On April 29, 2024, the Canadian government announced a series of reforms to its federal business immigration programs, signalling a strategic shift designed to streamline operations and address the chronic issues of application backlogs and lengthy processing times. Quietly, the government is also addressing abuses in both the Start Up Visa program (SUV) and the Self-Employed Persons Program. The changes outlined below take effect on April 30th 2024. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), the Honourable Marc Miller, announced that under the new reforms, the SUV Program will see a cap on the number of permanent residence applications accepted for processing annually. This cap is set to a maximum of 10 start-ups per designated venture capital firm, angel investor group, or business incubator. The latter will effectively stop the flow of hastily assembled SUV teams that fall short of being truly innovative start-ups. A high number of business incubators sprung up over the last few years, capitalizing on the high tuition fees they are able to charge to incubate a team of aspiring business immigrants. The problem became an issue of quantity over quality, and the restriction to 10 start-ups per designated venture is designed to improve selection and reduce processing times. As a result, a number of business incubators and VCs that built their business models on incubating a high volume of SUV clients will likely close shop, leaving more reputable incubators such as the members of Canada’s Tech Network to compete over high quality SUV start-up teams. This is a win for Canada. In fact, the Minister announced that applications tied to Canadian capital or supported by business incubators that are members of Canada’s Tech Network will receive priority processing. This initiative aims to concentrate resources on the most promising entrepreneurial ventures, The Self-Employed Persons Program, which caters to individuals with notable skills in art, culture, recreation, or sports, also faces a significant adjustment. Minister Miller announced a full pause on new applications to this program, starting April 30, 2024, and extending through the end of 2026. The decision was prompted by processing delays that have extended beyond four years, a duration that undermines the program’s efficiency and its intended benefits to Canada’s cultural sectors. During this pause, IRCC will focus on clearing the existing backlog while evaluating potential reforms to ensure the program’s sustainability and integrity. In other words, this program has also been abused and must be reformed. These changes are part of the government’s 2024–2026 multi-year levels plan, which also includes planned increases in admissions for the federal business category. Back to all posts Share this post:
Baljinder Singh Everyone in this office was incredibly supportive and helpful. In a situation that could have been very stressful, they took care of EVERYTHING. Thanks Jenny and Devika for providing exceptional service. Dealt with them for the second case, they kept me in loop for the whole process. Highly recommend using them again which in hindsight I will not have to but if you ever need legal help, they are definitely the people to go to!
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Victor Hernandez Andres and his team at Borders Law Firm really impressed everyone at Siller Helicopters. We came to Andres with a very complex case for work visas, with a time-sensitive and moving window. Andres was very responsive to all forms of communication which highly contributed to completing the work visa packets in a very short window of time. Their knowledge and attention to detail are impressive and made it a pleasure to work with Andres and his team. Our crews had no issues getting their work visas approved when they arrived in Canada. In fact, the Canadian officials complimented the visa packets they presented, stating they were the most professional and organized packets they had seen in a long time. Thanks to Andres and Borders Law Firm, Siller Helicopters was able to take part in the emergency restoration of power, to towns that were affected by this year's wildfires in Canada. Thank you again Borders Law Firm.
Ranjana Vashistha It was an exceptional experience with border law firm. They take time to understand client situation and offer the best option. Devika is well knowledgeable lawyer and easy to connect with. John took care of my case and went above and beyond my expectation. He was always there to answer my question. The most responsible lawyer I ever meet, to meet my deadlines, I know he worked many evenings and weekends. I strongly recommend this law firm. In fact no one should go to consultant. My each and every penny spend with this firm is worth more. I am thankful to Devika and John for helping me and my family for our immigration needs.