Startup Visa Program Timeline

[BigDreamBoy]

It appears that the immigration department might have paused the processing of applications, as there have been no recent reports of individuals receiving the desired approval email for a considerable period. Any clarification on this situation?

Yes, looks like it. They might resume after elections once new government and their policies are clear

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Yes, looks like it. They might resume after elections once new government and their policies are clear

While it's possible they're waiting for the election results, I don't think that should be the case. Immigration processing shouldn't be tied to political transitions. The department should continue its regular operations regardless of elections. There might be other reasons for the delay that we're not aware of.

 

[someone2024]

Pros:

1. Streamlined Process: With IRCC officers now solely responsible for reviewing the business ideas and progress, there might be a more streamlined process, reducing the complexity and waiting time associated with involving a third party (peer reviewers). This could make the process more direct and potentially faster for applicants.
2. Consistency: IRCC officers may offer more consistent and standardized evaluations, as they will follow official guidelines and processes, leading to fewer subjective interpretations of business ideas compared to a peer review system that might vary from reviewer to reviewer.
3. Clearer Accountability: Having one authority (IRCC) in charge means there is clear accountability for decisions. Applicants might find it easier to navigate the process, as they would be dealing with a single entity rather than multiple parties.

Cons:

1. Potential Overload: IRCC officers will now have more responsibility. If there is a significant volume of SUV applications, this could lead to delays or slower processing times. Officers might be overloaded with the dual task of reviewing business ideas and managing other application aspects.
2. Reduced Expertise in Specific Industries: Peer reviewers may have industry-specific expertise that could have been helpful in evaluating unique business ideas. IRCC officers, while experienced, might not have the same depth of sector-specific knowledge, which could result in a less nuanced evaluation of certain business ideas.
3. Less Feedback for Applicants: Peer reviews often provided constructive feedback to applicants about their business plans or progress. Without this feedback, applicants may be left with fewer opportunities for improving or refining their business proposals before IRCC makes a decision.

Impact of the Early Election on SUV Processing Times (April 28, 2025)

The impact of the early election on the processing times for the Start-Up Visa program could be significant, depending on how the election and any resultant government changes affect IRCC's operations:

1. Potential Delays: Elections can lead to temporary disruptions in government operations, as departments may need to focus on election preparations, transitions, and policies. During this period, some services (including immigration processing) could face delays, especially if there is a change in government priorities or a shift in immigration policy.
2. Governmental Priorities Shift: Depending on the results of the election, the incoming government might change the focus or structure of certain programs, which could either speed up or slow down processing times for specific applications like the SUV program. If immigration is a priority for the new government, there might be additional resources allocated to expedite processing.
3. Possible Policy Adjustments: Election outcomes could lead to the introduction of new policies or adjustments to existing ones. This could have an immediate impact on processing times, particularly if any major changes are made to the Start-Up Visa program.

In my opinion, the latter could not be accurate for in-progress SUV cases, especially when they've passed the eligibility. They won't use the new rules for old cases.

 

[JDI]

I think they slow down, as I haven’t seen any updates on internet, or might people have not shared here!!!
Btw,In my team no update so far

me too - no npdate

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Pros:

1. Streamlined Process: With IRCC officers now solely responsible for reviewing the business ideas and progress, there might be a more streamlined process, reducing the complexity and waiting time associated with involving a third party (peer reviewers). This could make the process more direct and potentially faster for applicants.
2. Consistency: IRCC officers may offer more consistent and standardized evaluations, as they will follow official guidelines and processes, leading to fewer subjective interpretations of business ideas compared to a peer review system that might vary from reviewer to reviewer.
3. Clearer Accountability: Having one authority (IRCC) in charge means there is clear accountability for decisions. Applicants might find it easier to navigate the process, as they would be dealing with a single entity rather than multiple parties.

Cons:

1. Potential Overload: IRCC officers will now have more responsibility. If there is a significant volume of SUV applications, this could lead to delays or slower processing times. Officers might be overloaded with the dual task of reviewing business ideas and managing other application aspects.
2. Reduced Expertise in Specific Industries: Peer reviewers may have industry-specific expertise that could have been helpful in evaluating unique business ideas. IRCC officers, while experienced, might not have the same depth of sector-specific knowledge, which could result in a less nuanced evaluation of certain business ideas.
3. Less Feedback for Applicants: Peer reviews often provided constructive feedback to applicants about their business plans or progress. Without this feedback, applicants may be left with fewer opportunities for improving or refining their business proposals before IRCC makes a decision.

Impact of the Early Election on SUV Processing Times (April 28, 2025)

The impact of the early election on the processing times for the Start-Up Visa program could be significant, depending on how the election and any resultant government changes affect IRCC's operations:

1. Potential Delays: Elections can lead to temporary disruptions in government operations, as departments may need to focus on election preparations, transitions, and policies. During this period, some services (including immigration processing) could face delays, especially if there is a change in government priorities or a shift in immigration policy.
2. Governmental Priorities Shift: Depending on the results of the election, the incoming government might change the focus or structure of certain programs, which could either speed up or slow down processing times for specific applications like the SUV program. If immigration is a priority for the new government, there might be additional resources allocated to expedite processing.
3. Possible Policy Adjustments: Election outcomes could lead to the introduction of new policies or adjustments to existing ones. This could have an immediate impact on processing times, particularly if any major changes are made to the Start-Up Visa program.

Do you think applicants who submitted their Start-Up Visa applications in 2021 or shortly after, and are now in the final stages with PAL , will be affected by the early election ?

 

[MostafaDot.ir]

There is no update, but I also check Telegram groups and there is no news, but another person in our group also took note and he had also passed all the steps and was waiting for the final decision.

 

[JDI]

There is no update, but I also check Telegram groups and there is no news, but another person in our group also took note and he had also passed all the steps and was waiting for the final decision.

Hi Mostafa,

could you please share these Telegram groups so we can join and follow up as well

cheers
mahmoud

 

[MostafaDot.ir]

Hi Mahmoud

mahmoud

HI Mahmoud
https://t.me/canstartup
it is persian

 

[Nima987]

There is no update, but I also check Telegram groups and there is no news, but another person in our group also took note and he had also passed all the steps and was waiting for the final decision.

Happy Norouz
It sounds they slow down the process, I don’t know why
But as all stages are completed for all essential members in team, I believe we will hear great news from you
Let’s keep fingers crossed

 

[SUVpr]

Do you think applicants who submitted their Start-Up Visa applications in 2021 or shortly after, and are now in the final stages with PAL , will be affected by the early election ?

everyone gets affected till they get a COPR

 

[Fiat@fifo]

Hi all SUV Experts,
I called the IRCC agent last month and he told me that there is a "Bring forward day" noted by the officer in my file (03-05-2025). I have asked "google" and learned that "The bring forward date is the estimated date when your application will be assigned to an immigration officer for review"
Just expect to know if somebody already got and had any experiences with the "Bring Forward Day" such as what you got & happened on your "Bring Forward Day"?
Your shared information would be appreciated very much!
Thanks
Hali

I find this post from 2010

All about BF'D :
-Only for some of us who didn't know...

BF'D is an acronym for "Bring Forward Date" in the Canadian PR processing system. Usually our file moves from BF'D to BF'D, as it is the day/date next earmarked by our VO to check our file. This actually serves to eliminate unnecessary clogging of the system... that if there is nothing further to add in a particular file, the VO moves to another case file to work on, rather than holding onto the same one.

What happens on a BF'D
In simple terms it is the date that the file will be looked at [again], assessed, reviewed by your case handling officer at the CHC. S/he will check if anything is lacking, any further queries to be made [to you], any documents to be asked or if any decisive action is to be made/taken. Basically it serves as a 'Reminder Tool' to the case processing officer & that your file is not 'forgotten'.

Now, if the VO observes that something is lacking [that which was asked for], s/he will probably attempt to contact you on this BF'D day and mark another BF'D on your file. This depends on the subject of check [the all time phrase 'Case-to-Case' basis]. Sometimes, if the check report warrants, the VO might not give you another opportunity and take a decisive action. Note: The situation is fluid & no one can really provide a sanguine comment on it.

Will the file be 'only' looked at a BF'D
No. If something like reports, results, documents etc. [eg. background/security checks] comes to the CHC in between, your file gets opened and assessed. However, if nothing is received in between, you get another BF'D. Note once again: If they are waiting for something and it comes as expected then the file continues to be processed further, if not then the file will be next reviewed on the BFD 'only'.

An Example
Every time we get a letter/email from the CHC -it carries a 'time limit' to submit something, right? Say 45 days, 60 days or 90 days... the ending day of that time limit is our next BF'D. As an example, if the CHC sent you a medical request [alongwith the forms] on 02 Jan 2010; and it carries a 60 day's deadline -it means your file has been marked with the next BF'D of 01 Mar 2010.

However, if your medical results are received before the BF'D [01 Mar 2010], say on 05 Feb 2010 -your file will be further processed on that day itself [05 Feb 2010]. If the med results didn't come by earlier, then it will be opened on 01 Mar 2010 -the BF'D day.

How many BF'Ds we get
Some BF'Ds are 'routine', as exampled above. Then there are some which is either case generated or because of us. By 'case generated' I mean, [eg.] if one's Security Report is pending from an external agency -the VO gives a BF'D & waits. If the report comes in time, action is taken. If it doesn't, one gets another BF'D. And the situation continues...

By 'because of us'* I mean if the VO had asked us for a document [or a couple of them]. It is wise that we proceed to submit the document/s asap. Reason? The case moves faster [read: it'll open before the BF'D]. If we don't, s/he may try to contact us on the BF'D day & log another BF'D on our file [result: Delay/s].

Delays due to BF'Ds
As stated above, except the 'routine' ones, other BF'Ds do delay our process. At the least [best scenario] each BF'D would be a month apart. Some might be more. The ideal action on our part is to submit anything that has been asked for asap. That would negate a BF'D. However, there can be times that something we just might not be able to send asap. In that case we 'must' send it by the 'deadline' -that'd avoid another BF'D, won't it?

*Many Consultants [so called agents] erroneously advise us otherwise. Stating, "Oh you got the meds, don't worry you have time till 60 days to do it". That's a 'bull'. I'd advise -do it asap, if the speed of your case process matters to you.

This post I chose to write 'coz many members are either clueless about the BF'D issue or take it lightly. Which, albeit causes delays [without our actual intention]. Moreover, there are repeated queries on the subject in various threads. I hope this helped...

 

[Hali-2025]

I find this post from 2010

All about BF'D :
-Only for some of us who didn't know...

BF'D is an acronym for "Bring Forward Date" in the Canadian PR processing system. Usually our file moves from BF'D to BF'D, as it is the day/date next earmarked by our VO to check our file. This actually serves to eliminate unnecessary clogging of the system... that if there is nothing further to add in a particular file, the VO moves to another case file to work on, rather than holding onto the same one.

What happens on a BF'D
In simple terms it is the date that the file will be looked at [again], assessed, reviewed by your case handling officer at the CHC. S/he will check if anything is lacking, any further queries to be made [to you], any documents to be asked or if any decisive action is to be made/taken. Basically it serves as a 'Reminder Tool' to the case processing officer & that your file is not 'forgotten'.

Now, if the VO observes that something is lacking [that which was asked for], s/he will probably attempt to contact you on this BF'D day and mark another BF'D on your file. This depends on the subject of check [the all time phrase 'Case-to-Case' basis]. Sometimes, if the check report warrants, the VO might not give you another opportunity and take a decisive action. Note: The situation is fluid & no one can really provide a sanguine comment on it.

Will the file be 'only' looked at a BF'D
No. If something like reports, results, documents etc. [eg. background/security checks] comes to the CHC in between, your file gets opened and assessed. However, if nothing is received in between, you get another BF'D. Note once again: If they are waiting for something and it comes as expected then the file continues to be processed further, if not then the file will be next reviewed on the BFD 'only'.

An Example
Every time we get a letter/email from the CHC -it carries a 'time limit' to submit something, right? Say 45 days, 60 days or 90 days... the ending day of that time limit is our next BF'D. As an example, if the CHC sent you a medical request [alongwith the forms] on 02 Jan 2010; and it carries a 60 day's deadline -it means your file has been marked with the next BF'D of 01 Mar 2010.

However, if your medical results are received before the BF'D [01 Mar 2010], say on 05 Feb 2010 -your file will be further processed on that day itself [05 Feb 2010]. If the med results didn't come by earlier, then it will be opened on 01 Mar 2010 -the BF'D day.

How many BF'Ds we get
Some BF'Ds are 'routine', as exampled above. Then there are some which is either case generated or because of us. By 'case generated' I mean, [eg.] if one's Security Report is pending from an external agency -the VO gives a BF'D & waits. If the report comes in time, action is taken. If it doesn't, one gets another BF'D. And the situation continues...

By 'because of us'* I mean if the VO had asked us for a document [or a couple of them]. It is wise that we proceed to submit the document/s asap. Reason? The case moves faster [read: it'll open before the BF'D]. If we don't, s/he may try to contact us on the BF'D day & log another BF'D on our file [result: Delay/s].

Delays due to BF'Ds
As stated above, except the 'routine' ones, other BF'Ds do delay our process. At the least [best scenario] each BF'D would be a month apart. Some might be more. The ideal action on our part is to submit anything that has been asked for asap. That would negate a BF'D. However, there can be times that something we just might not be able to send asap. In that case we 'must' send it by the 'deadline' -that'd avoid another BF'D, won't it?

*Many Consultants [so called agents] erroneously advise us otherwise. Stating, "Oh you got the meds, don't worry you have time till 60 days to do it". That's a 'bull'. I'd advise -do it asap, if the speed of your case process matters to you.

This post I chose to write 'coz many members are either clueless about the BF'D issue or take it lightly. Which, albeit causes delays [without our actual intention]. Moreover, there are repeated queries on the subject in various threads. I hope this helped...

Hi Fiat,
What the Great & helpful shared information is! Thank you very much!
Wish your file will be moved forward faster!
Best regards and have a nice day!
Hali

 

[Mr.N]

Hi everyone, thank you for the helpful information you all shared here. I just wanted to share our timeline:

Applied for PR through a priority DO - Feb 2024
AOR+Biometrics request - Sept 2024
Schedule A request - Oct 2024
Medical Request and ADR - Dec 2024
PAL for 1 of 2 co-founders - Apr 2025

We have a functioning software product with users and partners, team of 2 co-founders working together for 10+ years

 

[M3024M]

Hi everyone, thank you for the helpful information you all shared here. I just wanted to share our timeline:

Applied for PR through a priority DO - Feb 2024
AOR+Biometrics request - Sept 2024
Schedule A request - Oct 2024
Medical Request and ADR - Dec 2024
PAL for 1 of 2 co-founders - Apr 2025

We have a functioning software product with users and partners, team of 2 co-founders working together for 10+ years

I am almost same your timeline

Applied on Feb 2024
AOR on July 2024
Schedule A and ADR early Sep 2024
Medical late Sep 2024
ADR2 Dec 2024
ADR3 Jan 2025

From GCMS notes

Eligibility: In progress
Criminality : In Progress
Info Sharing : Complete
Security : Not started

Best of luck to you

 

[BigDreamBoy]

I am almost same your timeline

Applied on Feb 2024
AOR on July 2024
Schedule A and ADR early Sep 2024
Medical late Sep 2024
ADR2 Dec 2024
ADR3 Jan 2025

From GCMS notes

Eligibility: In progress
Criminality : In Progress
Info Sharing : Complete
Security : Not started

Best of luck to you

I guess your DO is priority as well, I applied in March 2024...no AOR yet.