Canada Business Immigration Options After SUV Closure (PNP Guide)

What Are Your Options After Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program Closure?

• Canada officially closed the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program as of January 1, 2026.
• Entrepreneurs can still immigrate through business-focused Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.
• Quebec offers three separate business immigration pathways for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed workers.
• The C11 work permit route lets entrepreneurs build PR eligibility through business ownership in Canada.
• Some PNPs, like British Columbia and Manitoba, are particularly active and offer multiple entrepreneur streams.
• Each program has its own investment, net worth, and experience requirements—tailored to different types of business talent.

Canada’s Start-Up Visa Has Closed — But Business Immigration Lives On

As of January 1, 2026, Canada has officially shut the doors on its popular Start-Up Visa Program. But if you’re an aspiring entrepreneur from abroad dreaming of building a future in Canada, don’t worry—there are still solid pathways to permanent residence (PR).

While we await the details of a new targeted pilot program that’s expected to replace the SUV, there are already several immigration routes open to entrepreneurs. From business-focused Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams to Quebec’s distinct business immigration offerings and the C11 work permit pathway, there’s no shortage of opportunity if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and invest in Canada’s future.

Explore Entrepreneur-Focused Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

If you’re looking to launch, acquire, or manage a business in Canada (outside of Quebec), PNP streams geared toward entrepreneurs may be your best bet. These programs are run by individual provinces and territories, each with their own criteria and business investment requirements.

A key thing to know: most of these programs require you to first operate your business on a temporary work permit before receiving a provincial nomination—which is essential to apply for PR.

Let’s take a quick tour of what the provinces are offering:

Alberta (Four Entrepreneur Streams)

• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For international graduates from Alberta schools who want to start or buy a business. Must own at least 34%.
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream: For foreign-educated grads looking to launch start-ups in Alberta. Requires a minimum investment of $50,000–$100,000 based on location.
• Farm Stream: For experienced farmers with $500,000 in assets ready to invest in agricultural ventures.
• Rural Entrepreneur Stream: Tailored for newcomers aiming to invest $100,000+ in a rural Alberta business.

British Columbia (Three Entrepreneur Streams)

• Base Stream: For seasoned entrepreneurs with a net worth of $600,000+ and a willingness to invest $200,000.
• Regional Pilot: Focused on small community businesses. Requires $100,000 investment and $300,000 in net worth.
• Strategic Projects Stream: For foreign corporations planning to establish a Canadian branch and nominate key staff members.

Manitoba (Great for Entrepreneurs and Farm Investors)

• Entrepreneur Pathway: For business owners/senior managers with at least $500,000 in assets and 3+ years of experience.
• Farm Investor Pathway: Ideal for those with farming experience and $300,000 to invest in a rural Manitoba farm.
• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot: For Manitoba grads who want to start a business instead of seeking employment.

Other Provinces Offering Entrepreneur PNP Streams

• Nova Scotia: Offers both Entrepreneur and International Graduate Entrepreneur streams. Investment starts at $100,000.
• Newfoundland & Labrador: Includes streams for both seasoned entrepreneurs and recent grads of local institutions.
• New Brunswick: Offers one Business Immigration Stream requiring a $500,000 net worth.
• Prince Edward Island: Requires $600,000 net worth and offers a work permit-based business stream.
• Yukon and Northwest Territories: Both offer business nominee programs with varying investment and net worth thresholds depending on location and industry.

Each of these PNPs has unique eligibility requirements, including language proficiency, education, and business performance benchmarks. Be sure to read the fine print—or better yet, chat with an immigration consultant to see which stream suits you best.

Considering Quebec? Here Are Your Business Immigration Options

Quebec operates its own immigration system, including specific programs for business-minded newcomers. If the French-speaking province appeals to you, here are three main pathways you can explore:

• Investor Program: Designed for high-net-worth individuals with at least two years of managerial experience and $1.2 million to invest through a government-approved financial intermediary.
• Entrepreneur Program: For those launching or acquiring an innovative business in Quebec. Requirements vary based on your business model and industry.
• Self-Employed Program: For professionals with $100,000+ in assets and two years of relevant work experience, aiming to work independently in Quebec.

Keep in mind, all Quebec business streams require you to meet certain language benchmarks, notably a NCLC level 7 in French. So if you’re bilingual or planning to brush up, this could be a great route for you.

The C11 Work Permit: A “Work First, PR Later” Approach

The C11 work permit—sometimes called the significant benefit permit—offers entrepreneurs the chance to set up shop in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It falls under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP).

Here’s how it works: if your business venture offers a clear and measurable benefit to the Canadian economy—like job creation, innovation, or export growth—you can come on a work permit and operate the business. Later, you may qualify for PR through options like Express Entry or a PNP stream.

To qualify for a C11 permit, you must:

• Own at least 51% of the business
• Show your business is ready (or very close) to launching
• Have enough funds to support yourself and your family
• Actively manage and grow your Canadian business
• Bring relevant industry experience and management skills

Just a heads-up: self-employment experience gained while on the C11 doesn’t count toward the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream under Express Entry. But it can still help you qualify under other federal or provincial programs.

Final Thoughts: Your Entrepreneurial Dream in Canada Is Still Possible

Sure, the closure of the Start-Up Visa Program marks the end of an era—but it’s not the end of the road. Whether through a PNP, one of Quebec’s specialized streams, or the C11 work permit, Canada remains very much open to ambitious entrepreneurs looking to make a difference.

Every province has its own strengths and focus areas, so take your time exploring which region aligns with your goals, experience, and business vision. And if you’re unsure where to begin, you’re not alone—our team is here to help!

Want to find out which pathway suits you best? Discover your eligibility for Canadian immigration and take the first step toward building your business—and your future—in Canada.