Canada’s SUV Open Work Permit Is Closed: Why the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit Matters More Than Ever

A critical update for Start-Up Visa founders navigating Canada’s changing immigration landscape

Canada’s entrepreneur immigration landscape has entered a new phase.

On December 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced major changes to its business immigration programs, including the closure of the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Open Work Permit for new applicants.

This development has immediate and long-term consequences for SUV founders, particularly those outside Canada who are not authorized to work in the country. With the SUV Open Work Permit closed, IRCC’s focus has shifted even more strongly toward demonstrated intent, physical presence, and significant benefit to Canada.

For many founders, understanding the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit is now essential to protecting their permanent residence (PR) application.

Why the SUV Open Work Permit was so important

The SUV Open Work Permit was more than a temporary status.

It functioned as a key credibility signal in Start-Up Visa PR applications.

It demonstrated that founders were:

• Physically present in Canada
• Actively involved in building their start-up
• Contributing to the Canadian economy beyond incorporation documents

In multiple refusal decisions reviewed by the Federal Court, IRCC officers repeatedly cited one concern:

The applicant failed to demonstrate genuine intent to actively pursue the start-up in Canada.

The SUV Open Work Permit helped address this concern directly.

That option is now closed.

Increased scrutiny for SUV founders outside Canada

IRCC has confirmed that SUV applicants already in Canada with a SUV-specific work permit are being prioritized for permanent residence, as immigration levels allow.

As a result, PR files where founders are:

• Outside Canada
• Not authorized to work in Canada
• Not visibly engaged in on-the-ground business activity

are now assessed under heightened scrutiny.

This does not mean refusal is automatic.

However, it does mean that inaction is no longer neutral.

Watch: C10 LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Explained by Dr. Alex

There is a growing amount of confusion around the C10 LMIA-exempt work permit, especially among entrepreneurs and Start-Up Visa applicants.

Many founders are unsure:

• who actually qualifies for C10,
• how it differs from other work permit categories, and
• whether it can be used while waiting for permanent residence.

In the video below, Dr. Alex Titov explains:

• What the C10 – Significant Benefit to Canada category really is
• Who may be eligible under C10
• How C10 can apply to Start-Up Visa co-founders actively developing their Canadian business
• Key benefits and assessment criteria
• Why C10 can be a strategic temporary residence option when prepared correctly

👉 Watch the full video here:

📌 This video is highly recommended for SUV founders who missed the Open Work Permit window and want to understand whether C10 may still be an option.

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Missed the SUV Open Work Permit? The C10 option explained

For founders who missed the SUV Open Work Permit window, there is still one remaining strategic pathway to demonstrate real business involvement in Canada.

C10 Work Permit – Significant Benefit to Canada (LMIA-Exempt)

The C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit, issued under section R205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, allows foreign nationals to work in Canada without an LMIA when their presence provides a significant economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada.

In the context of Start-Up Visa applications, founders, co-founders, and key contributors may qualify if their role is essential to the success and growth of the Canadian business. Learn more

C10 vs SUV Open Work Permit: a critical distinction

Understanding the difference between these two pathways is essential.

SUV Open Work Permit (now closed)

• Available only to applicants listed as essential in the Commitment Certificate
• Required essential status under the SUV structure
• No longer accepting new applications

C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit (still available)

• ‍No “essential applicant” requirement
• Applicants do not need to be listed as essential in the SUV Commitment Certificate
• Assessed based on:
  
  • the applicant’s role within the business,
  • their level of contribution, and
  • the demonstrated economic benefit of the start-up to Canada

For many founders who were excluded from the SUV Open Work Permit pathway, C10 is now the most realistic option to work legally in Canada while PR is in process.

Key benefits of the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit

• LMIA-exempt under R205(a)
• Part of the International Mobility Program (IMP)
• Legal authorization to work on your SUV business in Canada
• Often more efficient processing than LMIA-based permits
• Spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit
• Dependent children may be eligible for study permits
• Canadian work experience can support long-term PR strategy

An essential clarification: C10 is merit-based

It is critical to understand that the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit is merit-based.

Approval is not automatic.

Each application is assessed individually by an immigration officer and must be supported by strong, credible evidence.

Why timing now matters more than ever

As Canada prepares to transition toward a new targeted entrepreneur pilot program in 2026, assessment standards for existing business immigration applications are expected to become more selective, not less.

For SUV founders:

• Waiting increases risk
• Intent becomes harder to demonstrate retroactively
• Options narrow once IRCC raises concerns

The closure of the SUV Open Work Permit has made early, proactive strategy essential.

Protecting your SUV PR file in 2026 and beyond

The closure of the SUV Open Work Permit does not mean that work authorization is no longer relevant.

On the contrary, IRCC’s emphasis on real activity, presence, and significant benefit to Canada has intensified.

For many Start-Up Visa founders, the C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit now represents the last realistic opportunity to demonstrate active involvement in Canada while permanent residence is under review.

Each case is unique and must be assessed individually.

Next steps: get professional guidance

If you are unsure whether the C10 pathway is viable for your situation, professional assessment is essential.

Book a Consultation or Start with a Free Pre-Assessment

At Anyvisa, our licensed immigration professionals regularly assist Start-Up Visa founders with C10 eligibility assessments and strategy aligned with current IRCC expectations.