Canada
Start-Up Visa (Canada) processing time
IRCC posted a 31–40 month service window for Start-Up Visa permanent residence applications as of 2025 reforms. Short-term work permits can be issued in the meantime.
Typical window
2.5 years – 3.3 years
Government fees
CAD 2,140 principal applicant plus family.
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
Start-Up Visa (Canada) sits in the entrepreneur category. Typical duration: Permanent residence.. Indicative government fees: CAD 2,140 principal applicant plus family..
- Does not require a sponsor.
- Leads to settlement / permanent residence.
- Suited for: Tech founders with designated entity backing, Teams of up to 5 founders.
Primary 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?
IRCC posted a 31–40 month service window for Start-Up Visa permanent residence applications as of 2025 reforms. Short-term work permits can be issued in the meantime. These figures come from IRCC — Start-up Visa and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.