An adviser in Canada’s immigration department has warned against immigration programs favouring entrepreneurs due to previous failures. These programs, including the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program, allegedly resulted in minimal new businesses, inflated housing prices, and low-income tax contributions. Despite this warning, the immigration department is considering expanding the SUV program. Previously, similar schemes resulted in only 15% of immigrants starting a business and many dropping their businesses after two years. Furthermore, these immigrants reportedly purchased expensive houses and paid low mortgages and income taxes. The adviser concluded that it was time to review the economic outcomes of the SUV program and anticipated similar results. The department is currently evaluating whether to expand this program.
