Start-up Visa Program
Start-Up Business Class
The Start-up Visa Program gave permanent residence to entrepreneurs backed by a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator. The program was paused on June 30, 2026 and IRCC is not accepting new applications; applications received before then are still processed.
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo in the last 21 days
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you've been in DR Congo in the last 21 days, you can't enter Canada, board a flight to Canada or connect through a Canadian airport, unless you fall under an exemption.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC, page date 2026-10-08) New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak (PHAC, 19 Jul 2026) Government of Canada extends temporary border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, Aug 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Quarantine after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you're allowed into Canada after being in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, you'll get a health check on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, report to public health within 48 hours and check your temperature every day.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Visa applications paused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
If the last country you lived in, as stated on your application, is DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, Canada has suspended visitor visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas and paused new decisions. This depends on where you live, not your nationality.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Temporary measures (IRCC, page date 2026-09-28) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Canada
Money
3
Currency
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Canadian Dollar
Cost of living
90
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–33%
Income tax (national)
Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.
Living
1
Happiness
#24 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
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Whether you need a licence or registration to work in your field here
Who it’s for
Entrepreneurs who already applied before June 30, 2026 with a commitment from a designated organization. New applicants cannot apply while the program is paused.
Eligibility
Program paused
IRCC paused the program on June 30, 2026 and is not accepting new applications. Applications received before that date continue to be processed.
Qualifying business
- Apply alone or in a group of up to 5 owners.
- Each applicant holds at least 10% of voting rights, and applicants plus the designated organization together hold more than 50%.
- After approval, the business must be incorporated in Canada, actively managed from Canada, with an essential part of operations in Canada.
Letter of support
A letter of support from a designated organization, which also sent a commitment certificate directly to IRCC. Each organization could have 10 complete group applications considered per year (from April 1, 2024).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 2 more requirements
- 7 documents
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Canada
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Canada
- Visit & tourismSuper visa for parents and grandparents
- StudyStudy permit
- Work permitsInternational Experience Canada (IEC): Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co-op
- 3 more routes with Premium
