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