Canada · Processing time

Start-Up Visa (Canada): how long does it take?

By Sam Parks · Last checked: 1 June 2026

The Start-Up Visa closed to new applications on 31 December 2025 (PR applications already in the queue are accepted until 30 June 2026). IRCC’s posted processing window for queued applications has stretched to around 40–52 months; short-term work permits can be issued in the meantime.

How long does the Start-Up Visa (Canada) take to process in Canada?

The typical published decision window is 3.3 years – 4.3 years from a complete application. The Start-Up Visa closed to new applications on 31 December 2025 (PR applications already in the queue are accepted until 30 June 2026). IRCC’s posted processing window for queued applications has stretched to around 40–52 months; short-term work permits can be issued in the meantime.

Verified against IRCC — Start-up Visa on 1 June 2026.

Typical wait

3.3 years – 4.3 years

from complete application

Government fees

CAD 2,140 principal applicant plus family.

Last checked

1 June 2026

What is the Start-Up Visa (Canada)?

Permanent residence for entrepreneurs with endorsement from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.

The Start-Up Visa grants permanent residence to founders whose business is supported by a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Up to 5 founders per business, each receiving PR. Processing has lengthened considerably in recent years.

Sponsorship: No job offer or employer sponsor is required.
Settlement: This route can lead to permanent residency in Canada.
Typical permit length: Permanent residence.
Indicative government fees: CAD 2,140 principal applicant plus family.

How to read this estimate

The 3.3 years – 4.3 years window is the time IRCC — Start-up Visa typically associates with the Start-Up Visa (Canada) — measured from a complete, correctly-lodged application through to a decision, not from when you start gathering documents.

Collecting documents, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the clock starts.
If the authority requests more information, the clock pauses until you reply — so a fast, complete response keeps your place in the queue.
Processing times shift with application volumes and policy changes. The IRCC — Start-up Visa page linked below is the only figure that is current on the day you apply.

Official source

IRCC — Start-up Visa

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/start-visa.html

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Start-Up Visa (Canada) take to process?+

The typical wait is 3.3 years – 4.3 years from submitting a complete application. The Start-Up Visa closed to new applications on 31 December 2025 (PR applications already in the queue are accepted until 30 June 2026). IRCC’s posted processing window for queued applications has stretched to around 40–52 months; short-term work permits can be issued in the meantime. These figures come from IRCC — Start-up Visa and were last verified on 2026-06-01. Always confirm on the primary source before you apply.

When does the 3.3 years – 4.3 years clock start?+

The clock starts when IRCC — Start-up Visa receives a complete, valid application — not when you begin collecting documents. Gathering evidence, getting qualifications recognised, and booking consular appointments all happen before the window starts.

Is there a way to speed up the decision?+

Some Canada routes offer a priority or premium service for an additional fee. Check the linked primary source for current options — availability changes and varies by consular post.

What makes an application take longer than expected?+

The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.

When should I treat my Start-Up Visa (Canada) application as delayed?+

Wait until you have passed the upper end of the published window (3.3 years – 4.3 years) before treating it as delayed. At that point, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Do not chase repeatedly, as this tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.