C60 Work Permit Explained for Entrepreneurs

Executive Summary

The C60 Work Permit is one of the most reliable ways for global business owners and senior managers who want to permanently settle in Canada through business immigration. Designed specifically for business owners and entrepreneurs under a Canadian Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the C60 enables you to enter Canada and start building your business right away as you work towards your permanent residence.

This C60 work permit offers a structured, province-backed transition into Canada. It is currently used across business immigration streams across Canada, from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island, and has already helped hundreds of international business owners launch operations in Canada.

In this guide, we explain how the C60 works, who it’s for, how long it takes, and the specific requirements depending on your province. Whether you’re a business owner looking to relocate and settle permanently in Canada or a high-net-worth individual looking to reunite with your kids and build a business in Canada, the C60 Work Permit could be your fastest path to Canada.

C60 Work Permit: Bridge the Gap Between Provincial and Federal Approval

What Is the C60 Work Permit in Canada?

The C60 Work Permit is a specialized LMIA-exempt work permit issued under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) for global entrepreneurs who want to permanently settle in Canada and run their own businesses.

To be eligible, you must:

Receive a Letter of Support from a Provincial Nominee Program
Provide proof of your ability to run your business, including education credentials, past work/business ownership experience, and language ability
Proof of your financial ability to run your business;
Proof that you have strong ties to your home country
Proof that you have no adverse medical complications, a clear criminal history and a clear immigration record.

The C60 work permit is issued before permanent residence nomination, allowing you to physically enter Canada and prove your business viability as part of your immigration pathway.

C60 Work Permit Program Overview

Catergory	Details
Who Can Apply?	- Experienced business owners or senior managers - Must be establishing a business in Canada - Must be willing to move to Canada and manage the day-to-day operations of their business
Common Eligibility Requirements	- Letter of Support from a PNP business stream - Business experience: 3+ years as owner or senior manager - Investment: Typically, $100,000–$250,000 based on province - Language proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 - Robust Business Plan approved by the province - Residency: Must live and operate business in province of choice
Benefits	- Direct pathway to permanent residence - No employer sponsorship required - 2-year work permit - Spouse eligible for open work permit - Children can obtain study permits - Access to healthcare and public schooling - Ability to buy a residential property for you and your family - Investment only required after arriving to Canada - C60 issued before PR to allow business setup
Processing Time	- Work Permit Processing: 1-2 months + - Business Performance Period: 6 – 24 months on average - Timeline between work permit to permanent residence: 18-24 months
Key Considerations	- Business must remain active throughout performance period - Entrepreneur must reside near business and manage it directly - Mandatory to spend the pledged investment amount - Must create a minimum of 1 job for Canadians or Permanent Residents
Approval Rate	In our experience, C60 work permits have a 90% approval rate

Advantages of the C60 Work Permit

Many business owners who want to immigrate to Canada face a difficult question: How do I establish a business in Canada if I can’t get a work permit without one, and can’t get PR without a business?

The C60 Work Permit solves this problem. It provides a legally recognized bridge between provincial approval and federal permanent residence. Specifically, the C60 work permit offers 2 key advantages:

Direct PR pathway: It is part of a direct pathway to PR through Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs. Unlike other business immigration work permits, the C60 work permit has a clear, direct and predictable pathway to Permanent Residence.
High Approval Rate: In our experience, the C60 work permit has a 90% approval rate. Though there are many good business immigration work permit programs, the C60 has by far the highest approval rate and structured framework for success.

There are many strong advantages to the C60 work permit, but if you are looking for flexibility in business performance expectations, or if you’re not prepared to make a pledged investment, this may not be the program for you. You may want to consider the C11 work permit instead.

The C60 ensures you’re not stuck in limbo while waiting to prove yourself. You’re in Canada, building the very thing that qualifies you for permanent residence.

C60 Work Permit: Milestone Breakdown

Milestone One: Expression of Interest & Defining Your Business

Every successful C60 journey begins with a clear and well-aligned business plan. Whether you plan to launch a new venture or purchase an existing business, your proposal should reflect both your industry experience and the economic priorities of your target province. This initial alignment plays a critical role in shaping the strength of your application.

Once you’ve defined your business, the first formal step is submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the relevant provincial entrepreneur stream. Your EOI outlines your qualifications, business plan, and intended investment.

Helpful Tip: Provinces look closely at experience fit—prioritize sectors where you have direct management or ownership history. This not only boosts your score but also supports the long-term viability of your venture.

Milestone Two: Business Application & Performance Agreement

Once you are selected from the EOI pool, you’ll be invited to submit a detailed business application. This includes documentation such as proof of education, business experience, language proficiency, and a fully developed business plan. Some provinces may also request a third-party evaluation or an interview.

Candidates who meet the requirements are offered a Business Performance Agreement (BPE)—a binding contract that sets out your investment, job creation, and business management obligations. Only after signing the BPE will you receive a Letter of Support, which allows you to apply for the C60 Work Permit.

Helpful Tip: Do not make major investments before your performance period begins. Most provinces only recognize expenditures made after the BPE is signed toward your obligations.

The Letter of Support

Your Letter of Support from the province is the most critical document you’ll need for your C60 work permit application. This multi-page letter not only shows that you’ve been invited to participate in a Provincial Nominee Program, but also details the province’s assessment of you and your business, how you will provide significant benefit to the province, confirmation that you meet the province’s eligibility criteria for the Nominate Program and for the C60 Work Permit.

Helpful Tip: The Letter of Support is a critical document for the credibility and success of your C60 Work Permit, but a strong applicant will supplement this letter with independent research and proof of significant benefit, including letters of support from community stakeholders and thorough market research.

Milestone Three: C60 Work Permit Application

Once you have your Letter of Support, the clock starts. You’ll typically have 6 to 12 months to arrive in Canada, so timely preparation is essential.

Step 1: Application Preparation

A well-prepared application package is key to a smooth process. Your submission to IRCC should include:

Completed government forms and biometrics
Provincial Letter of Support
Business plan (and, if applicable, any documents you have showing business acquisition or execution)
Proof of education and credential assessment
Language test results – at least CLB 4/5
Any licenses, if required for your industry
Proof of business experience
Personal statement and evidence of ties to your home country, like close family, property and assets, businesses, ongoing employment, and any long-standing commitments
Bonus: A representative’s submission letter

Helpful Tip: Don’t assume the Letter of Support is all the proof you need to get your C60 Work Permit. IRCC Officers will still want to see proof that you meet the eligibility requirements. In particular, you still need to provide proof of your ability to do the work, proof of your financial ability to invest, proof that you understand your business, and proof that you will respect and abide by Canada’s immigration laws. The Province’s Letter of Support is a valuable document that you must include, but it’s not a substitute for a well-prepared application.

Step 2: Application Processing

IRCC will review your application over 1 to 2+ months, evaluating eligibility and the integrity of your documents. If successful, they will issue a Passport Request.

Helpful Tip: Processing times will vary depending on the volume of applications that IRCC has at any given time. Longer processing doesn’t always mean that something is wrong, but if you are worried, our team can help you figure out if the delay is something to be concerned about.

Step 3: Passport Submission and Visa Issuance

After receiving the request, you’ll need to mail your passports to the nearest visa office, along with a pre-paid return envelope. Your visa will be affixed to your passport and mailed back to you.

Helpful Tip: Always make sure you pay for tracking so you can monitor your passport’s trip to the visa office and back to you. If you plan to travel, make sure to give yourself enough time to get your passport back.

Step 4: Final Approval and Entry to Canada

Once you have your visa, you will then receive a formal Letter of Introduction, which you must present at a Canadian port of entry to activate your C60 Work Permit.

Helpful Tips:

Your permit will only be issued for the length of your passport’s validity. If your passport expires in under two years, renew it before applying to avoid a shortened permit.
Once the Letter of Support is issued, get your affairs in order quickly. Delays could mean starting over if you miss the 12-month deadline.

Milestone Four: Business Operations and Permanent Residence

With your C60 Work Permit activated, you’ll enter the performance period—typically between 6 to 24 months—during which you must bring your business to life in Canada.

During this time, you must:

Relocate to the province and live near your business
Actively manage the business day-to-day
Fulfill your investment and hiring commitments as agreed in the BPE
Submit progress updates to the province

Once you’ve met all obligations, you may submit a Request for Nomination. If approved, you’ll receive a Provincial Nominee Certificate, which enables you to apply for permanent residence through IRCC. The nomination is typically valid for 6 months, so your PR application should be submitted promptly.

Helpful Tip: Plan to meet your hiring obligations within the first half of your performance period. Most provinces expect to see consistent payroll and operations before granting nomination.

Province-By-Province Breakdown

Province	Performance Period	Investment and Net Worth	Advantages
Alberta	12-24 months	Investment: $100,00 - $500,000 Net Worth: $300,000 - $500,000	Offers 4 streams for the seasoned business owner/executive, the eager graduate entrepreneur, and the seasoned agricultural business owner
British Columbia	12-20 months	Investment: $100,00 - $200,000 Net Worth: $300,000 - $600,000	2 streams to choose from as well as the Strategic Projects Stream for corporate expansion
New Brunswick	6-12 months	Investment: $150,000 Net Worth: $500,000	A coastal province with access to the Atlantic Ocean, and offering entrepreneurs expedited processing
Nova Scotia	12-20 months	Investment: $100,00 - $150,000 Net Worth: $400,000 - $600,000	Offers 2 streams for the seasoned business owner/executive, the eager graduate entrepreneur. A coastal province with key access to ports on the Atlantic Ocean
Manitoba	6-20 months	Investment: $150,000 - $250,000 Net Worth: $500,000	A central province offering a number of additional pathways to help family and friends migrate and settle in Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador	12 months	Investment: $200,000 Net Worth: $600,000	An often-overlooked province, applicants can expect less competition and greater opportunity in Newfoundland
Prince Edward Island	12 months	Net Worth: $600,000	A small island on the East Coast, Prince Edward Island boasts strong agricultural-adjacent, and tourism and hospitality sectors
Ontario	N/A	This stream is currently closed and set to re-open in 2026.	This stream is currently closed and set to re-open in 2026.
Quebec	Varies by Stream	Varies by stream	A robust program for French speakers, offering pathways for silent investors, and hands-on business owners and self-employed entrepreneurs who have receive their Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

Required Investments and Costs for the C60 Work Permit

Category	Financial Planning (in CAD)
Minimum Investment	$100,000 - $500,000 (varies by province)
Minimum Net Worth	$300,000 - $600,000 (varies by province)
Government Fees	$385 - $1000 +
Professional Fees	Starting at $10,000

Though provinces will set investment minimums, your expected investment will be based on the operational needs of your business and the investment needed to sustain it. For example, though New Brunswick’s minimum investment is $150,000, if your business requires $200,000, this will be the minimum you are expected to invest.

Helpful Tip: It is always good to have a $50,000 to $100,000 buffer for your investment. The success of your PR application will depend on meeting your commitments and the continued operation of your business while on your C60 work permit. This means that if your business needs additional capital investment to remain operational, you need to be prepared to make or secure that investment.

Curious to know what your fees might be? Check out our fee calculator!

C60 vs. C11 Comparison

Entrepreneurs are often familiar with the “C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit,” and you may be asking yourself, ‘is the C60 work permit the right option for me?’ While both allow business owners to operate in Canada, they differ significantly in structure, requirements, and long-term outcomes.

Factor	C60 Work Permit	C11 Work Permit
Primary Purpose	Permanent residence-focused business immigration pathway	Temporary work permit based on significant benefit to Canada
End Goal	Permanent residence for applicant and family	Employer-specific entrepreneur work permit
Pathway to Permanent Residence	Built-in and structured once business commitments are met	Must transition later to another PR program (e.g., PNP, Express Entry)
Government Authority	Provincial governement and IRCC	IRCC Only
Application Structure	Multi-stage, milestone based	Single-stage work permit application
Business Performance Requirements	Formal and monitored through a Business Performance Agreement	No formal performance agreement, but business viability is assessed
Investment Requirements	Typically, $100,000–$250,000 (varies by province)	No fixed minimum; investment must be reasonable and credible
Work Permit Processing Time	2-4 months +, after Letter of Support is issued	2-4 months +
Timeline to PR	Typically, 18-24 months	Indirect and uncertain; depends on future eligibility
Residence Requirement	Must live in the nominating province and actively manage business	No residence requirements, but active management needed
Family	Spouse eligible for open work permit; children eligible for study permits	Similar benefits typically available
Risk Profile	More structured; performance-driven but with clear outcome if terms met	More flexible upfront; higher long-term uncertainty
Best Suited For	Entrepreneurs seeking a defined PR pathway with provincial support	Entrepreneurs prioritizing speed, flexibility, and early market entry
Approval Rate	90% approval within our practice	75% approval rate within our practice

Success Factors for C60 Work Permit Approval

While the C60 Work Permit is structured and well-supported, applicants who succeed do so by taking a proactive, thoughtful, and well-informed approach to the process. Here are some of the most important success factors that have helped our clients achieve strong outcomes.

1. Start Recruitment Early

Your ability to meet your hiring commitment will directly impact your eligibility for provincial nomination. Give yourself time to advertise, interview, and hire the right candidates—and account for the possibility of unplanned setbacks like extended recruitment timelines or having to rehire. Applicants who start this process early give themselves the best chance of meeting their commitments and expediting their timeline.

2. Setup Takes Time

Relocating to a new country to launch a business involves more than just opening the doors. You’ll also need to establish the personal and administrative infrastructure to support your operations. This includes applying for social insurance numbers, obtaining a driver’s license and health card, opening both corporate and personal bank accounts, and corporate tax and payroll accounts. In our experience, applicants who plan for at least 12 months of in-country setup time are better equipped to succeed.

3. Connect with your Business Community

Provinces want to see entrepreneurs integrate, build connections, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Applicants who maintain regular communication with their provincial advisor—and who take the time to network with local organizations, other entrepreneurs, and community leaders—tend to navigate the process with greater ease. This network also helps new business owners adjust more quickly to Canada’s business culture.

4. Keep Track of your Progress as you Go

Once you get your C60 work permit and land in Canada, you will be expected to provide timely progress updates, particularly around key commitments like hiring, location leases, tax registrations, and operational setup. Applicants who track these key performance indicators (KPIs) and keep detailed records from the start are in a much stronger position when it’s time to prepare their nomination request. Keep your documents organized and update your records as you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a nomination certificate to apply for a C60?

No, outside of Quebec, you need a Letter of Support from a province confirming that they have selected you to participate in their nomination program.

Can I bring my spouse and children?

Yes, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, and children can apply for study permits.

What happens if I don’t meet my performance agreement?

If you do not meet the terms of your business performance agreement, you likely will not receive your nomination. In rare circumstances, the province may extend your performance period, and you may be able to renew your work permit, but do not count on being the exception to the rule.

Can I change provinces once I arrive in Canada?

No, C60 work permits are province-specific and tied to the PNP stream you applied through. If you want to change provinces, you will need to start the process over.

Can I apply for a C60 work permit if I’m already in Canada?

Yes, you can apply for a C60 work permit if you’re already in Canada, provided you meet eligibility and get provincial support.

What happens if my letter of support expires before IRCC approves my work permit?

This can happen, and in this case, you can provide the province with proof that you submitted your application on time and are waiting for a decision on your C60 work permit. The provinces can issue an extension of your letter of support in this case and defer the start of your performance period.

What are my chances of success with a C60 work permit?

In our experience, the C60 work permit has a 90% approval rate. To improve your chances of success, it’s important to prepare a strong and well-supported application. If you are concerned about your chances, our team can thoroughly assess your case and help you come up with a clear strategy.

Tools & Resources for the C60 Work Permit

These tools and official resources can help you assess eligibility, understand program requirements, and prepare the supporting documents you need.

Eligibility and Assessment Tools

Official Government Resources

The C60 Work Permit Program

Supporting Document Resources

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Organizations
- Designated agencies authorized to assess foreign education credentials for Canadian equivalency.
Approved Language Testing Providers
- Information on accepted English and French language tests for business immigration programs.

About Sobirovs Law Firm

Sobirovs Law Firm focuses exclusively on Canadian business immigration. We are a team of Licensed Immigration Lawyers and Consultants helping entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners navigate provincial nominee programs and federal business immigration pathways. Our team combines legal expertise with practical business understanding to turn complex situations into successful outcomes.

Learn more at sobirovs.com