Canada has stopped taking new applications for its federal Start Up Visa program and says it will launch a new, more targeted entrepreneur pathway in 2026. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirmed that intake under the scheme will close at 11.59 p.m. on December 31, 2025, after years of mounting backlogs and long processing times.
IRCC already halted applications for the optional Start Up Visa work permit on December 19, ending the route that allowed many founders to move to Canada while they waited for permanent residence decisions. Only entrepreneurs already in Canada on a valid SUV related permit can still apply for extensions.
Officials say the pause will help clear existing cases and prepare for a new pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs that is expected to start in 2026. The government says the replacement will focus on quality over quantity, prioritising founders already in Canada whose businesses show clear, immediate economic impact.
Under the transition rules, entrepreneurs who obtain a commitment certificate from a designated organisation before the end of 2025 but have not yet applied will still be able to submit a Start Up Visa application. They must file a complete permanent residence application by June 30, 2026, to benefit from this narrow window.
Sources quoted in specialist immigration reports say the new pilot is likely to include higher job creation requirements, staged investment and an annual cap of about 2,000 principal applicants. The tighter intake is meant to ease pressure on housing and healthcare while still attracting high growth firms in areas such as clean tech, artificial intelligence and other priority sectors.
Canada’s Start Up Visa had come under criticism in 2025 after tools published by IRCC showed some applicants facing waits of up to 10 years for permanent residence. The government argues that redesigned rules should deliver faster decisions once the backlog is under control.
Officials emphasise that Canada is not closing the door to business immigrants altogether. Alternative routes remain open, including Provincial Nominee Program entrepreneur streams, intra company transfer work permits, other employer linked permits and study pathways that can later lead to permanent residency.
About the author
Ejuke back in Sevilla training ahead of Barcelona clash
Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke has returned to full training with Sevilla ahead of their La Liga clash with Barcelona.The Nigerian missed Wednesday’s session due to a minor ailment but was back with the squad on Thursday, easing fears over his fitness. Reports from Spain say Ejuke took part in team drills and tactical work, indicating he is available for selection for the trip to Camp Nou.His return is a big boost for manager Matías Almeyda, who has been dealing with several injuries in the squad. Defenders Kike Salas and Marcao, as well as forward Peque, are still sidelined, but other players carrying minor knocks have also resumed training.This has slightly improved Sevilla’s options as they prepare for a difficult visit to the La Liga leaders. Ejuke has contributed one goal and one assist for Sevilla this season, adding pace […]
Akor Adams ready and motivated to face Barcelona
Super Eagles striker Akor Adams says he is highly motivated and looking forward to facing Barcelona in Sevilla’s upcoming La Liga clash.The Nigerian forward believes the game is another chance to make history and prove himself against one of the biggest clubs in world football. Adams recently ended a frustrating goal drought by scoring in Sevilla’s 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.He described the goal as a major confidence boost and said it has put him in a positive frame of mind ahead of the trip to Barcelona. Sevilla coach Matías Almeyda confirmed that Adams is in good spirits and fully focused on the task ahead.According to the coach, the striker is working hard in training and understands how important the match is for Sevilla’s season. Adams has been an important player for Sevilla this campaign, […]
Veteran gospel singer Toun Soetan dies at 73
Veteran Nigerian gospel singer and songwriter Toun Soetan has died at the age of 73, leaving the Christian music community in deep mourning.Her death was confirmed in a family statement and by close associates on Friday, March 13, 2026. Toun Soetan, also known as Evangelist Shouet, was widely celebrated as the original composer of the popular Christian chorus Darling Jesus, a song that has been sung in churches across Nigeria and beyond for decades.Through this and many other songs, she built a strong legacy of worship music that touched generations of believers. Reports indicate that news of her passing was first shared on social media by family members and fellow ministers of the gospel.Tributes quickly began to pour in from fans, church leaders, gospel artistes, and colleagues who described her as a devoted minister and a consistent voice in gospel […]
Asake filmed struggling to touch Black Stone in Mecca
Afrobeats star Asake has been seen in a viral video struggling to touch the revered Black Stone at the Kaaba in Mecca during a religious visit.The singer, who recently shared clips of himself performing Umrah in Saudi Arabia, was surrounded by a large crowd of worshippers as he tried to reach the sacred spot. In the video, Asake is guided through the crowd toward the corner of the Kaaba where the Black Stone is located, but the heavy human traffic makes access difficult.At one point, he appears to gesture and speak with security personnel as he struggles to get closer, drawing mixed reactions from viewers online. The clip has sparked conversations on social media, with some fans expressing excitement at seeing the singer on pilgrimage and others debating his conduct in such a sacred and tightly controlled area.Many users also […]
Toyin Abraham opens up on impact of her political choice
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has spoken about how her open political support during the 2023 elections has affected her life and career.She explained that her public stance, especially her support for President Bola Tinubu, attracted heavy criticism and online bullying from some Nigerians. According to her, many social media users have repeatedly attacked her over the state of the country and demanded that she reveal the promises she said were made to her about good governance.She noted that the backlash sometimes extends to her family, particularly her children, which she described as painful and unfair. Toyin Abraham stressed that she is an actress and filmmaker, not a politician or government official, and should not be held responsible for government actions.She added that, like every other citizen, she only exercised her right to support a candidate and make a personal political […]
Top five films to watch in Nigerian cinemas this weekend
Movie lovers in Nigeria have a rich mix of action, drama, comedy, and romance to enjoy in cinemas this weekend.From new Nollywood releases to gripping thrillers and emotional stories, there is something for every type of viewer. One of the key highlights is Onobiren, a Nollywood drama that follows Roli, a young woman from Warri whose move to Lagos forces her to confront tradition and expectations.The film explores themes of resilience, identity, and womanhood and features performances from Ruby Akubueze, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bisola Aiyeola, Norbert Young, and others. Headless is another strong option for viewers who enjoy thrillers with social commentary.The movie follows a film producer who is arrested after a human head is found in his car, leading to an investigation that raises questions about crime, influence, and hidden power networks. For fans of emotional family stories, […]
Related
Trump says Iran’s new Supreme Leader is alive but “damaged”
United States President Donald Trump says he believes Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive but “damaged” after the US and Israel’s opening strikes on Iran. Mojtaba, whose father and former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war, has not been seen in public since he was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8. His first comments to the nation were delivered as a written message read out by a television presenter, fuelling speculation about his condition. An Iranian official told Reuters that the new leader was “lightly injured” and continues to function, with state TV referring to him as “war wounded.” Asked about rumours that Mojtaba might be dead or incapacitated, Trump told Fox News’ “Brian Kilmeade Show”: “I think he probably is (alive). I think he is […]
I lost my father and wife, Iran’s new Supreme Leader vows revenge
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has vowed revenge for the deaths of his relatives and other Iranians killed in recent strikes, saying Tehran will not back down from retaliatory actions. In his first public message since assuming office, Mojtaba said he lost his father, his wife, a sister and her child, as well as his other sister’s husband, in the air strikes that hit Iran late last month. He described the attacks as brutal crimes carried out by the United States and Israel and said they had deepened his resolve to pursue justice. The new leader also referred to a deadly strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran, which Iranian sources say killed around 160 to 170 schoolgirls on the first day of the war. He said Iran is “especially sensitive to the blood of our children” […]
Iranians face pressure as war tensions escalate
As tensions rise following escalating conflict involving Iran, mixed messages are being directed at the Iranian public about whether they should challenge their government. During the conflict, former US President Donald Trump urged Iranians to rise up and take control of their country, claiming the moment could represent a rare opportunity for political change. The call came after US military strikes reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, further intensifying the crisis. However, inside Iran, authorities have issued stern warnings against any protests or public demonstrations. Ahmadreza Radan, Iran’s police chief, said security forces would treat anyone taking to the streets at what he described as the “enemy’s request” as an adversary of the state. He warned that police and security units were fully prepared to act against unrest, emphasizing that the country’s forces were ready to defend the Islamic […]
René Redzepi resigns from Noma amid abuse allegations
The world-renowned Danish restaurant Noma is facing a major shake-up as head chef René Redzepi has resigned amid allegations of abuse and toxic workplace behavior. Redzepi announced his departure on social media, stating that after more than 20 years of leading the restaurant, he is stepping aside to allow the leadership team to guide Noma into its next chapter. He also resigned from the board of MAD, a non-profit he founded in 2011 that supports newcomers to the restaurant industry. The resignation follows accusations from former employees, reported by several media outlets including the New York Times, who described a culture of verbal and physical abuse, intimidation, and a toxic work environment in the restaurant’s kitchen. Former staff, like Jason Ignacio White, publicly shared that they had witnessed widespread mistreatment during Redzepi’s tenure. Redzepi publicly acknowledged the allegations, apologizing on […]
Estée Lauder sues Jo Malone over Zara perfume
British fragrance entrepreneur Jo Malone is facing legal action from cosmetics giant Estée Lauder Companies over the use of her name in a perfume collaboration with fashion retailer Zara. The dispute stems from a partnership between Zara and Malone’s newer fragrance brand Jo Loves. Estée Lauder argues that packaging used in the collaboration features wording that highlights Malone’s name, stating: “A creation by Jo Malone CBE, founder of Jo Loves.” According to Estée Lauder, this wording risks creating confusion with its own luxury fragrance label Jo Malone London, which the company acquired in 1999 when it purchased Malone’s original perfume business along with the commercial rights to her name. Under the terms of that agreement, Malone reportedly committed not to use the “Jo Malone” name for marketing or branding purposes in the fragrance industry. Estée Lauder now claims the Zara […]
Russia jails 19 over deadly Moscow concert attack
A Russian military court has sentenced 19 people over the deadly attack on a concert venue near Moscow that left 149 people dead and more than 500 injured, marking the deadliest mass shooting in Russia in two decades. According to state media, four gunmen received life sentences, while 11 accomplices were also convicted for their roles in the assault. Four additional defendants were handed prison terms ranging from 19 to 22 years. The attack occurred on 22 March 2024 at the Crocus City Concert Hall in Krasnogorsk, located on the outskirts of Moscow. Armed men stormed the venue during a rock concert, opening fire on the crowd before setting parts of the building ablaze. At the time of the assault, around 6,000 people were inside the concert hall. The fires triggered by the attackers quickly spread through the complex, eventually […]