Top Start-Up Visa Alternatives for Entrepreneurs Now

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="7047e073-1f53-423c-9d42-3f1b51979e3a" data-testid="conversation-turn-251" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="request-69886e02-1980-832b-802a-1be59adff365-0" data-testid="conversation-turn-252" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> With the closure of Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program on January 1, 2026, many foreign entrepreneurs are exploring alternative pathways to permanent residence (PR). While a replacement pilot program is expected, business immigration to Canada remains very much alive through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Quebec business streams, and the C-11 entrepreneur work permit.

Below is a detailed overview of the strongest Start-Up Visa alternatives currently available.

Entrepreneur-Focused Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Following the SUV closure, entrepreneur-focused PNP streams are now among the most viable PR pathways . In 2026, nine provinces and territories continue to operate business or investor streams.

Most entrepreneur PNP streams require candidates to:

Establish or purchase a business

Operate it on a temporary work permit for a set period

Meet specific performance benchmarks under a business agreement

Demonstrate active management

Failure to maintain the business after nomination can result in nomination withdrawal.

Alberta Entrepreneur Streams Alberta offers four options:

Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – For Alberta graduates launching or buying a business (minimum 34% ownership).

Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – For experienced foreign graduates starting a business (investment of $50,000–$100,000 depending on location).

Farm Stream – For entrepreneurs with $500,000+ net worth and farm management experience (minimum $500,000 equity investment).

Rural Entrepreneur Stream – For entrepreneurs starting a rural business ($300,000 net worth; $100,000 investment).

British Columbia Entrepreneur Streams British Columbia remains one of the most active provinces for entrepreneur draws.

Base Stream – $600,000 net worth and $200,000 minimum investment.

Regional Stream – $300,000 net worth and $100,000 investment in smaller communities.

Strategic Projects Stream – For foreign corporations establishing BC operations.

Manitoba Business Streams Manitoba offers:

Entrepreneur Pathway – For business owners or senior managers with $500,000+ net worth.

Farm Investor Pathway – Requires $300,000 rural farm investment and three years of experience.

International Student Entrepreneur Pilot – Manitoba graduates operate a business for six months before nomination.

Nova Scotia Streams Nova Scotia provides:

Entrepreneur Stream – $600,000+ net worth and $100,000–$150,000 investment.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – One-year business operation requirement.

Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador offers:

International Entrepreneur Stream – $600,000+ net worth and $200,000 minimum investment.

International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream – For Memorial University or College of the North Atlantic graduates.

New Brunswick New Brunswick operates the Business Immigration Stream requiring:

$500,000 net worth

Business ownership or management experience

Intent to actively operate a business

Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island offers the Business Impact Category – Work Permit Stream requiring $600,000 net worth.

Yukon Yukon runs the Yukon Business Nominee Program for entrepreneurs with:

Three years of business ownership experience

$500,000 net worth

Northwest Territories Northwest Territories offers a Business Stream requiring:

$250,000–$500,000 net worth

$100,000–$250,000 investment depending on location

All PNP streams include language, education, and business viability requirements.

Quebec Business Immigration Programs Entrepreneurs wishing to settle in Quebec can explore three provincial options:

Investor Pathway – $1.2 million passive investment and two years of management experience.

Entrepreneur Pathway – For innovative start-ups or business acquisitions.

Self-Employed Worker Pathway – $100,000 net worth and two years of professional experience.

All Quebec business programs require meeting NCLC level 7 French proficiency standards.

C-11 Entrepreneur Work Permit The C-11 work permit , issued under Canada’s International Mobility Program, allows entrepreneurs to operate a business without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It is often referred to as the “significant benefit” permit.

This pathway is ideal for founders who:

Own at least 51% of the business

Intend to actively manage operations

Demonstrate economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada

Can financially support themselves

The C-11 route is often used as a “work permit first” strategy, later transitioning to PR through PNP streams or federal economic programs.

However, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), self-employed Canadian work experience does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry.

Final Thoughts Although the Start-Up Visa Program has closed, Canada continues to offer strong immigration pathways for entrepreneurs willing to invest, manage, and grow businesses. Provincial streams, Quebec programs, and the C-11 work permit provide structured alternatives for business owners seeking permanent residence.