application is refused, the applications of the related team members are also refused.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>Are Start-Up Visa peer reviews still taking place?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">IRCC's designated-organization page says new peer reviews have been paused since August 1, 2024 and ongoing peer reviews would be cancelled. IRCC can still assess eligibility, credibility and application evidence.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>How much are the federal Start-Up Visa application fees?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">IRCC's fee list modified July 2, 2026 shows CAD 2,495 for a principal business-immigration applicant including the right of permanent residence fee, CAD 1,590 for a spouse or partner including that fee and CAD 270 per dependent child. Re-check before payment.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>What are realistic alternatives for a new entrepreneur?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">Depending on the facts, possibilities may include a C11 significant-benefit work permit, an intra-company transfer or a provincial entrepreneur stream. None is an automatic substitute for the Start-Up Visa.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>Has Canada announced a replacement Start-Up Visa program?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">IRCC's 2026\u201327 Departmental Plan announces an intention to create a high-impact Start-Up Visa pilot focused on elite entrepreneurs. The plan does not itself provide a launch date or complete application criteria.<\/div><\/details>\r\n          <details><summary>Does hiring Visaline guarantee approval?<\/summary><div class=\"vl-faq-answer\">No. No immigration lawyer or consultant can guarantee an IRCC or provincial decision. Professional representation is intended to clarify eligibility, identify risk and prepare a coherent case based on evidence.<\/div><\/details>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 14: SOURCES -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-section--warm vl-defer\" id=\"sources\" aria-labelledby=\"sources-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <div class=\"vl-source-box\">\r\n          <h2 id=\"sources-title\">Official sources and update policy<\/h2>\r\n          <ul class=\"vl-source-list\">\r\n            <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/immigrate-canada\/start-visa\/about.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRCC \u2014 Start-Up Visa status and process<\/a><\/li>\r\n            <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/immigrate-canada\/start-visa\/eligibility.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRCC \u2014 Eligibility and settlement funds<\/a><\/li>\r\n            <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/immigrate-canada\/start-visa\/work-permits.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRCC \u2014 Optional SUV open work permit<\/a><\/li>\r\n            <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/immigrate-canada\/start-visa\/participate\/commitment-certificate.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRCC \u2014 Commitment Certificate and final deadline<\/a><\/li>\r\n            <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/immigrate-canada\/start-visa\/participate\/peer-review.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRCC \u2014 Peer-review status<\/a><\/li>\r\n            <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ircc.canada.ca\/english\/helpcentre\/answer.asp?qnum=651&amp;top=6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRCC Help Centre \u2014 Essential person<\/a><\/li>\r\n            <li><a href=\"https:\/\/ircc.canada.ca\/english\/information\/fees\/fees.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRCC \u2014 Current application fees<\/a><\/li>\r\n            <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/corporate\/publications-manuals\/departmental-plans\/2026-27-departmental-plan\/departmental-plan-2026-2027-full.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">IRCC \u2014 2026\u201327 Departmental Plan<\/a><\/li>\r\n          <\/ul>\r\n          <p class=\"vl-disclaimer\">Editorial update: September 1, 2026. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Program availability, forms, fees, settlement funds, processing instructions and government policy may change. Verify the live Canada.ca instructions and obtain advice based on your own file before acting.<\/p>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 15: CONSULTATION CTA -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section\" id=\"consultation\" aria-labelledby=\"consult-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <div class=\"vl-cta\">\r\n          <div class=\"vl-cta__grid\">\r\n            <div>\r\n              <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\" style=\"color:#ead7ad\">Canada immigration consultation<\/span>\r\n              <h2 id=\"consult-title\">Get a strategy for the file you actually have<\/h2>\r\n              <p>Whether your SUV application is pending, your work permit is approaching expiry or you are a new founder comparing alternatives, begin with a documented assessment of your immigration status, business facts and goals.<\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"vl-cta__actions\">\r\n              <a class=\"vl-btn vl-btn--primary\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/book-consultation\/\">Book an online consultation<\/a>\r\n              <a class=\"vl-btn vl-btn--light\" href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/16478600005\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Message Visaline on WhatsApp<\/a>\r\n              <p class=\"vl-cta__micro\">Toronto: +1 647 860 0005 \u00b7 No outcome guarantees<\/p>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n\r\n    <!-- 16: RELATED CONTENT -->\r\n    <section class=\"vl-section vl-section--soft vl-defer\" id=\"related\" aria-labelledby=\"related-title\">\r\n      <div class=\"vl-shell\">\r\n        <header class=\"vl-section-head\">\r\n          <span class=\"vl-eyebrow\">Continue your research<\/span>\r\n          <h2 id=\"related-title\">Related business immigration guides<\/h2>\r\n          <p>Use these English resources to compare entrepreneur, investor, work-permit and provincial options without treating them as interchangeable.<\/p>\r\n        <\/header>\r\n        <div class=\"vl-related-track\" role=\"list\" aria-label=\"Related articles carousel\">\r\n          <article class=\"vl-related-card\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"vl-related-card__category\">Entrepreneur work permit<\/span><h3>C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit Canada<\/h3><p>Understand significant benefit, business viability, ownership and temporary-entry considerations.<\/p><a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/c11-entrepreneur-work-permit\/\">Read the guide<\/a><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-related-card\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"vl-related-card__category\">Business immigration<\/span><h3>Canada Investment and Business Immigration<\/h3><p>Review the wider landscape for investors, owners, entrepreneurs and business expansion.<\/p><a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/investment\/\">Explore the hub<\/a><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-related-card\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"vl-related-card__category\">Owner-operator<\/span><h3>Owner-Operator Work Permit Guide<\/h3><p>See why buying or incorporating a business does not by itself establish work-permit eligibility.<\/p><a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/investment\/owner-operator-work-permit\/\">Read the guide<\/a><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-related-card\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"vl-related-card__category\">Investor options<\/span><h3>Canada Investor Visa Programs<\/h3><p>Compare active and paused investor and entrepreneur pathways, costs and program structures.<\/p><a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/investment\/investor-visa\/\">Compare options<\/a><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-related-card\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"vl-related-card__category\">Provincial pathways<\/span><h3>Canada Provincial Nominee Program<\/h3><p>Learn how provincial selection and federal permanent residence operate as separate stages.<\/p><a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/provincial-nominee-program\/\">Explore PNP<\/a><\/article>\r\n          <article class=\"vl-related-card\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"vl-related-card__category\">Complex files<\/span><h3>Canadian Immigration Legal Services<\/h3><p>Review support for refusals, delays, admissibility, employer matters and case-specific strategy.<\/p><a class=\"vl-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/legal-services\/\">View legal services<\/a><\/article>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n        <p class=\"vl-carousel-hint\">Swipe on mobile or scroll horizontally to view more guides.<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n  <\/main>\r\n\r\n  <!-- MOBILE STICKY CTA -->\r\n  <div class=\"vl-mobile-cta\" aria-label=\"Mobile consultation actions\">\r\n    <a class=\"vl-btn vl-btn--primary\" href=\"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/book-consultation\/\">Book consultation<\/a>\r\n    <span class=\"vl-mobile-cta__status\">SUV intake<br>paused<\/span>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <!-- FAQ SCHEMA: remove if your SEO plugin already outputs FAQPage schema. -->\r\n  <script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n  {\r\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n    \"inLanguage\": \"en-CA\",\r\n    \"mainEntity\": [\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Is the Canada Start-Up Visa open for new applications in 2026?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. IRCC paused the Start-Up Visa Program on June 30, 2026 and says it will continue processing applications accepted before that date.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Can I apply now if I have a Letter of Support?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Not under the paused intake. Applicants with a valid 2025 commitment certificate had to submit a complete permanent residence application by June 30, 2026. That deadline has passed.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"What happens to a Start-Up Visa application already in processing?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"IRCC says applications accepted before the pause continue to be processed. Applicants should monitor correspondence, maintain accurate contact information and preserve evidence relevant to eligibility, business activity and admissibility.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Can an existing SUV work-permit holder apply for an extension?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Possibly. IRCC says a person who already has a work permit under the Start-Up Visa Program may be able to extend it while the permanent residence application is processed. Eligibility depends on the current instructions and individual facts.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"What language score did the Start-Up Visa require?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The program required Canadian Language Benchmark 5 or Niveaux de comp\u00e9tence linguistique canadien 5 in speaking, listening, reading and writing through an approved language test.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"How much investment did a designated organization need to make?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Historically, a designated venture capital fund needed to invest at least CAD 200,000 and a designated angel investor group at least CAD 75,000. A designated business incubator required acceptance into its program but no prescribed minimum investment.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"How many founders could be included in one Start-Up Visa business?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"A group could include up to five owners. Each applicant needed at least 10% of the voting rights, while the applicants and designated organization together needed more than 50%.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"What is an essential person in a Start-Up Visa group?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"An essential person is a group member specifically identified as essential to the proposed business. IRCC says that if an essential person's application is refused, the applications of the related team members are also refused.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Are Start-Up Visa peer reviews still taking place?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"IRCC's designated-organization page says new peer reviews have been paused since August 1, 2024 and ongoing peer reviews would be cancelled. IRCC can still assess eligibility, credibility and application evidence.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"How much are the federal Start-Up Visa application fees?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"IRCC's fee list modified July 2, 2026 shows CAD 2,495 for a principal business-immigration applicant including the right of permanent residence fee, CAD 1,590 for a spouse or partner including that fee and CAD 270 per dependent child. Re-check before payment.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"What are realistic alternatives for a new entrepreneur?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Depending on the facts, possibilities may include a C11 significant-benefit work permit, an intra-company transfer or a provincial entrepreneur stream. None is an automatic substitute for the Start-Up Visa.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Has Canada announced a replacement Start-Up Visa program?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"IRCC's 2026\u201327 Departmental Plan announces an intention to create a high-impact Start-Up Visa pilot focused on elite entrepreneurs. The plan does not itself provide a launch date or complete application criteria.\"}\r\n      },\r\n      {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n        \"name\": \"Does hiring Visaline guarantee approval?\",\r\n        \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. No immigration lawyer or consultant can guarantee an IRCC or provincial decision. Professional representation is intended to clarify eligibility, identify risk and prepare a coherent case based on evidence.\"}\r\n      }\r\n    ]\r\n  }\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Canada Start-Up Visa 2026: Program Status, Eligibility, and What to Do Now You had a business idea, you found a designated organization willing to support you, and you were ready &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":953,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-954","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/954","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=954"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/954\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2171,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/954\/revisions\/2171"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/953"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/visaline.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=954"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}