Can You Move to Canada from Türkiye?
Yes. Turkish citizens can move to Canada through business, work and skilled-immigration routes. But Turkish citizens need a visitor visa just to board a flight to Canada, and they have no trade-agreement work permits or youth working holiday program, unlike British, EU and Mexican citizens.
Canada and Türkiye have had diplomatic relations since 1944, and both are NATO Allies. Two-way merchandise trade reached $4.3 billion in 2025 and has grown by almost 50% in five years, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. More Turkish firms in defence, aerospace, energy, construction and technology are looking at Canada, and so are their owners and senior people.
This guide covers the realistic routes, what each one costs and how each one leads to permanent residence. It is written mainly for Turkish business owners, entrepreneurs and senior professionals. Our team also speaks Turkish.
Key takeaways
- You need a visa. Turkish passport holders need a temporary resident visa (TRV). Türkiye is not eligible for an eTA, and Canada has no International Experience Canada (IEC) agreement with Türkiye.
- Business routes are usually strongest. For owners and senior staff of Turkish companies, the Entrepreneur Work Permit (C11) and the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) need no labour market test.
- News, but no new rules. On October 22, 2026, Canada and Türkiye launched a Strategic Partnership that commits both governments to explore ways to make travel and mobility easier. No immigration rules have changed yet.
- Plan permanent residence from day one. Most clients reach PR through Express Entry or a provincial nominee program after Canadian work experience.
- Build a strong file. A clear business case, documented funds and real ties to Türkiye matter more than on visa-exempt routes.
Which Route Fits You?
Start with the card that sounds most like you. Study permits are covered in the FAQ. They are a valid path, but not this guide’s focus.
Company Transfer (ICT)
You work for a Turkish company that has, or is opening, a Canadian branch, subsidiary or affiliate.
- No age limit
- No labour market test
- Managers can stay up to 7 years
Entrepreneur Work Permit (C11)
You are starting, buying or running your own business in Canada.
- No age limit
- No Canadian employer needed
- Leads to provincial entrepreneur programs
Job Offer with an LMIA
A Canadian employer wants to hire you and can show no Canadian is available.
- Employer-specific permit
- Canadian work experience counts toward PR
Express Entry
You are a skilled professional with a degree, solid work history and good English or French.
- Permanent residence directly
- No job offer required
Provincial Nominee Programs
You want to settle in a specific province, as a worker or a business owner.
- Many streams, each with its own rules
- Often the next step after a work permit
Business Visitor
You are coming for meetings, trade shows, site visits or negotiations.
- No work permit needed
- Still requires a TRV
What Does the 2026 Canada–Türkiye Strategic Partnership Mean for You?
On October 22, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan launched the Canada–Türkiye Strategic Partnership in Ankara, during the first bilateral visit to Türkiye by a Canadian Prime Minister. They adopted a three-year Action Plan with four pillars:
- Trade, investment and innovation: work toward a Canada–Türkiye Free Trade Agreement and ratify the Air Transport Agreement.
- Energy and climate cooperation.
- Defence and security: including a new Defence Sector Partnerships MOU.
- Government dialogue and people-to-people ties: including a commitment to “strengthen cooperation on consular issues and migration, explore measures to facilitate travel and mobility.”
The two countries launched free trade negotiations in Ankara on July 7, 2026, during the NATO Summit. Media reports say the first round of talks is planned for Ankara in November 2026.
What this could mean later. Canada’s modern trade agreements, such as CETA with the EU, the Canada–UK agreement and CUSMA, usually include temporary entry rules for business people. Those rules create faster work permits for investors, professionals and company transferees. If a Canada–Türkiye agreement includes them, Turkish business people could get similar access.
Why it matters now. New defence, energy and aerospace links mean more Turkish companies will open Canadian operations. When they do, the Intra-Company Transfer and the C11 become practical routes for their owners and key staff.
What has not changed
As of October 2026, none of this has changed the rules. Turkish citizens still need a visitor visa, there is no IEC youth program for Türkiye, and there is no trade-agreement work permit for Turkish citizens. Trade agreements usually take years to negotiate and come into force. Don’t delay a strong application in the hope of a future program. We will update this guide when anything changes.
Do Turkish Citizens Need a Visa for Canada?
Yes. IRCC lists Türkiye as a visa-required country, with no eTA option. Every Turkish applicant starts with a temporary resident visa (TRV), whether visiting, studying or coming to work.
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You need a TRV to fly to Canada
This applies to visitors, students and workers alike.
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One application, not two
If you apply for a work or study permit from outside Canada, IRCC issues the TRV together with the permit approval.
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Biometrics are required
You give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre. They are generally valid for 10 years.
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No work permits at the border
Only visa-exempt nationals can apply at a port of entry. You must apply online before you travel.
Get the first application right
Like all visa-required applicants, you must satisfy the officer about your ties to Türkiye, the source of your funds and the purpose of your stay. A refusal stays on your IRCC record, and every future officer can see it.
What Are Your Options for Moving to Canada from Türkiye?
These routes are not mutually exclusive. Many of our Turkish clients start with a work permit and move to permanent residence within two to three years. The two business routes come first because they fit most of the people we work with.
Option 1: Company Transfer (Intra-Company Transfer)
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) is for executives, senior managers and specialized-knowledge employees of a multinational company that operates in both Türkiye and Canada. The Canadian business can be a parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate.
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At least 1 year of continuous full-time work
In a similar role for the Turkish company, within the 3 years before you apply.
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A senior or specialized role in Canada
You will work as an executive, senior manager or specialized-knowledge employee.
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A qualifying corporate relationship
Both companies are related by ownership and control, and both are actively doing business.
Opening a new Canadian office?
A start-up transfer lets a senior person set up the company’s Canadian operation. The Turkish company must already be a multinational with revenue-generating operations in at least two countries. You need physical premises, a staffing plan and proof the company can fund the setup. The first permit is for up to 1 year, and IRCC says extensions are generally not available, so the office must be operating within that year.
How long can you stay? Executives and managers can stay up to 7 years in total. Specialized-knowledge workers can stay up to 5 years.
Family: Your spouse may qualify for an open work permit if your job is in TEER 0 or 1 (or a listed TEER 2 or 3 occupation) and your permit has at least 16 months left when your spouse applies. Your children can study in Canada.
This route fits Turkish manufacturers, contractors, defence and aerospace suppliers, logistics firms and tech companies expanding into North America. Read our Intra-Company Transfer guide.
Option 2: Entrepreneur Work Permits (C11 and C10)
The C11 is for entrepreneurs and self-employed owner-operators. You start or buy a Canadian business, own at least 51% of it and manage it yourself. The business must bring a significant benefit to Canada, such as jobs for Canadians, exports or new technology. No LMIA is needed.
In our practice, credible C11 files usually involve CAD $200,000–$300,000 of committed investment. This is a typical range, not a legal minimum. Read our C11 work permit guide.
C11 entrepreneur permit
Key rules
Since May 27, 2025, the first permit is for up to 18 months. You must control at least 51% of the business.
Watch out
C11 time does not count for the Canadian Experience Class. Renewals depend on real operations, staff and revenue.
C10 significant benefit
Key rules
IRCC restructured its C10 guidance on February 24, 2026, with clearer tests for real benefit to Canadians.
Watch out
Treat it as a route for clearly high-impact work, not a backup when C11 does not fit.
Start-up Visa
Status
IRCC paused the program. Only holders of a valid 2025 commitment certificate could apply, by June 30, 2026.
What to do
New Turkish founders should plan around the C11 and provincial entrepreneur programs instead.
What Other Routes Are Open to Turkish Citizens?
These routes suit skilled workers, professionals and people exploring Canada before they commit.
Option 4: Job offer with an LMIA. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is the approval a Canadian employer gets from Employment and Social Development Canada to show that hiring a foreign worker will not hurt Canadian workers. The employer pays a $1,000 processing fee per position and usually has to advertise the job first. Then you apply for an employer-specific work permit.
This route suits Turkish engineers, skilled trades, IT professionals and healthcare workers with a job offer. Some high-wage roles can use the faster Global Talent Stream. Read our LMIA guide.
Option 5: Express Entry. Canada’s main points system for skilled immigrants gives you permanent residence directly. Your score depends on age, education, language results, work experience and Canadian ties. You will need:
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Turkish degrees
- IELTS General, CELPIP or PTE Core results (TEF or TCF for French)
- Proof of funds, unless you have a valid job offer or already work in Canada
New from November 3, 2026: a qualifying job offer in a high-wage occupation can earn up to 100 points, with no LMIA needed. See what changes on November 3.
Many Turkish professionals over 35 need Canadian work experience, French or a provincial nomination to compete.
Option 6: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Each province runs its own streams for skilled workers, graduates and entrepreneurs. A nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry score, which usually leads to an invitation.
Entrepreneur streams change often. Ontario closed its Entrepreneur stream in 2024, and other provinces have paused or narrowed theirs. Some provinces support entrepreneurs with a C60 work permit before nomination. Check current status before you build a plan around one province. Compare PNP entrepreneur streams.
Option 7: Business visitor. You can attend meetings and trade fairs, negotiate contracts, inspect sites or buy Canadian goods and services without a work permit, but you still need a TRV. You cannot be paid from a Canadian source or do hands-on work for a Canadian business. Officers usually admit visitors for up to six months.
Many Turkish clients make one or two business trips before they apply for a C11 or ICT, to choose a location and meet advisers. Keep the trip purpose consistent with your later work permit application.
How Do the Work Permit Options Compare?
The three work permit routes side by side. Express Entry and provincial nomination lead straight to PR, and business visitors cannot work.
| Company Transfer (ICT) | Entrepreneur (C11) | LMIA job offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it fits | Turkish companies expanding to Canada | Owners and investors | Skilled workers with an offer |
| What you need | 1 year with the Turkish company in the last 3 years | Own at least 51% of a Canadian business, a credible plan and investment | A Canadian employer with an approved LMIA |
| Age limit | None | None | None |
| First permit | Up to 3 years (1 year for a new office) | Up to 18 months, renewable | Tied to the LMIA and job offer |
| Path to PR | Express Entry (CEC) or PNP | Provincial entrepreneur programs or Express Entry | Express Entry (CEC) or PNP |
Permit length is always at the officer’s discretion. Fees and rules change; confirm on IRCC before you apply.
Why Plan Your Move Properly?
No labour market test
The ICT and C11 do not need an LMIA, which saves months.
No age limit
The ICT, C11 and LMIA routes work at any age.
Your family can come
Your spouse may get an open work permit on qualifying routes, and your children can go to school.
Canadian experience counts
One year of skilled work on an ICT or LMIA permit can open the Canadian Experience Class.
Tax and pension links
Canada and Türkiye have a tax treaty (signed 2009) and a social security agreement (in force since January 1, 2005). Talk to a cross-border tax adviser before you move.
Future upside
If a trade agreement adds business mobility rules, people already established in Canada are best placed to benefit.
If you are moving with your spouse and children, plan their permits at the same time. Read how a spouse open work permit in Canada works for business owners, and what to expect for school and health coverage.
What Does It Cost to Move to Canada from Türkiye?
Business immigration routes (ICT and C11)
| Cost item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Legal fees | From $15,000 |
| Work permit processing fee | $155 per person |
| Open work permit holder fee (spouse) | $100 |
| Visitor visa (TRV) for family members not applying for a permit | $100 per person |
| Biometrics | $85 per person / $170 per family |
| Business investment (C11, typical in our practice) | $200,000–$300,000 (not a legal minimum) |
| Canadian company registration | About $3,000 |
Permanent residence government fees (from April 30, 2026)
| Cost item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Processing fee, principal applicant | $990 |
| Processing fee, spouse or partner | $990 |
| Processing fee, dependent child | $270 each |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $600 (principal and spouse) |
Government fees change regularly. Confirm current amounts on IRCC’s fee list before you pay. The fee estimator at the top of this page gives a starting point for legal fees.
Can You Get Permanent Residence in Canada as a Turkish Citizen?
Yes. Most of our Turkish clients follow one of three paths.
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Step 01
Express Entry directly
Best for younger professionals with high language scores and a master’s degree.
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Step 02
Work permit, then Express Entry
After 12 months of skilled work in Canada on an ICT or LMIA permit, you can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
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Step 03
Work permit, then a provincial nomination
The usual route for C11 entrepreneurs: run the business, meet the province’s conditions, get nominated, then apply for PR.
Canadian citizenship comes after 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada in five years as a permanent resident. Canada allows dual citizenship. Check Türkiye’s own notification rules, and military-service obligations if they apply to you, with Turkish authorities.
What If You Want to Start or Buy a Business in Canada?
Here is the typical path for a Turkish entrepreneur using the C11, from planning to permanent residence.
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Step 01
Plan and apply (3–6 months)
Choose the province and business model, prepare a Canadian business plan, set up the company and apply for a C11 with your TRV.
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Step 02
Build and operate (12–24 months)
Arrive, invest, hire Canadians and generate revenue. Keep careful records, because your renewal and nomination depend on them.
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Step 03
Nomination and PR (12–18 months)
Apply to a provincial entrepreneur stream or Express Entry, get nominated and apply for permanent residence for your family.
Realistic budget
In our practice, Turkish entrepreneurs should have at least CAD $200,000 in accessible, well-documented funds for the business, plus living costs. Being able to trace those funds clearly is often what decides the file. Buying an existing Canadian business can be easier to make credible than a start-up, but it needs careful due diligence.
What Makes a Strong Application from Türkiye?
These are the issues we see most often in Turkish files, and what works instead.
Pick the right route first
Why it matters
A refused C11 that should have been an ICT stays on your record.
What works
Get advice on the route before you file anything.
Document the source of funds
Why it matters
Bank statements alone are not enough, especially after large deposits or lira conversions.
What works
Show how the money was earned, step by step.
Show real ties and purpose
Why it matters
Officers must be satisfied you will follow the terms of your stay.
What works
Property, family, an ongoing business in Türkiye and a clear plan for each family member.
Use certified translations
Why it matters
Every Turkish document needs a certified English or French translation.
What works
Include your criminal record certificate (adli sicil kaydı) and registry records.
Keep everything consistent
Why it matters
Inconsistency is one of the most common reasons we see for refusals.
What works
Make your visit history, LinkedIn, business plan and forms tell the same story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Canada from Türkiye
Yes. Türkiye is a visa-required country, so you need a temporary resident visa (TRV), and you are not eligible for an eTA. If you get a work or study permit from outside Canada, the TRV is issued with it.
No. The Strategic Partnership commits both governments to explore ways to make travel and mobility easier, and free trade negotiations are under way. As of October 2026, no visa or work permit rules have changed. We will update this guide if they do.
No. Türkiye is not an International Experience Canada partner, so Turkish citizens cannot get IEC working holiday or young professional permits.
Usually, yes. Your spouse may qualify for an open work permit if your job is in TEER 0 or 1 (or a listed TEER 2 or 3 occupation) and your permit has at least 16 months left. Since January 21, 2025, dependent children no longer get open work permits under this rule, but they can come with you and go to school.
It depends on the route and IRCC’s current backlog, plus time for biometrics. LMIA-based permits also need the employer’s LMIA first. Check IRCC’s processing-time tool for current figures.
No. Because Türkiye is visa-required, you must apply online before you travel. Port-of-entry applications are only for visa-exempt nationals.
Business routes have no age limit. The C11, the Intra-Company Transfer and LMIA-based work permits are all open to you. A provincial nomination can make up for the Express Entry points you lose with age.
Yes, but study permits are capped and graduate work permit rules have tightened. Choose the program with PR eligibility in mind. This route suits younger applicants better than established business owners.
Canada allows dual citizenship. Türkiye has its own notification and permission rules, so confirm your position with Turkish authorities or a Turkish lawyer.
How Can Sobirovs Law Firm Help?
Since 2012, Sobirovs Law Firm has helped business owners, investors and companies move to Canada. The firm is recognized by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, and we work with Turkish clients in Turkish, English and Russian.
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Route assessment
We review your business, family and finances and tell you which route is realistic, including when to wait.
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Business and company transfer permits
We prepare C11 and ICT files, from the business plan and corporate structure to source-of-funds evidence and your TRV.
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Permanent residence planning
We map your path from work permit to Express Entry or provincial nomination before you arrive.
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Refusal recovery
If you have been refused before, we look at why and what a new application needs.
Useful Links and Official Resources
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Sobirovs Law Firm guides
Business immigration in Canada · Moving to Canada from the UK · PNP entrepreneur streams
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IRCC: entry requirements by country
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IRCC: fee list
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IRCC: Express Entry changes (November 3, 2026)
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Prime Minister of Canada: Canada–Türkiye statements
Strategic Partnership, October 22, 2026 · FTA launch, July 7, 2026
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Canada–Türkiye tax and social security agreements
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules change often. Get advice on your own situation before you apply.
