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Canada Start Up Visa for Indian Nationals

The Canada Start Up Visa is a route to permanent residence for entrepreneurs backed by a designated organisation. New intake is paused, so this page sets out the status plainly rather than presenting it as open.

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Reference
Official authorityImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
ProgrammeCanada Start Up Visa
For nationalityIndian
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 19 May 2026.
This route is reported closed, paused or not currently available: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada paused intake of new Start Up Visa applications at the end of 2025. Only applicants who already held a valid commitment certificate could still apply for permanent residence, with a final deadline reported as 30 June 2026. A new entrepreneur focused pilot has been signalled for 2026.. We publish this page so the position is clear. Do not rely on older figures.

Eligibility for this nationality

When the route was open, Indian nationals were among the most active applicants and there was no nationality bar. Eligibility turned on having a qualifying business, support from a designated organisation, a minimum language level and proof of settlement funds, rather than on nationality.

New intake is now paused, so the practical position for a new Indian applicant is that this route is not currently open. Confirm the live status with IRCC before planning.

Routes

The route required a commitment from a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator. Reported commitment thresholds were higher for venture capital and angel investment than for an incubator place. With intake paused, these conditions matter mainly for applicants who already held a valid commitment certificate. Confirm the current rules with IRCC.

What to watch

IRCC has signalled a new entrepreneur focused pilot for 2026, which may carry lower intake caps and stricter eligibility. If you are considering this path, the safest step is to confirm the live status and any successor programme directly with IRCC rather than relying on older summaries.

ItemIndicative amountNotes
New applicationsPausedIntake of new applications was paused at the end of 2025. Confirm the live status with IRCC
Settlement fundsConfirm the current figure with the official authorityA proof of funds requirement applied for a single applicant. Confirm with IRCC
Designated organisation commitmentConfirm the current figure with the official authorityThresholds differed for venture capital, angel and incubator support. Confirm with IRCC

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 Indian nationals still apply for the Canada Start Up Visa?

New intake was paused at the end of 2025. Only applicants who already held a valid commitment certificate could still apply for permanent residence, with a final deadline reported as 30 June 2026. Confirm the live status with IRCC.

Was there a nationality bar for Indian applicants?

No. When the route was open Indian nationals were among the most active applicants and eligibility did not depend on nationality.

Is there a replacement programme?

IRCC has signalled a new entrepreneur focused pilot for 2026, with details to follow. Confirm the live position and any successor programme with IRCC.

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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