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Canada Start Up Visa for British Nationals

The Canada Start Up Visa offered permanent residence to entrepreneurs backed by a designated organisation. New applications are no longer being accepted, so British nationals cannot start a fresh application at this time.

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Reference
Official authorityImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
ProgrammeCanada Start Up Visa
For nationalityBritish
Information current as ofJune 2026
Official source →

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.

Reviewed by the Passports for Kings editorial team. Last reviewed 9 May 2026.
This route is reported closed, paused or not currently available: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stopped accepting new Start Up Visa applications on 19 December 2025. Applicants who already held a valid 2025 commitment certificate were required to apply by 30 June 2026.. We publish this page so the position is clear. Do not rely on older figures.

Eligibility for British nationals

When the programme was open, British nationals could apply on the same terms as other foreign nationals. Nationality was not a barrier. The route required support from a designated organisation, language ability and settlement funds.

Because new applications are paused, this section is for context only.

Routes

The programme required a letter of support from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator. The applicant and the designated organisation together had to hold more than half of the voting rights in the business.

Timeline

With the intake closed to new applicants, there is no current timeline to publish for fresh applications. Anyone already in the system should confirm their position with the official authority.

Costs

Designated organisations set their own investment levels. A designated venture capital fund had to invest at least CAD 200,000, an angel investor group at least CAD 75,000, and incubators accepted entrepreneurs without a set investment. Applicants also needed proof of settlement funds.

ItemIndicative amountNotes
StatusClosed to new applicantsNo new applications since 19 December 2025
Venture capital investmentCAD 200,000Minimum from a designated venture capital fund when open
Angel investmentCAD 75,000Minimum from a designated angel investor group when open
Incubator routeNo set investmentAcceptance into a designated incubator programme

Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.

Common questions

Can a British national apply for the Canada Start Up Visa now?

No. New applications stopped on 19 December 2025. Only people who already held a valid 2025 commitment certificate could file, and that window closed on 30 June 2026. Check the official authority for the current position.

Is the programme cancelled for good?

The intake is paused rather than formally abolished. Future policy may change. Rely only on the official authority for the current status.

What are the alternatives?

Canada runs other economic routes. We do not name firms. Use Get Matched to reach a vetted advisor who can explain current options.

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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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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