Moving to Canada 2026: Residency Routes for Investors and Families

If you are considering moving to Canada in 2026, it is essential to understand the significant changes to the immigration landscape. While many popular routes remain open, several key federal programmes for investors and entrepreneurs have closed or paused, shifting the focus to provincial opportunities and specific skilled worker criteria.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for 2026. We detail which programmes have ended, what new pilots are on the horizon and your primary options for securing Canada permanent residency. From skilled worker pathways and provincial entrepreneur streams to family sponsorship and a unique investor programme in Quebec, routes to Canada still exist for a wide range of applicants. For more relocation guides, see our Moving Abroad hub.

Can you still move to Canada as an investor?

Yes, moving to Canada as an investor or entrepreneur in 2026 is still possible, but pathways are more specific and targeted. The era of broad federal business immigration programmes has been scaled back. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has shifted its focus to attracting individuals who can address specific economic needs through their professional skills or by establishing businesses in particular regions or sectors.

For high-net-worth individuals, the primary route resembling a traditional investor visa is the provincially managed Quebec Investor Program. This remains a distinct option for those who can make a substantial passive investment. Beyond Quebec, opportunities for business-minded immigrants are in the entrepreneur streams of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These are not passive investment routes. Applicants must actively establish and manage a business in a specific province, meeting investment, job creation and net worth thresholds.

This change reflects a strategic pivot. Rather than attracting capital, the system now prioritises active participation in the local economy. Your business plan, management experience and commitment to settling in a community are more important than ever. Success for investors and entrepreneurs in 2026 depends on researching provincial needs and taking a hands-on role in your new Canadian enterprise.

What closed: Start-Up Visa and Self-Employed Persons Program

The Canadian government has changed two major federal business immigration programmes as part of a strategy to redesign how it attracts entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals.

The Start-Up Visa Closure Explained

The federal Start-Up Visa (SUV) programme was a popular pathway for innovative entrepreneurs who secured backing from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator. The programme is now closed to most new applicants.

IRCC officially closed the Start-Up Visa programme to new applications at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 31 December 2025.

A narrow exception exists for those who secured a valid commitment certificate from a designated entity in 2025. They have a grace period to submit their permanent residency application under SUV rules until 30 June 2026. No applications will be accepted after this date. Entrepreneurs who missed the deadline must look to other streams like provincial programmes or the upcoming federal pilot. For more historical context on this pathway, you can review our guide to the Canada Start-Up Visa.

The Self-Employed Persons Program Pause

Another significant change was the pause on the federal Self-Employed Persons Program. This was a unique niche for individuals with experience in cultural activities or athletics who could be self-employed in Canada and contribute significantly to the nation's cultural or athletic life.

Effective 30 April 2024, IRCC paused new applications for this programme. The pause will continue until further notice with no reopening date announced. The official reason was to address a large application backlog and re-evaluate the programme's objectives. Artists, performers, writers, coaches and other creatives must now explore alternative pathways like Express Entry if they meet the skilled worker criteria or provincial streams that may value their skills.

The new entrepreneur pilot (announced, details pending)

Following the Start-Up Visa programme's closure, IRCC announced a new entrepreneur pilot for 2026. This signals the government is redesigning its business immigration approach to be more focused and effective, not abandoning it.

This is only an announcement, with no specific details published. Key information like eligibility criteria, application process, number of spots, target industries and the role of designated entities is unknown. The government indicated the new programme will be 'targeted', suggesting a focus on entrepreneurs in high-growth sectors or those establishing businesses outside major urban centres. This aligns with Canada's goals of spreading immigration benefits and filling economic gaps.

Prospective entrepreneurs should monitor the official IRCC website at canada.ca for formal announcements and rely only on that information. The new programme will likely be central to Canada's business immigration strategy for the latter half of the decade, but its final form is still developing.

Main routes to Canada permanent residency

With changes to business immigration, understanding all options for gaining Canada permanent residency is crucial. The best route depends on your personal profile, including your work experience, education, language skills, family ties and financial capacity. Below is a comparison of the main pathways available in 2026.

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Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs

For many, Canada's economic immigration streams are the most direct path to permanent residency. They attract individuals who can contribute to the economy through their skills and experience. The two main pillars are the federal Express Entry system and provincial nominee programmes.

Understanding Express Entry

Express Entry is not an immigration programme itself but an online system IRCC uses to manage applications for three key federal economic immigration programmes:

1. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
2. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals who already have skilled work experience in Canada.
3. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade.

A candidate submits an online profile with information on their skills, work experience, language ability, education and other details. They are then assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. IRCC holds regular draws, inviting candidates above a certain score to apply for permanent residency. The government also introduced category-based draws targeting candidates with specific attributes, like strong French skills or work experience in sectors such as healthcare, technology or transport. This helps IRCC respond to labour market needs. Express Entry remains a primary route for anyone with professional qualifications and experience.

Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are a cornerstone of Canada's immigration strategy, allowing provinces and territories to nominate individuals interested in settling there. Each province manages its own 'streams' or programmes to select nominees who meet local economic and demographic needs.

For investors and entrepreneurs, PNPs are now the main business immigration pathway outside Quebec. Most provinces offer an 'entrepreneur stream' requiring a detailed business plan, a minimum net worth and a commitment to invest capital to establish or purchase a business. Unlike the passive Quebec programme, these are active investment routes. You must take a hands-on management role and typically operate the business on a temporary work permit before nomination for permanent residency.

PNPs also have streams for skilled and semi-skilled workers, many linked to Express Entry. A provincial nomination boosts a candidate's CRS score, effectively guaranteeing an invitation to apply. Requirements vary widely by province, with streams targeting tech workers in Toronto, farm owners in Saskatchewan or healthcare professionals in Nova Scotia. Researching official provincial immigration websites is critical to find a suitable stream.

Family sponsorship

Family reunification is a key priority of the Canadian immigration system. Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor close relatives for permanent residency. If your spouse, partner, child, parent or grandparent is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, this may be your most straightforward pathway.

Sponsors must be at least 18 and reside in Canada (or prove they will when the relative arrives). They also assume financial responsibility for the sponsored relative. This legal commitment, an 'undertaking', is to provide for the person's basic needs for a specified period, which varies by age and relationship.

Sponsorship applications are processed under several categories:

• Spouses, Common-Law Partners and Conjugal Partners: This is the most common category. Canada recognises common-law partners who have lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. The conjugal partner category is for couples in exceptional circumstances unable to live together or marry.
• Dependent Children: You can sponsor your dependent children, biological or adopted, to live in Canada.
• Parents and Grandparents: This popular programme lets Canadians sponsor parents and grandparents. Due to high demand, IRCC uses a lottery or invitation system to manage intake. Financial requirements are higher than for sponsoring a spouse.

Consult official IRCC guidance for specific eligibility requirements and undertaking obligations.

For the wider context, read our full what is a golden visa? every active programme compared (2026).

The Quebec investor route

For high-net-worth individuals seeking a passive investment route, the Quebec Investor Program is a unique option for 2026. While the federal government ended similar programmes, Quebec operates its own investor stream to attract capital and business people. It is administered by Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI), not the federal IRCC.

Applicants must meet stringent criteria, including a legally acquired high net worth, management experience and a significant financial investment. The investment is made through an authorised financial intermediary and is guaranteed by the Quebec government. Applicants must also sign an agreement stating their intention to settle in Quebec.

After selection by Quebec and receiving a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), applicants apply to IRCC for final admissibility checks, including health and security screenings, before being granted permanent residency. The process is detailed and requires extensive documentation. Find more details in our comprehensive guide to the Quebec Investor Program. For the latest requirements, applicants must check the official Quebec immigration website.

Citizenship by descent under Bill C-3

A significant legal change has opened the door to Canadian citizenship for many. On 15 December 2025, provisions of Bill C-3 came into force, amending Canada's Citizenship Act.

Previously, Canadian citizenship was generally limited to the first generation born abroad. A Canadian parent who was also born outside Canada could not pass on citizenship to their own child born abroad.

Bill C-3 restores a more generous interpretation. It allows a Canadian parent born abroad to pass on citizenship to their child also born abroad, provided the parent has a 'substantial connection' to Canada. This is defined as spending a cumulative 1,095 days (three years) physically present in Canada before the child's birth. This change is retroactive, so many adults previously ineligible may now claim Canadian citizenship. This is a direct claim to citizenship, not an immigration process. For more information, see our guide on Canadian citizenship by descent.

Step-by-step: how to move to Canada

While each pathway has a unique process, the journey to permanent residency generally follows these steps. Understanding this framework can help you plan.

1. Research and Eligibility Assessment: First, research all available programmes. Compare the criteria for Express Entry, PNPs, Quebec streams and family sponsorship against your personal profile. This includes your age, education, net worth, work history and family connections. Determine which one or two programmes offer you the highest chance of success.
2. Gather Key Documents: Most economic immigration programmes require a standard set of documents. You will likely need an approved language test (like IELTS for English or TEF for French) to prove proficiency. You will also probably need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify your foreign degrees, diplomas or certificates are equal to Canadian ones.
3. Submit Your Profile or Application: This action depends on your chosen stream. For Express Entry, you submit a profile into the candidate pool. For a PNP or the Quebec investor route, you typically submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or a full application directly to provincial authorities.
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): For points-based systems like Express Entry and most PNPs, you cannot apply directly for permanent residency. You must first be invited. This invitation is based on your score or suitability for a specific provincial need. An ITA is a major milestone.
5. Submit the Full Application for Permanent Residency: Once you receive an ITA, you have a specific timeframe to submit a complete application to IRCC (or Quebec). This involves extensive forms and all supporting documents, including proof of funds, work experience letters and police certificates.
6. Undergo Medical and Security Checks: All applicants and their accompanying family members must have a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician. You will also be subject to thorough background and security checks to ensure you are admissible to Canada.
7. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document and a permanent resident visa. The COPR is the official proof of your new status.
8. Land in Canada: You must travel to Canada before your COPR and visa expire. At a Canadian port of entry, you will present your documents to an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). They will officially 'land' you as a permanent resident.

Dual citizenship and next steps

As you plan your journey, it is wise to look ahead to Canadian citizenship. Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning you will not be asked to renounce your original nationality. You can hold a Canadian passport and a passport from your home country.

This offers greater freedom to travel, work and live in multiple countries. You must also check the laws of your country of origin. While Canada permits dual nationality, some other countries do not. It is your responsibility to understand if your current country of citizenship allows you to keep your passport. Learn more in our global guide to dual citizenship rules.

After living in Canada as a permanent resident for three out of the last five years, you can apply for Canadian citizenship. The process involves submitting an application, passing a citizenship test on Canada's history, geography and political system and proving your language ability. If successful, you will take an oath at a citizenship ceremony and officially become a Canadian citizen.

Your next steps should be to research the pathways outlined here. The immigration landscape is dynamic, so always cross-reference information with official IRCC and provincial government websites. Seeking professional advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant can provide clarity.

Frequently asked questions

How can I move to Canada without a job offer?

Several routes do not require a job offer. The Federal Skilled Worker Program within Express Entry is for those with foreign experience. Provincial entrepreneur streams and the Quebec Investor Program are based on your net worth and business or investment plans, not a job offer. Family sponsorship and claiming citizenship by descent are other major pathways that do not require you to have employment secured in Canada before you apply.

What is the easiest way to get Canada permanent residency?

There is no single 'easy' way, as the best route depends on your individual circumstances. For a young, educated professional with strong language skills, Express Entry might be the most direct path. For someone with significant assets and business experience, a provincial entrepreneur stream could be more suitable. For a person with a Canadian spouse, family sponsorship is the simplest option. The 'easiest' way is the one that best matches your personal profile.

Can I still apply for the Canada Start-Up Visa?

No, unless you are in a very specific situation. The federal Start-Up Visa programme closed to new applications on 31 December 2025. The only people who can still apply are those who secured a valid commitment certificate from a designated Canadian investment entity during 2025. These individuals have until 30 June 2026 to submit their final application. All others must look at alternative routes like provincial entrepreneur programmes.

Is there still a Canada investor visa?

Yes, but the options have changed. The main passive investor visa route is the Quebec Investor Program, managed by the province of Quebec and requiring a significant investment. Other provinces offer 'entrepreneur' streams through their Provincial Nominee Programs. These are not passive investments; they require you to actively establish and manage a business within the province. The era of a federal passive investor programme is over for now.

How long does it take to move to Canada?

Processing times vary dramatically by programme, application country and case complexity. Some Express Entry applications can be processed in months, while complex business or family sponsorship applications can take a year or more. It is crucial to check the official processing time estimates published by IRCC on its website, as these are updated regularly to reflect current operational capacity.

What are the language requirements for moving to Canada?

Most economic immigration programmes require proof of language ability in English or French. You must take a standardised test from an approved agency, such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF or TCF for French. The minimum score required varies by programme. Family sponsorship streams generally do not have a formal language requirement for the person being sponsored, but proficiency is essential for successful settlement and eventual citizenship.

Can my family move to Canada with me?

Yes. Most Canadian immigration programmes let successful applicants include their immediate family in their permanent residency application. This typically includes your spouse or common-law partner and your dependent children. All accompanying family members must be listed on the application and must also pass medical and security checks to be admitted to Canada. This ensures your family can start their new life in Canada together.

Is the Self-Employed Persons Program open?

No, the federal Self-Employed Persons Program has been paused since 30 April 2024. IRCC has not accepted new applications since that date and has not announced when the programme might reopen. This pause was implemented to allow the department to process a backlog and review the programme's objectives. Individuals in arts and athletics must now seek alternative immigration pathways.

What is the new entrepreneur pilot for 2026?

The Canadian government announced it will launch a new federal entrepreneur pilot in 2026 to replace the closed Start-Up Visa. However, no official details about the programme's criteria, eligibility or application process have been released. It is expected to be a 'targeted' pilot, likely focusing on specific industries or regional development goals. Prospective applicants should monitor the official IRCC website for definitive information as it becomes available.

Does Canada allow dual citizenship?

Yes, Canada recognises and allows dual citizenship. When you become a Canadian citizen, you are not required by the Canadian government to renounce your previous citizenship. You can be a citizen of both Canada and another country. It is important, however, to check the laws of your country of origin, as some countries do not permit their citizens to hold a second nationality.

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Sources

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (https://www.canada.ca)
• CIC News, December 2025