In its latest alteration to the Canada Start-up Visa (SUV) Program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has tripled the duration of work permits for SUV applicants who are waiting for their permanent residence to be processed.
As of October 3, 2024, work permits granted through the Canada SUV Program are valid for up to three years rather than a mere one year. The change is both a reflection of the voluminous backlog of applications that currently await processing by IRCC and the need to eliminate the annual renewal process of work permits for eligible SUV participants whose permanent residence applications remain in the queue.
Further Flexibility
In addition to the substantial increase in work permit duration, IRCC has also made the new SUV work permit an “open” work permit, meaning founders in the SUV Program may seek other employment in Canada while they are working through the early stages of launching their start-up ventures. This adjustment provides entrepreneurs in the SUV Program with the ability to supplement their income by working for an employer to support themselves and their families while they are getting their start-ups off the ground.
Second Major Shift
The changes announced by IRCC come just more than five months after the Government of Canada department introduced strict limitations on the number of applications that each Designated Organization could submit each year.
“The new measures initiated by IRCC are welcome developments for founders entering the SUV Program. The extended time frame and new employment option offer more stability and flexibility to entrepreneurs attempting to juggle their professional and personal responsibilities while they await their permanent residence,” explained Chris Lennon, President of Empowered Startups.
“These alterations simplify the transition to Canada for program participants, which also makes Canada’s SUV Program more attractive to people who are considering various start-up programs around the world. As the restrictions on applications remains in place, this will only increase competition to secure a spot with an industry-leading incubator like Empowered Startups. Entrepreneurs who are seriously considering the SUV Program would be well advised to reach out immediately.”
Implications for Current SUV Participants & Applicants
While the changes to work permits apply to all new SUV applicants, IRCC made it clear that those who are currently on SUV work permits or have already applied for SUV work permits will need to submit a new work permit application if they want to benefit from the new regulations. Applications received prior to October 3, 2024, will be processed under the former policy, which grants a one-year, employer-specific work permit.
Applicants who have already submitted an application for an employer-specific work permit and would like to receive an open work permit, must withdraw their previous application, and submit a new work permit application. If IRCC has not begun processing the previous application for a work permit, applicants may apply for a refund for the processing fees.
More information on the Canada Start-up Visa Program