Business immigration to Canada now runs mainly through provincial entrepreneur streams and Québec's own business programs. The federal business programs have stopped taking new applications, and the 2026 Immigration Levels Plan sets a target of only 500 federal business admissions.
Federal programs: paused
Status on 11 October 2026: the federal Start-Up Visa program is paused: it closed to new applications on 31 December 2025, and the last applications, from people with a 2025 commitment certificate, had to be submitted by 30 June 2026. The federal Self-Employed Persons Program has been paused since 30 April 2024 and takes no new applications, and the federal Self-Employed Persons Program has been paused since 30 April 2024 and takes no new applications. IRCC continues to process applications it already accepted. We do not offer services for either program.
Provincial entrepreneur streams
There is no "entrepreneur visa". A provincial entrepreneur stream leads to a provincial nomination, usually after a temporary work permit and a performance agreement. You generally have to:
- submit an expression of interest and receive an invitation;
- show personal net worth and make a minimum investment, set by each province;
- start or buy a business and actively manage it, often with job-creation targets;
- meet the terms of a performance agreement before the province nominates you;
- then apply to IRCC for permanent residence, where admissibility (medical, security, criminality) is checked.
Status by province (as of 10 October 2026)
| Province or territory | Entrepreneur streams | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Rural, Graduate, Foreign Graduate, Farm | Open |
| British Columbia | Base, Regional, Strategic Projects | Open |
| Manitoba | Entrepreneur, Farm Investor | Open |
| Nova Scotia | Entrepreneur | Open, by invitation |
| New Brunswick | Business | Open |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | International Entrepreneur, International Graduate Entrepreneur | Open |
| Northwest Territories | Business | Open |
| Saskatchewan | Entrepreneur and Farm streams | Closed since 27 March 2025 |
| Ontario | Entrepreneur stream | Revoked on 25 June 2026 |
| Yukon | No business stream listed for 2026 | — |
| Prince Edward Island | See the province's site | Not confirmed |
Provinces change these streams often and cap the number of nominations each year. Always confirm the current rules on the province's own site (links in the sources below) before you invest.
Québec business programs
Québec selects its own investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed workers. These categories were open in 2026 and require oral French at level 7. See Québec immigration for how Québec selection works.
Things to watch
- Investment risk. Your money and your business are at risk whatever the immigration outcome. Get independent legal and financial advice on any purchase or investment.
- No paid introductions. Be wary of anyone who sells introductions to investors, incubators or businesses "approved" for immigration.
- Federal changes. IRCC has said it plans a new pilot for start-ups. No launch had been announced as of 10 October 2026.
Recent changes
- 30 June 2026: deadline for the last Start-Up Visa applications (2025 commitment certificates only); the program stays paused.
- 31 December 2025: the Start-Up Visa program closed to new applications, except for people holding a 2025 commitment certificate.
- 25 June 2026: Ontario revoked its Entrepreneur stream.
- 19 December 2025: IRCC announced new limits on federal entrepreneur programs.
- 27 March 2025: Saskatchewan closed its Entrepreneur and Farm streams.
How we can help
Anasse Boulbaroud, RCIC, can review whether an open provincial entrepreneur stream fits your profile, explain the steps and documents, and prepare the provincial and IRCC applications. We don't give investment or financial advice, and we don't broker business purchases or investments. The province and IRCC make all decisions. Book a consultation, see our provincial entrepreneur service, or our fees. For other routes, see provincial programs and Express Entry.