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Get your free Roadmap SnapshotIRCC updated its start-up business class instructions on November 10, 2026: only the A77 work permit counts toward priority for pending applications.
On November 10, 2026, IRCC updated its officer instructions for the start-up business class (the Start-up Visa) to name the A77 work permit as the specific work permit that counts toward priority processing of permanent residence applications. The change only matters to applications already in IRCC's inventory: intake for the start-up business class has been paused since January 1, 2026, and the program is not open to new applicants. It is a clarification of instructions, not a new eligibility rule.
What changed
IRCC's program delivery update says the earlier instructions referred to a work permit available only to start-up visa applicants without giving its code. The updated instructions now identify that permit as the A77 work permit, and state that it is the only work permit considered for prioritization.
How pending applications are ordered
According to IRCC's updated instructions, applications are accepted into processing in this order, first-in, first-out within each level:
- Applications meeting the prioritization conditions under the new Ministerial Instructions, including where at least one member of the application group holds a valid A77 work permit.
- Applications where no one holds a valid A77 work permit but that meet one or more of the other prioritization conditions, which relate to the commitment: a designated venture capital fund (minimum $200,000), angel investor group (minimum $75,000) or business incubator (minimum $75,000), or an incubator that is a member of Canada's Tech Network.
- All other applications.
Who is affected, and who is not
- Affected: people with a start-up business class PR application already in processing, in particular those who hold or held a work permit while waiting.
- Not affected: anyone hoping to apply now. Intake has been paused since January 1, 2026; IRCC's instructions say some applications were accepted until June 30, 2026 because commitment certificates are valid for six months.
What it does not change
This update does not reopen the Start-up Visa, change who is eligible, or set a processing time. Priority affects the order in which files are taken into processing; it is not an approval.
What to do if you have a pending file
- Check the type and validity of any work permit held by members of your application group, and keep it valid if you are entitled to.
- Keep your contact details and documents up to date with IRCC.
- For background on recent start-up visa litigation, see our review of Zheng v. Canada. If you are exploring business routes that are open today, see our provincial entrepreneur programs page.
Processing times are estimates and no outcome is guaranteed. Official sources: IRCC's program delivery update of November 10, 2026 and the updated start-up business class assessment instructions.
Not sure how this applies to your situation? A licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) can review your profile with you.
