The International Mobility Program (IMP) in Canada has paved the way for Canadian firms to hire temporary workers from all around the globe without having to worry about the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Another LMIA exemption, known as “C11 work permit Canada,” is available through the same IMP system. Entrepreneurs and self-employed persons can use exemption code C11 to apply for a work permit that does not need LMIA.
Obtaining a work permit is often the first step toward achieving permanent resident status in Canada. If you’re an entrepreneur or self-employed person wishing to work in Canada and ultimately become a permanent resident, the C11 entrepreneur work permit is an alternative to explore.
The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit requires you to establish or own a Canadian business that has the potential to provide significant benefits for Canada. Learn exactly how you can become eligible. In this post, we will go over everything you need to know about the Canadian C11 category work permit and its details.
What Is a C11 Work Permit?
A C11 work permit is a work permit application that is exempt from the LMIA and is aimed at those who want to run a business in Canada. Your business proposal is the main focus of the C-11. Candidate advantages include the opportunity to start his own company in any Canadian province and the flexibility to do so.
There are two types of entrepreneurs eligible for a C11 work permit. Entrepreneurs seeking temporary entry to Canada for the purposes of achieving their entrepreneurial pursuits and professional goals form the first category. The second group is interested in obtaining a C11 work permit under the entrepreneurial or self-employed residency plan.
A C11 work permit is a work permit that is exempt from the LMIA and is aimed at those who want to run a business in Canada. Your business proposal is the main focus of the C-11. Candidate advantages include the opportunity to start his own company in any Canadian province and the flexibility to do so.
There are two types of entrepreneurs eligible for a C11 work permit. Entrepreneurs seeking temporary entry to Canada for the purposes of achieving their entrepreneurial pursuits and professional goals form the first category. The second group is interested in obtaining a C11 work permit under the entrepreneurial or self-employed residency plan.
Using your C11 entrepreneur work permit, whether you want a short stay or permanent residence, you must satisfy the immigration officer that:
- You are the owner of a company or a self-employed person with a strong business strategy and assets.
- The business/venture/self-employed activity you run has the potential to provide significant economic, social, and cultural benefits to Canadians.
An application will be granted the C11 entrepreneur work visa if they can satisfy the immigration inspector on these two points.
What Is “Significant Benefit To Canada” Mean?
A C11 work permit may be accepted or denied based on its potential “significant benefit to Canada.” As previously said, the immigration officer evaluates the applicant’s planned company or business model for the country’s major advantage.
These are some examples of what “substantial advantage to Canada entails:
- The applicant’s proposed work would provide an economic boost to Canadians and permanent residents. The term “economic stimulation” may refer to a variety of things. For example, it might include the creation of new employment, the expansion of Canadian exports, or development work in any of the country’s regions.
- The applicant’s proposed activity would contribute to the progress of the country’s industry. The progress of the sector may also be viewed in a variety of ways. A business is usually considered to be bringing industry progress if it incorporates technical development, product/service innovation, and distinction, or enhances the capabilities of the Canadian workforce.
- The applicant’s proposed work is usually beneficial to Canadian society, has no negative implications, and does not interfere with the operations of Canadian firms.
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit Requirements
It is important to remember that running a company in your home country does not automatically entitle you for the C11 work permit. If you want to enhance your chances of getting a C11 work permit in Canada, you should be aware of the factors that immigration authorities consider when deciding whether or not an application is suitable.
- The applicant has the the capacity and skill to start a profitable company, or they have the means and know-how to buy an established company in Canada and develop it into a lucrative business.
- The applicant owns at least 50% of the company they acquire or start in Canada.
- The applicant has developed a well-thought-out business strategy that is both credible and feasible.
- The applicant has the ability to develop a set of activities that will benefit Canada and Canadians in a variety of areas and ways of life.
- The applicant has built a solid foundation for their business/work in Canada. They must, for example, have received funding for the company’s start-up. Before applying for the C11 work visa, entrepreneurs should have a hiring strategy in place and a selection of locations to buy or rent. Similarly, when filing for the C11 entrepreneur work visa, they must have begun building a network of Canadian partners, suppliers, vendors, and so on.
What Business Types Are Qualified For A C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit?
Entrepreneurs and businesses who want to have a principal home outside of Canada have reported having no difficulty obtaining the C11 work visa. Those who own or intend to open seasonal companies have a higher success percentage with C11 work permit applications than those who do not.
The following are some seasonal businesses/self-employed initiatives that have a lot of potentials and can be launched in Canada.
- Outdoor Adventure Company
- Lawn care and landscaping
- Chimney sweeping service
- Moving services
- Christmas/Halloween retailer
- Pool maintenance services
- Personal trainer or coach
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit Form
A foreign national must have obtained approval from the Immigration Program Guidance Branch (IPG) to submit the “Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)” form [IMM 5802] in order to be eligible. Click here to learn more.
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit Application
The application can be grouped into 4 stages:
First step > Have a Company in Canada
Owning a company in Canada is the first step on this pathway. You have three alternatives when it comes to operating a business:
- Buying a pre-existing company in Canada for as little as $150,000 CAD
- Buying a business franchise
- Starting your own company with a $ 100,000 CAD initial investment or more
Second step > Get A C-11 Work Permit
The next step after establishing a company in Canada is to apply for a Work Permit.
- As a Canadian business owner, you must be willing to adhere to the following conditions:
- You must pay yourself a salary in Canada that is at least equal to the median income for your planned employment (about $50-$60 per hour). as a senior executive
- Engage in active management of the firm and fulfil the tasks of your role by hiring at least one Canadian or retaining current workers.
- You should only work for your own business.
New business work licenses are typically provided for one year, with the ability to be extended for up to 5-7 years (depending on the position). Your office must have at least one Canadian employee at the conclusion of your first work permit.
Your family members are welcome to join you in Canada. Your spouse will be able to work in Canada, and your children will be able to attend free public schools. As a company owner-operator in Canada, you may take advantage of the following benefits:
- Everyone in Canada has free access to high-quality health care;
- Children’s education is free (save for post-secondary education);
- A spouse’s employment permit is open;
- Possibility of applying for permanent residency as soon as the firm is up and running and a satisfactory letter from the Canada Revenue Agency saying that the post is a Senior Manager role is obtained (this is the difference between LMIA)
- Once the letter is received, you will be able to apply for 200 points using Express Entry.
C11 Work Permit Processing Time
The average processing time of the application is (90 days for a work permit). However, please note that due to the COVID 19 restrictions it’s not possible to give accurate processing times for most applications. If you have already submitted your application, you can check its status here.
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit Extension
Extensions for C11 work permits may only be approved while an application for permanent residency (normal extension procedures apply) or in exceptional circumstances are being completed. Significant investment projects or applicants awaiting a provincial nomination certificate are instances of exceptional circumstances. There must be a letter from the province or territory expressing their continuous support.
Canadapt Consulting is a Canadian immigration consulting law firm with a difference. We employ experienced consultants who have dealt with Canadian immigration extensively and can provide invaluable advice to people who want permanent residency in the country – the C11 work permit pathway gives you this status. Contact us today and get your application to be thorough, complete, and submitted according to the requirements of the program.