Dear Supporters,
Thank you for standing with hundreds of founders, mentors, and advocates who believe in the potential of Canada’s Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program. Together, we’ve drawn much-needed attention to the growing delays and limited capacity that are holding back innovation and investment in Canada.
Now, we have an opportunity to take this movement one step further.
We’ve prepared an email template calling for greater transparency, faster processing, and expanded annual capacity within the SUV Program. To strengthen our collective message, we invite all petition supporters to:
✅ Send and share this email template with key decision-makers at your Designated Organization (incubator, accelerator, or angel group) and encourage them to endorse the joint statement.
Email Template
Subject: Building Canada’s Future – The Cost of Start-Up Visa Delays
Dear [President / Program Manager / Account Manager Name],
As one of the founders supported by [Organization Name] under Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program, I am pleased to share our new community-driven report: “Building Canada’s Future – The Economic Cost of Start-Up Visa Delays.”
The Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program has played a vital role in attracting global innovators who build companies in clean technology, health, and AI—contributing to Canada’s economic resilience. However, growing delays now threaten its impact and credibility.
A recent survey of more than 350 founders shows average permanent residence processing times of 36 months, extending to 4.5 years for 10% of applicants. These delays have placed an estimated $60–70 million in planned investment and 1,800 potential Canadian jobs on hold, according to Building Canada’s Future: The Cost of Start-Up Visa Delays Report.
With global competition for entrepreneurial talent intensifying, Canada cannot afford to lose its innovative founders to other jurisdictions. Designated organizations like yours play a crucial role in restoring confidence in the program and ensuring its continued success.
The report recommends three key measures to unlock the SUV Program’s full potential:
Establish a clear 12–18 month processing standard.
Set annual admissions at a minimum of 5,000.
Prioritize security screening with a 180-day completion target.
We kindly ask your organization to endorse the joint statement - and where possible, follow up with IRCC and CBSA to expand SUV program capacity and processing efficiency.
Your leadership and public endorsement would demonstrate unity across Canada’s innovation ecosystem and reaffirm the vital role of immigrant entrepreneurs in building Canada’s future economy.
Thank you for your continued support of Canada’s start-up founders.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
📎 Please note: A link to he report “Building Canada’s Future – The Cost of Start-Up Visa Delays” is attached below. You may include it with your email.
⚠️ This action is intended only for individuals who have applied through the Start-Up Visa program and are in contact with one of the Designated Organizations listed on the IRCC website.