Permanent residence
Business & self-employed immigration
Entrepreneur and self-employed pathways, several of which are currently paused.
Services / Permanent residence
Overview
Canada has offered federal business pathways for entrepreneurs and self-employed people, and several provinces run entrepreneur streams. Federal business programs have been paused or closed to new applicants, so the right route depends on what is open when you are ready to apply.
Key requirements at a glance
- Start-up Visa Program: paused and closed to new applications (the last window, for 2025 commitment certificate holders, ended June 30, 2026)
- Self-Employed Persons Program (for people in cultural activities or athletics): paused
- Some provinces offer entrepreneur streams with their own investment and residency conditions
- Owner-operators and investors may have temporary work permit options in some cases
How we can help
- Review which business pathways are currently open to you
- Compare federal, provincial and temporary options
- Prepare business plans and applications to the program's standard
Official information
This overview is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change, and your situation may raise issues not covered here.
Not sure where you fit?
Start with a one-hour consultation with a licensed RCIC and leave with a clear, written plan.