Canada Start Up Visa is paused for new applicants. This page explains the current position so American nationals do not rely on outdated guidance.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
When the route was open it had no reported nationality bar, so Americans could apply like other foreign entrepreneurs. The programme is now paused and new applications are not being accepted. Only those who already hold a valid 2025 commitment certificate may still apply, by the published deadline.
The route required a qualifying business, support from a designated organisation such as a venture capital fund, angel group or business incubator, a language level of at least CLB 5 and proof of settlement funds. IRCC is not designating new organisations and stopped accepting new commitment certificates after 31 December 2025.
Because the programme is paused, there is no open intake for new applicants. Holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate were given until 30 June 2026 to apply. Confirm the live status and any future reopening with IRCC.
The figures below applied when the route was open and are shown for context only. Confirm current figures and the live status with IRCC.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Settlement funds (single applicant) | From CAD 15,263 | Required proof of funds when the route was open. Confirm current figures with IRCC |
| Designated organisation support | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | A venture capital fund, angel group or incubator must commit. Intake is paused |
| Government fees | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Application and processing fees applied when the route was open |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. The programme is paused. New applications stopped on 19 December 2025. Only holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate may still apply, by 30 June 2026.
That is not confirmed. Check the official IRCC page for the current status before making any plans.
No nationality bar was reported when the route was open. The current barrier is the pause, which applies to everyone.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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