In 2026, Canada remains the world’s most aggressive recruiter of global talent, but the rules have changed. Social media is currently flooding your feed with terrifying rumors: “They are rejecting 80% of applicants,” “The Start-Up Visa is dead,” or the confusing “90% Rule.”
If you are a business owner or skilled professional planning your move, stop listening to TikTok. Misinformation can cost you your life savings.
This “Problem-Solving Guide” cuts through the noise. We will decode the tax reality of the 90% Rule, explain why the “Free Visa” is widely misunderstood, and provide the real 2026 alternatives now that the federal Start-Up Visa has faced major intake freezes.
Problem #1: What is the “90% Rule” for Newcomers?
Status: Tax Regulation (Not an Immigration Quota)
This is the #1 myth confusing new immigrants.
- The Rumor: “Canada is rejecting 90% of new immigrants.” (FALSE)
- The Truth: The 90% Rule is a CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) tax regulation. It states that if you are a newcomer residing in Canada for only part of the year (e.g., you arrived in June 2026), you can only claim full non-refundable tax credits (like the Basic Personal Amount) if 90% or more of your total world income for that period came from Canadian sources.
- The Strategy: If you move to Canada late in the year and still have high income from your home country, you may not qualify for these specific tax breaks in Year 1. It has zero impact on your visa approval.
Problem #2: The “Start-Up Visa” Freeze (Critical 2026 Update)
Status: Paused / Restricted Intake
For years, the Start-Up Visa (SUV) was the “golden ticket” for entrepreneurs with no personal investment funds.
- The News: As of January 1, 2026, the federal government effectively paused or capped new intake for the Start-Up Visa to clear a massive backlog.
- The Risk: Agents selling you “guaranteed SUV spots” right now are likely selling you a spot in a queue that isn’t moving.
- The Solution (The “ICT” Pivot): Smart entrepreneurs are shifting to the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) or C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit.
- How it works: If you own a successful company in India, Dubai, or Nigeria, you open a Canadian branch and transfer yourself as a Senior Manager. This gets you a work permit faster than the SUV, and you can transition to PR later.
Problem #3: Is Canada Rejecting 80% of Indian Visas?
Status: Nuanced Reality
- The Reality: The viral “80% rejection” statistic primarily applies to Student Visas for generic, low-tier college diploma programs.
- The Business Reality: Approval rates for legitimate business visitors and specialized workers remain stable. The government is cracking down on fraudulent intent—students using education as a backdoor to work.
- The Fix: If you are applying from India, focus on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) for entrepreneurs (like Alberta or Ontario), which have much higher success rates than generic federal applications.
Problem #4: The “Free Visa” for Filipinos
Status: eTA Expansion (Not a Free Visa)
- The Rumor: “Filipinos can fly to Canada for free!”
- The Truth: Canada expanded the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) program.
- Who Qualifies: You are eligible for the $7 CAD eTA (instead of a $100+ Visitor Visa) ONLY IF:
- You have held a Canadian Visitor Visa in the last 10 years, OR
- You currently hold a valid US Non-Immigrant Visa.
- If you do not meet these criteria, you must apply for a standard Visitor Visa.
Financial Reality: Proof of Funds (2026)
Don’t get caught short. The Settlement Funds requirement changes annually.
- Single Applicant: ~ $15,000 CAD
- Family of 4: ~ $28,000+ CAD
- Quebec Warning: If you plan to study or settle in Quebec, financial requirements have tripled in 2026 to ensure students can truly afford the cost of living.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I move to Canada as a business owner with no money?
A: “No money” is a myth. While you don’t need millions, you need liquidity. The C11 Entrepreneur path requires you to show you can cover your business’s first-year operating costs (often $50k–$100k CAD).
Q: How much does a businessman make in Canada?
A: Small business owners in Canada typically pay themselves a salary of $60,000 – $120,000 CAD initially to keep taxes efficient. Corporate tax rates (Small Business Deduction) are generally lower (approx. 9-12% on the first $500k profit) compared to personal income tax.
Q: Is moving to Canada a good idea in 2026?
A: Yes, if you are in Healthcare, Trades, or Tech. The country is desperate for builders and doctors. If you are in generic marketing or administration, the job market is extremely competitive.
Q: How to get a Canada visa from Pakistan?
A: Use the official IRCC Portal. Avoid paper applications. The key is “Home Ties”: You must prove you have assets (property, business) in Pakistan that will compel you to return if your visa expires.
Final Verdict
Canada is open, but the “easy” doors (like the Start-Up Visa) are currently jammed.
- Stop: Applying for random college diplomas.
- Start: Looking at Provincial Entrepreneur Streams (OINP, BC PNP) or the Intra-Company Transfer.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules (especially regarding the Start-Up Visa) change frequently. Always verify details on the official Canada.ca website or consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).