🇨🇦 Canada — Business Immigration Developments
Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program Closed to New Applicants
IRCC has stopped accepting new SUV permanent-residence applications as of December 31, 2025, subject to limited exceptions tied to valid 2025 commitment certificates. SUV-related work permit extensions may still be available for applicants already in the pipeline.
Impacts & employer actions:
• Founder-led projects require earlier sequencing and alternative planning
• Fewer bridging options are available
• Provincial entrepreneur streams and employer-based permits are increasingly important
New Federal Entrepreneur Pilot Expected in 2026
IRCC has indicated a redesigned entrepreneur pilot may launch later in 2026, expected to focus on founders delivering clear economic impact and job creation.
Impacts & employer actions:
• Monitor for replacement pathways
• Structure Canadian operations to meet economic-impact criteria
• Consider provincial nomination options in the interim
Self-Employed Program Remains Paused
The federal Self-Employed Persons Program continues to be suspended, further narrowing federal business immigration routes.
Immigration Levels Plan Stabilization Strategy
Canada continues to emphasize permanent-resident admissions while limiting growth in temporary resident volumes. Policy focus remains on transitioning workers already in Canada to PR rather than expanding new inflows.
Impacts & employer actions:
• Prioritize retention strategies
• Expect heightened scrutiny on new work permit filings
• Plan earlier for PR transitions
Alberta AAIP Rural Renewal Stream Clarifications
Updated Alberta guidance confirms:
• Applicants must hold valid work authorization
• Community endorsement letters are valid for one year only
Impacts & employer actions:
• Align endorsement timing with permit expiry
• Begin renewals well in advance
Broader Political & Policy Context
Carney Government Signals Immigration Re-Calibration
The federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has continued to emphasize labour-market-driven immigration while tightening controls on temporary resident volumes and backlog management. Public debate has focused on enforcement measures alongside maintaining economic immigration streams.
What businesses should watch:
• Changes to temporary resident caps
• Processing-priority shifts
• New entrepreneur pilot announcements
🇺🇸 United States Business Immigration & Policy Updates
H-1B Selection System Overhaul
U.S. authorities have finalized a new wage-weighted H-1B selection system effective February 27, 2026, ahead of the FY2027 cap season. Higher-paid roles will receive greater weighting.
Impacts & employer actions:
• Review wage levels now
• Align roles with prevailing wage tiers
• Develop targeted registration strategies
USCIS Premium Processing Fee Increases
Premium Processing fees increase for filings received on or after March 1, 2026.
Impacts & employer actions:
• Update mobility budgets
• Evaluate timing for urgent filings
H-1B $100,000 Fee Litigation Continues
Court challenges remain ongoing regarding a newly introduced $100,000 fee for certain H-1B filings. Employers should prepare for cost volatility and alternative hiring strategies.
Consular Processing & Vetting Trends
U.S. consulates continue applying heightened scrutiny for business travelers and work visa applicants, including review of historical infractions and extended background checks.
Impacts & employer actions:
• Prepare candidates thoroughly
• Build extra time into travel and onboarding plans
Broader Political & Policy Context
Trump Administration Enforcement & Economic Policy Signals
Recent actions by the Trump administration reflect a tighter immigration posture, including:
• Moves to terminate Temporary Protected Status for certain groups
• Restrictions on SBA loan eligibility for non-citizen business owners
• Continued focus on border enforcement and compliance
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