C11 Work Permit Canada

The International Mobility Program in Canada allows Canadian companies to hire temporary workers from anywhere in the world without the need for a Labor Market Impact Assessment. 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 for Canadian immigration. In this post, we will go over everything you need to know about the Canada C11 visa and its details.

So, what is the C11 work permit?

In simple terms, the C11 work visa is a type of work permit for entrepreneurs, which falls under the International Mobility Program (IMP) in Canada. A C11 work permit allows foreign entrepreneurs and as well as investors to obtain a work permit in Canada as self-employed individuals.

This program is designed to support the entry of foreign entrepreneurs and investors into the Canadian labour market, with the goal of promoting economic growth and development in the country.

A C11  work permit application is an exemption 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 visa in Canada. 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.

The applicant will be granted the Canada C11 visa if they can satisfy the immigration inspector on these two points.

What does significant benefit mean?

“Significant benefit to Canada” refers to the potential positive impact that an individual’s planned company or business model could have on the country. When an immigration officer considers an application for a C11 work permit, they will evaluate the applicant’s proposed business or company to determine whether it could provide a significant benefit to Canada.

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 work permit requirements

It is important to remember that running a company in your home country does not automatically entitle you to a 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 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.

Who is eligible to apply for C11 entrepreneur work permit?

The C11 work permit is suitable for individuals who fit into one of the following categories:

1. Self-employed individuals who wish to start their own business in Canada.
2. Entrepreneurs who want to purchase a business or franchise in Canada.
3. Individuals who have been selected under one of the Entrepreneur streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs.

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 potential 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 work permit documents requirements

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.

Make sure to include all your relevant documents, including evidence of your entrepreneurial or managerial experience, financial documents, or support letters from vendors or customers in Canada.

How to apply for a C11 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.

Extensions

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.