You Applied for the Start-Up Visa.
Now You're Waiting. And Waiting.
The SUV backlog has grown to over 45,000+ people. If you're in it, you already know: waiting is not a strategy. There are faster, proven pathways to Canadian Permanent Residency — and we can help you find yours.
Risk-free guarantee · Refund if not satisfied · Fee applied to legal fees if retained
Chambers & Partners Band 4
The Legal 500 Tier 3
13+ Years in Business Immigration
4.8 ★ Google Rating
The Start-Up Visa Was Supposed to Be Your Path to Canada. What Happened?
You did everything right. You found a designated organization. You got your Letter of Support. You submitted your application with confidence. And then — nothing. Months passed. Then more months. Now years.
The Start-Up Visa program was never designed to handle the volume it received. The backlog has ballooned to over 45,000 pending applications, and IRCC has given no reliable processing timeline. Meanwhile, your work permit may be approaching renewal, your business needs legal certainty, and your family's future in Canada remains unresolved.
The hardest part isn't the waiting — it's not knowing whether waiting is even the right move.
The SUV Backlog by the Numbers
As of 2026, the Start-Up Visa program is one of the most backlogged immigration streams in Canada's history. With Bill C-12 now in effect, IRCC has new authority to manage applications — but no guarantee of faster processing.
45,000+
Applications Pending
10+ yrs
Typical Wait Time
Status Is Temporary
Your temporary status has an expiry date. Renewing indefinitely is not a long-term solution.
Business Needs Permanence
Your business can't grow with full confidence when your right to remain in Canada is uncertain.
Anxiety Does Harm Your Business
The anxiety of not knowing — every renewal, every IRCC update, every piece of news about the backlog — takes a real toll.
Keeping Waiting Is Not Viable
Most just tell you to keep waiting. What you need is someone who will assess your actual options of not waiting.
In One Hour, You Will Know Exactly Where You Stand — and What to Do Next
This is not a consultation where we explain the SUV program back to you. You already know it. This is a session built around your file, your profile, and your options right now.
A clear-eyed assessment of your SUV file and whether continuing to wait makes sense for you
Identification of the strongest alternative PR pathways based on your specific business and personal profile
Honest guidance on whether you can pursue a parallel pathway without affecting your existing application
A realistic timeline — not what you wish were true, but what is actually achievable
A detailed written follow-up email outlining every suitable pathway discussed, with specifics on each
SUV Backlog Alternatives We Regularly Explore for Entrepreneurs in Canada
Every situation is different. These are the pathways most commonly available to entrepreneurs already in Canada who are looking beyond the Start-Up Visa. Which ones apply to you is exactly what the strategy session determines.
PNP Entrepreneur Streams
Provincial Nominee Programs across Canada have dedicated entrepreneur streams for business owners. Several provinces actively recruit experienced entrepreneurs with demonstrated business profiles — independent of the federal SUV program.
Available in BC, Alberta, Ontario, Atlantic provinces, and more.
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit
The C11 Significant Benefit work permit allows entrepreneurs who can demonstrate significant economic benefit to Canada to obtain a work permit — which can then serve as a pathway to permanent residency through PR applications.
Can be pursued in parallel with an existing SUV application.
Express Entry
Depending on your education, work history, language scores, and Canadian experience, Express Entry may offer a direct, points-based route to PR — particularly for entrepreneurs with strong human capital profiles.
New Ontario senior manager category launched in 2026.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
If you have a parent company, subsidiary, or affiliated business outside Canada, the ICT pathway may allow you to transfer yourself to your Canadian entity in a managerial or specialized capacity — and then transition to PR.
Suitable for entrepreneurs with international corporate structures.
What Happens in Your Strategy Meeting
This is a focused, senior-level working session — not a sales call. Here is exactly how the hour is structured.
We review your SUV file and current immigration status
We start with your existing application — your designated organization, Letter of Support, time in queue, permit status, and any communications from IRCC. This gives us a clear baseline.
We assess your eligibility for alternative PR pathways
Based on your business profile, personal history, financials, province of settlement, and goals, we identify which alternative programs you are most likely to qualify for — and rank them by strength and speed.
We address your specific risks and concerns
Can you pursue a parallel pathway without jeopardizing your SUV? What happens if you withdraw? What if your work permit expires during the process? We address all of it directly and honestly.
You leave with a clear plan — and it is in writing
After the session, you receive a detailed follow-up email summarizing every suitable pathway discussed, your eligibility assessment, and recommended next steps. No vague recommendations — just a real plan.
1 hr
Your Time
One focused hour with Mariam Jammal, a Chambers & Partners-ranked business immigration lawyer. No junior associates. No generic checklists.
$250
Consultation Fee (USD)
A fixed, transparent fee. No surprises, no upsells. If you retain us, the $250 is credited toward your legal fees.
What Entrepreneurs Say About Working with Sobirovs Law Firm
"I have a pretty complex case (entrepreneur) and I've interviewed 5 different firms. From the beginning it was clear that Sobirovs had the most knowledge about all the different options. They were also more affordable. I am extremely happy with the entire process and support I've received. I've received my visa and couldn't be happier."
— Darius Moravcik ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I cannot appreciate Sobirovs enough for their outstanding service in helping me secure a work visa and permanent residency for my family in Canada. From the initial consultation to the final approval, they provided exceptional support throughout the entire process. Thanks to their efforts, we received our work visa and PR much sooner than expected."
— Sandy S. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"By pure heart, I lost hope — and then I met the Sobirovs team. They guided me in a way that helped me regain hope, trust, and self-belief. The whole team is very supportive, full of knowledge and confidence. I really thank you all."
— Naziya Shaikh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I have taken the services of Sobirov Law Firm for my Canadian immigration process, and I must say they have been exceptional, professional, and truly dedicated from the very beginning. My case was quite complicated, yet their team handled it so smoothly, efficiently, and with such a remarkable expertise which was far beyond my expectations."
— Faisal A S Shah ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
13+
Years in Business Immigration
Worldwide
Clients Served Globally
4.8★
Google Rating
Your Consultation is with Mariam Jammal — Chambers & Partners-Ranked Business Immigration Lawyer
Mariam Jammal is a business immigration lawyer at Sobirovs Law Firm with extensive experience advising entrepreneurs, investors, and high-net-worth individuals on Canadian immigration pathways — including Start-Up Visa applications, PNP entrepreneur streams, C11 work permits, Intra-Company Transfers, and Express Entry.
She has guided clients across industries including Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Gaming, Manufacturing, and International Trade. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Canadian Bar Association.
Mariam understands the SUV backlog from the inside — she has worked on these files, navigated IRCC's evolving policies, and helped clients find real solutions when the wait became untenable.
Sobirovs Law Firm is recognized by Chambers & Partners (Band 4) and The Legal 500 (Tier 3), with offices in Toronto and Vancouver.
Ready to Stop Waiting and Start Moving? Book Your Strategy Meeting.
Risk-free guarantee · Refund if you're not satisfied · Fee applied to legal fees if you retain us.
Common Questions from Entrepreneurs in the SUV Backlog
What can I do if I'm stuck in the Start-Up Visa backlog?
You may have strong alternatives including PNP entrepreneur streams, the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit as a bridge to PR, and other business immigration pathways. A strategy session will identify your best options without requiring you to abandon your existing SUV application.
How long is the Start-Up Visa backlog taking in 2026?
As of 2026, over 45,000 Start-Up Visa applicants are waiting for the IRCC, with processing times extending well beyond 10 years for many applicants. There is no guaranteed processing timeline. This has led many entrepreneurs to explore alternative PR pathways that offer more predictable outcomes.
Who will I be speaking with in the consultation?
Your consultation is with Mariam Jammal, a business immigration lawyer at Sobirovs Law Firm recognized by Chambers & Partners (Band 4) and The Legal 500 (Tier 3). After the session, you will receive a detailed follow-up email summarizing all suitable pathways discussed.
Can I apply for an alternative PR pathway while my SUV is still pending?
In many cases, yes. Depending on your profile and current status in Canada, you may be able to pursue a parallel pathway — such as a PNP entrepreneur stream or C11 work permit — while your Start-Up Visa application remains active. A strategy session will clarify exactly what is possible for your situation.
What happens if my Start-Up Visa is refused?
A SUV refusal does not end your immigration journey. Many entrepreneurs who were refused have successfully obtained PR through PNP entrepreneur streams, the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit, Express Entry, or other business immigration pathways. A strategy session will assess your full range of options.
How much does the strategy consultation cost?
The consultation fee is $250 USD for a full hour with Mariam Jammal. If you retain Sobirovs Law Firm, the $250 is applied directly toward your legal fees. If you are not satisfied with the consultation, we refund the fee — no questions asked.
You've Waited Long Enough. Let's Find Your Way Forward.
One hour with a Chambers & Partners-ranked immigration lawyer. A clear assessment of your alternatives. A written plan you can act on.
Satisfaction guaranteed · Refund if not satisfied · Fee applied to legal fees if retained.
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