Understanding Offences in Canada

Here’s the latest regarding the IRCC’s changes to the Startup Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs:

Start-up Visa:

• Changes implemented: As of April 30th, 2024, IRCC instituted new processing policies for the Start-up Visa program.
• Focus: The changes aim to reduce application backlogs and improve processing efficiency.
• Key change: A cap has been placed on the number of permanent residents accepted through this program. This cap limits the number of startups associated with each designated organization to a maximum of 10.

Read more in the article IRCC changes to startup visa programs: Denied Entry To Canada

Self-Employed Persons Program:

• Full pause: IRCC has implemented a complete pause on accepting applications for the Self-Employed Persons program.
• Duration of the pause: This pause is currently planned to remain in effect until the end of 2026.

Read more in the article IRCC changes to startup visa programs: Refugee visa in Canada

Reasons for the changes:

• Backlog reduction: The primary reason for these changes is to address the significant backlog of applications within the Federal Business Immigrant Category.
• Processing efficiency: By focusing on the Start-up Visa and temporarily halting the Self-Employed program, IRCC aims to streamline processing and reduce waiting times for applicants.

Current status:

• Start-up Visa: Applications are still being accepted under the Start-up Visa program, but with the new cap on designated organizations.
• Self-Employed Program: No applications are being accepted for the Self-Employed program until further notice.

Read more in the article IRCC changes to startup visa programs: Understanding Offences in Canada