Start-Up Visa Closed in 2026: Best Canadian PR Options for Entrepreneurs and Skilled Workers

Canada’s immigration landscape has entered a new phase in 2026. With the official closure of the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program on January 1, 2026, many aspiring entrepreneurs are asking one critical question:

What Canadian permanent residence (PR) options are still open for business owners and skilled professionals?

The good news is — Canada still offers multiple strong PR pathways through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Quebec business immigration, and work-permit-first routes leading to PR.

This article explains the best alternative immigration pathways, recent provincial draws, and how international students, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers can still build a successful future in Canada.

---

Why Did Canada Close the Start-Up Visa Program?

The federal government closed the SUV Program to make way for a new targeted pilot program, expected to focus more strategically on innovation, regional development, and economic impact.

While the replacement program is still under development, entrepreneurs do not need to pause their Canadian immigration plans — because several active PR pathways remain open.

---

Best PR Options After the Start-Up Visa Closure

✅ Entrepreneur-Focused Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

For most entrepreneurs, Provincial Nominee Programs are now the strongest alternative.

These programs allow foreign nationals to:

• Start a new business

• Purchase an existing Canadian business

• Operate the business on a work permit

• Receive provincial nomination for permanent residence

Most provinces require applicants to run the business for a specific period and meet performance milestones before receiving PR.

---

Provinces Offering Entrepreneur Immigration Streams in 2026

Alberta Entrepreneur Streams

Alberta offers multiple options depending on background:

• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – For international graduates from Alberta institutions

• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – For overseas graduates with investment funds

• Rural Entrepreneur Stream – Ideal for business owners willing to settle outside major cities

• Farm Stream – For applicants with agricultural experience

Use Case:
An international student graduating from an Alberta college can open a small logistics or retail business in a rural community and transition to PR through provincial nomination.

---

British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration

British Columbia remains one of the most active provinces for business immigration.

Available streams include:

• Base Stream (higher investment, anywhere in BC)

• Regional Stream (lower investment, small communities)

• Strategic Projects Stream (for foreign companies expanding to Canada)

---

BC PNP Entrepreneur Draw – January 13, 2026

Stream	Minimum Score	Invitations
Base Stream	115	7

BC held 10 entrepreneur draws in 2025, issuing over 93 invitations, making it the most consistent province for entrepreneurs.

Use Case:
A tech entrepreneur with prior business ownership and $200,000 investment capacity can establish a digital services company in BC and later apply for PR after meeting business milestones.

---

Manitoba Business Immigration

Manitoba offers:

• Entrepreneur Pathway

• Farm Investor Pathway

• International Student Entrepreneur Pilot

Use Case:
A Manitoba graduate who opens a restaurant or service-based business and manages it for six months can qualify for provincial nomination — without needing Express Entry.

---

Atlantic Provinces & Northern Programs

Entrepreneur streams are also available in:

• Nova Scotia

• Newfoundland and Labrador

• New Brunswick

• Prince Edward Island

• Yukon

• Northwest Territories

These programs are especially attractive due to:

• Lower investment thresholds

• Regional immigration support

• Faster nomination timelines

Use Case:
An experienced retail owner investing in a small PEI business can enter Canada on a work permit and later transition to PR.

---

Quebec Business Immigration Options

Entrepreneurs planning to settle in Quebec can choose from:

✔ Quebec Investor Program

• $1.2 million risk-free investment

• Management experience required

✔ Quebec Entrepreneur Program

• Start or acquire a business in an eligible sector

✔ Self-Employed Worker Program

• For professionals such as consultants, designers, or tradespersons

⚠️ All Quebec programs require French proficiency (NCLC Level 7).

Use Case:
A French-speaking IT consultant can immigrate to Quebec as a self-employed professional and obtain PR through provincial selection.

---

C-11 Work Permit: A Powerful TR to PR Strategy

The C-11 Entrepreneur Work Permit is one of the most strategic immigration options in 2026.

What is the C-11 Permit?

• LMIA-exempt work permit

• Designed for entrepreneurs providing significant benefit to Canada

• Allows business owners to enter Canada quickly

Key Requirements

• At least 51% business ownership

• Business ready to operate

• Ability to support yourself and family

• Active management role

Once established, applicants may later qualify for:

• Provincial Nominee Programs

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

• Other PR pathways accepting self-employed experience

Use Case:
A startup founder launches a Canadian subsidiary using a C-11 permit, hires local staff, and later receives provincial nomination for PR.

---

Manitoba Skilled Worker PNP Draw – January 2026

Manitoba invited 55 candidates through strategic recruitment initiatives, including:

• Employer Services

• Regional Communities

• Francophone Communities

• Express Entry-linked profiles

Candidates with employer connections and provincial support were prioritized.

---

New Brunswick PNP Draw – January 2026

New Brunswick issued 379 invitations across:

• NB Skilled Worker Stream

• NB Express Entry Stream

• NB Strategic Initiative (Francophone-focused)

Successful Express Entry candidates can receive 600 additional CRS points, virtually guaranteeing permanent residence.

Use Case:
A healthcare worker employed in New Brunswick with one year of experience can secure nomination and fast-track PR through Express Entry.

---

What This Means for Canadian Immigration in 2026

Despite the Start-Up Visa closure:

• Entrepreneurs still have strong PR pathways

• Provincial programs are more important than ever

• Regional immigration is expanding rapidly

• Work-permit-first strategies are becoming the norm

Canada continues to welcome:

• Business owners

• International graduates

• Skilled workers

• Francophone applicants

• Rural and regional talent

---

Final Thoughts: Your Canadian PR Dream Is Still Alive

The closure of the Start-Up Visa Program does not mean the end of Canadian immigration opportunities.

In fact, 2026 offers more targeted, flexible, and province-driven pathways than ever before.

Whether you are:

• An international student planning your future

• A business owner seeking stability

• A skilled professional exploring PNP options

• A French-speaking applicant looking for priority selection

Canada still needs your skills, investment, and ambition.

With the right strategy, documentation, and pathway selection, your Canadian permanent residence dream can absolutely become a reality.