Urgent: Immigrant Entrepreneurs Demand Action on Visa Delays

UPDATE: Immigrant entrepreneurs across Canada are sounding the alarm over significant delays in the Start-up Visa (SUV) program, which they claim are stalling their businesses and futures. Thousands, including Steeson Mathew, founder of Loop Parking, are caught in bureaucratic limbo, awaiting permanent residency (PR) to fully realize their potential.

Mathew, who moved from India to Canada four years ago, has developed AI-powered parking solutions that have garnered contracts in Newmarket and Vaughan. Despite this success, he remains unable to secure the PR necessary to scale his business. “The technology is ready,” Mathew stated. “But without PR, we can’t take that next leap.”

As of Friday, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that over 42,000 applications are currently pending, with 16,370 applications stuck for more than two years. The program, initially touted as a fast-track to citizenship, has become a source of frustration and uncertainty for many.

“These delays make Canada a less attractive destination for international founders,” said Mathew. “Canada gave us an opportunity. Now we just need it to follow through.”

Mathew is not alone. Allison Le and Ryo Wu, co-founders of the food app COOCO, echo his sentiments. They were drawn to Canada by the SUV program’s promises of expedited PR. However, after applying in October 2022, the projected processing time has ballooned from 18 months to over 51 months. “Now our funds have reached their limit — and we can’t raise more because we’re still temporary residents,” Wu explained.

Investors are hesitant to commit without permanent status, while access to loans remains a major hurdle. “I’m the largest shareholder in my company, and I still can’t get a line of credit,” Mathew lamented. “The banks just won’t lend to someone like me.”

The emotional toll is palpable. Wu and Le face the anxiety of temporary status, with work permits expiring in early 2026. “It’s not just about the business,” Wu said. “It’s about stability — knowing you can plan your life here.”

As the delays continue, Mathew’s personal sacrifices mount. He hasn’t seen his family in six years and has missed significant life events, including his brother’s wedding. “We got married six years ago, and it still feels like we’re waiting for life to begin,” he shared.

The SUV program, launched as a pilot in 2013 and made permanent in 2018, aims to attract skilled entrepreneurs to build innovative businesses in Canada. However, the overwhelming number of applications has led to a backlog that has frustrated many applicants. “The number of SUV applications far outnumbers the number of planned admissions spaces,” IRCC admitted.

To address this backlog, policy changes were introduced, including a cap on designated organizations endorsing SUV applicants. In April 2024, Minister Marc Miller reduced the annual PR target to 2,000 for 2025. Despite these changes, Mathew argues they unfairly disadvantage those already in the system, leading to a lack of transparency regarding processing times.

“When I applied, the site said 18 to 21 months. Then it was 33, then 40, now 51. No real updates,” Mathew recounted, highlighting the frustration of applicants awaiting clarity on their status.

A petition circulating online, now with over 400 signatures, calls for the federal government to expedite PR applications and provide better transparency. “We’re not asking for shortcuts,” said Wu. “Just fairness — a clear, transparent process.”

As these entrepreneurs await resolution, the future of their businesses hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for government action to fulfill the promises made to immigrant innovators. The sentiment is clear: immediate change is crucial for the success of Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape.