Start-Up Visa: 10-Year Processing Times. Should You Be Worried?
The Canadian Immigration Authority (IRCC) has publicly acknowledged that because of the high volume of applications, processing times for the Start-Up Visa have increased significantly, with some cases now projected to take up to ten (10) years (may be subject to revision and could decrease in the future). These extended timelines reflect the backlog and capacity constraints within IRCC’s processing streams.
The news isn’t great, but at Desjardins Lawyers, we remain optimistic, and here are Ten (10) reasons why.
#1: For applicants supported by Angel investors with committed capital (as in our case), the published processing times are largely theoretical and tend to overstate the actual waiting period.
#2: Currently, nearly 80% of designated business Incubators do not meet the Ministerial Instructions (MI72) issued on April 30, 2024. Surprisingly, new applications are still being submitted, mostly from South East Asia, China, and Iran, through incubators that fail to meet these instructions. Bill C-12 gives IRCC the authority to cancel applications en masse, which could dramatically reduce the backlog that has been slowing down processing times.
#3: IRCC currently publishes processing times to give applicants an idea of expected waits. However, these times appear to serve more as a strategic signal to discourage certain applications, particularly from business Incubators that lack a deep understanding of the system’s constraints.
#4: As of mid-2025, approximately 42,200 SUV applications are pending (17,900 principal applicants plus dependents), with some waits exceeding three years and certain new filings extending beyond a decade. While official data on how many are linked to non-compliant incubators is not published, estimates suggest that 15,000 to 25,000 applications are at risk under Bill C-12. Refusal rates from Incubators rose to 73% in 2025.
#5: Currently, 56 business Incubators are designated by IRCC for the Start-Up Visa, but only 12 meet MI72 priority standards. This leaves 78.5% of incubators non-compliant, putting all associated applications at risk.
While we cannot control legislative or administrative delays, here are proactive steps we are taking to mitigate risk and maintain momentum.
#6: Each case has undergone a thorough start-up project incubation process and is based on a credible and well-structured business proposal.
#7: The applications were submitted through anAngelwhich is currently under "Priority processing".
#8: OurAngel has committed an investment of CAD $75,000 per case.
#9: We ensure your application file is complete and credible and we promptly respond to any IRCC requests for additional documentation or clarification.
#10: The SUV Program may undergo significant updates as early as 2026. Applicants who file before the changes take effect could be protected under a grandfathering clause—positioning them to benefit from faster and more predictable processing.
Over the coming weeks, we will continue tracking developments and preparing backup documents when necessary and asked by the IRCC.
Thank you for your patience and trust.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to help you navigate through the Start-Up Visa Program
