Although Canada closed its Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program on January 1, 2026, immigrant entrepreneurs who want permanent residence (PR) still have several options.

While waiting for the new targeted pilot program meant to replace the SUV, foreign entrepreneurs can explore other business immigration routes. These include certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams and an entrepreneur-focused temporary residence (TR) to PR pathway.

Today, we will discuss the entrepreneur options after Start-Up Visa closes. 

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Immigrate Through An Entrepreneur-Focused PNP Stream

Applying through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream designed for entrepreneurs is now one of the best entrepreneur options after Start-Up Visa closes.

At present, nine provinces and territories offer entrepreneur, business, or investor streams that will accept applications in 2026.

Foreign nationals should note that some PNP entrepreneur streams are more active than others. For example, British Columbia held 16 entrepreneur draws in 2025 and already conducted one in January 2026.

General Note For All Streams:

Most PNPs require candidates to first establish as well as operate their business on a work permit for a certain number of months before they can obtain a provincial nomination. This nomination is only granted if the entrepreneur meets the business commitments highlighted in the business agreement signed with the province.

Entrepreneurs are also required to follow a business performance plan, which varies by province. This plan includes benchmarks that must be met. If the business fails after nomination but before PR approval, the nomination may be cancelled.

Alberta (Four Streams)

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

International student graduates from eligible Alberta post-secondary institutions who want to start a new business or buy an existing one in the province (with at least 34% ownership).

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

Experienced international graduates from outside Canada who want to begin a business in Alberta and are willing to invest at least $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the business location.

Farm Stream:

Entrepreneurs with a net worth of around $500,000, strong farm management experience, and enough funds to start or buy a farm in Alberta. A minimum investment of $500,000 equity is required.

Rural Entrepreneur Stream:

Experienced entrepreneurs from outside Canada with a net worth of at least $300,000 who want to begin or buy a business in a rural Alberta community. A minimum investment of $100,000 is needed.

British Columbia (Three Streams)

Base Stream:

Experienced entrepreneurs who wish to start/ buy a business anywhere in British Columbia. A personal net worth of at least $600,000 and a minimum investment of $200,000 are required.

Regional Stream:

Entrepreneurs who want to start a business in a small participating community in BC. A personal net worth of at least $300,000 and a minimum investment of $100,000 are required.

Strategic Projects Stream:

Foreign companies that want to establish operations in the province can propose key staff members to manage the business. This stream is designed for corporate investment projects.

Manitoba (One Stream, One Pilot)

Business Investor Stream
  • Entrepreneur Pathway:

Active business owners or senior managers with a net worth of at least $500,000 and three years of experience who want to begin, buy, or partner in a business in Manitoba.

  • Farm Investor Pathway:

Foreign nationals with a net worth of $500,000 who wish to establish a farm in rural Manitoba. At least three years of farm ownership and operation experience is required, along with a minimum investment of $300,000.

International Student Entrepreneur Pilot:

Graduates of Manitoba post-secondary institutions (two-year programs or longer) who want to start a business instead of working as employees. The business should be operated for at least six months as a senior manager before nomination.

Nova Scotia (Two Streams)

Entrepreneur Stream:

Experienced business owners or senior managers with a net worth of at least $600,000 who want to start/ buy a business in Nova Scotia. A minimum investment of $100,000 to $150,000 is required, depending on the location.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

Recent international graduates of eligible Nova Scotia institutions who have already started or bought a business in the province. The applicant should own at least one-third of the business and have operated it for at least one year.

Newfoundland And Labrador (Two Streams)

International Entrepreneur Stream:

Experienced business owners or managers with a net worth of at least $600,000 who want to start/ buy a business in Newfoundland and Labrador. A minimum investment of at least $200,000 is required.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream:

Graduates of Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic who have already started or bought a business in the province and have managed it for at least one year.

New Brunswick (One Stream)

NB Business Immigration Stream:

Entrepreneurs who wish to start, operate, and manage a business in New Brunswick. A net worth of at least $500,000 and experience in business ownership or senior management are required.

Prince Edward Island (One Stream)

Business Impact Category – Work Permit Stream:

Foreign nationals with business ownership or senior management experience who want to invest in or operate a business in PEI. A personal net worth of at least $600,000 is needed.

Yukon (One Program)

Yukon Business Nominee Program:

Foreign nationals who want to start & manage a business in Yukon. A minimum of three years of business ownership or management experience, five years of relevant work experience, and a minimum net worth of $500,000 are required.

Northwest Territories (One Stream)

Business Stream:

Individuals who want to start/ buy a business in the Northwest Territories. A net worth of at least $250,000 to $500,000 is required, depending on location, along with a minimum investment of $100,000 to $250,000.

All PNP streams listed above also have additional requirements, such as language ability, education, and other stream-specific criteria.

Immigrate Through A Quebec Business Program

As we have discussed entrepreneur options after Start-Up Visa closes, let us understand how one can immigrate through a Quebec Business Program. 

Well, entrepreneurs who plan to settle in Quebec can apply through one of three business immigration programs. Each program has different eligibility rules.

Investor Pathway:

For high-net-worth individuals with at least two years of management experience who can make a $1.2 million risk-free investment through an approved financial intermediary.

Entrepreneur Pathway:

For individuals who want to begin an innovative business, operate an existing business, or take over an existing business in Quebec. Net worth, experience, and other requirements vary based on the type of business activity.

Self-Employed Worker Pathway:

For individuals with a net worth of around $100,000 and a minimum of two years of experience in their profession. Moreover, applicants must plan to work in their profession in Quebec alone or with others, in an eligible field.

A key requirement for all Quebec business programs is meeting a minimum language level of Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level 7, along with other eligibility conditions.

Build PR Eligibility With A C-11 Work Permit

The C-11 work permit, also known as the “significant benefit permit,” is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt option under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). It is designed for foreign nationals who want to start, buy, or run a business in Canada.

This permit is commonly used as a “work permit first” pathway. Entrepreneurs can use it to launch as well as operate their business in Canada and later apply for PR through programs they may qualify for, such as:

  • A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • The Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry
  • Other PR programs that allow self-employed work experience

It is often used by founders and owner-operators when their business can show that it will bring a significant benefit to Canada. This benefit may include:

  • Job creation
  • Innovation
  • Skills transfer
  • Growth in exports
  • Economic development in a region

This is a required condition for approval.

Basic Eligibility Requirements For The C-11 Work Permit

In addition to showing that the business will provide a significant benefit to Canada, applicants must also:

  • Own at least 51% of the business
  • Show that the business is ready, or almost ready, to begin operations
  • Show they have enough funds to support themselves and their family (if applicable);
  • Plan to actively manage & grow the business in Canada
  • Have strong management experience & relevant industry knowledge

NOTE: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clearly states that self-employed work experience does not count toward Canadian Experience Class work experience requirements.

Palina Immigration Consultancy, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at Palinaimmigration.com.