The plan sets an annual target of 1,000 to 2,000 applications, returning to the levels seen between 2020 and 2022, when the targets were around 700-750.
Canada’s New Immigration Plan and Start-Up Visa Program:
A Shift in Strategy
The Canadian government’s *2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan* introduces a notable shift in its immigration strategy. By lowering the target for new permanent residents from 485,000 in 2024 to 365,000 by 2027, the government is addressing concerns about Canada’s ability to effectively support newcomers, especially as housing becomes scarcer and the cost of living rises. This isn’t just a change in numbers; it reflects the public’s growing concerns and Canada’s current challenges.
For the past decade, immigration was key to filling labor shortages and supporting an aging population.
However, as the strain on infrastructure, services, and housing grows, public opinion has shifted, with more Canadians now expressing concerns that there’s “too much immigration.”
In response, the government has scaled back its targets to ensure that the influx of new residents doesn’t outpace Canada’s ability to support them. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that this change aims to promote “sustainable integration.”
The Start-Up Visa Program’s Focus on Venture Capital and Priority Processing
Within this new approach, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program has also seen a reduction in its target numbers. The plan sets an annual target of 1,000 to 2,000 applications, returning to the levels seen between 2020 and 2022, when the targets were around 700-750.
This decrease doesn’t mean the end of the SUV program but instead signals a shift towards focusing onhigh-value ventures.
The government is expected to prioritize cases that have support from venture capital firms, angel investors, and business incubators affiliated with Canada’s Tech Network or other significant backers. These cases will receive faster processing times, ensuring quicker approvals. By focusing on well-funded businesses, Canada aims to admit fewer applicants but with a higher economic impact.
Desjardins Lawyers works exclusively with angel investors and business incubators that have obtained “priority processing” accreditation.
Changes to the SUV program and the overall immigration plan reflect a new approach in Canada’s immigration strategy. It’s no longer just about attracting large numbers of newcomers; it’s about managing growth sustainably. The SUV program’s focus on priority cases aligns with this objective, targeting high-impact entrepreneurs who can significantly contribute to the economy, while also allowing other applicants, albeit with longer wait times.
This approach brings up a deeper question about Canada’s future as an immigrant-friendly nation: Can immigration continue to drive economic growth, or are the social and economic challenges beginning to outweigh the benefits? The adjusted SUV program may offer a glimpse into how Canada intends to balance these competing priorities.
To learn more about the New Immigration Plan and the Start-Up Visa, contact your Immigration Coordinator today or write to us at: info@desjardinslawyers.com
