The C11 work permit is part of various business immigration programs designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals wishing to conduct business in Canada. The program has recently been updated in May of 2025, and this guide has the most up-to-date information. The application process involves gathering documents, applying online or on paper, paying fees, providing biometrics, and possibly undergoing a medical exam.
| Canada C11 Work Permit Overview | |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Requirements |
- You own at least 51% of a Canadian business - Your business must create a clear economic, cultural, or social benefit to Canada - Your business must be ready (or nearly ready) to start operations - You have funds to support yourself and family in Canada - You have relevant experience in the business sector you’re entering - You have exit strategy and ability to leave Canada |
| Investment Amount | No fixed minimum investment amount, but you must have enough capital to start and sustain the proposed business. Minimum amount recommended by us: CAD $200,000. |
| Duration | Min. 18 month. Extensions are possible. |
| Family | Your family can join you in Canada. Your spouse may be eligible to get an Open Work Permit and children can attend secondary schools for free. |
| Permanent Residency | No direct pathway to PR. Transition to PR is possible through the SUV or PNP programs. |
The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit is intended for foreign nationals who want to actively manage and grow a business in Canada—and can show that their presence will bring a clear, measurable benefit to the country. This permit is best suited for:
To qualify, applicants must own at least 51% of the business, be ready to operate it on day one, and provide solid evidence of both personal financial stability and business viability. If you’re planning a passive investment or cannot demonstrate regional or economic impact, this pathway is likely not the right fit.
From our experience, this program is perfect for those who:
If you are considering the C11 work permit, you will need to convince the immigration officer that:
To qualify for a C11 Work Permit, applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to both operate their business and support themselves in Canada. These funds must be liquid or easily accessible and clearly documented.
While there is no strict minimum investment required under the C11 work permit, a substantial financial commitment (often in the range of $200,000 to $400,000) is advisable to demonstrate seriousness and support business success. There is no minimum investment requirement under the C11 work permit, but a strong financial commitment improves approval chances.
Applicants typically invest between $200,000 and $300,000 initially in their Canadian business. However, this should not represent their total available capital. IRCC officers expect applicants to maintain access to additional reserves beyond the initial investment. Putting 100% of your money into the business can raise red flags about your financial judgment and ability to sustain operations.
To strengthen your case:
Funds should be liquid or easily liquidated
You must provide clear documentation of their source and history (e.g. 4-6 months’ bank statements, investment account summaries, sale of property or assets)
Property ownership in Canada can also serve as supporting evidence of your intention to establish and operate a business
A one-time large deposit is not sufficient. IRCC expects to see consistent, traceable financial activity over time
You must also show separate personal funds to cover at least 18 months of living expenses, based on Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO). See the table below: Maintaining a valid legal status while transitioning to PR is crucial for C11 Work Permit holders.
| Number of Family Members | Recommended Funds (LICO for 18 months) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $44,070 |
| 2 | $54,864 |
| 3 | $67,449 |
| 4 | $81,891 |
| 5 | $92,070 |
| 6 | $104,751 |
| 7 | $116,625 |
| 8 | $128,499 |
| 9 | $140,373 |
| 10 | $152,247 |
These funds must:
Be separate from your business capital
Be available and accessible at the time of application
Be supported by full banking records—not just a snapshot or account summary
Well-organized, transparent financial evidence is one of the most critical parts of a successful C11 application. It shows that you’re not just investing—but doing so wisely and sustainably.
Identify a viable business opportunity in Canada. This could be a new startup or the purchase of an existing business. Conduct market research to understand your competition, customer base, and regional needs. Then, develop a strong, realistic business plan that clearly explains how your business will benefit Canada—economically, socially, or culturally. It is important to submit detailed business plans that include thorough market research, project proposals, and support letters to substantiate your unique contributions. Additionally, be sure to highlight any innovative business idea you plan to bring to the Canadian market, as originality and creativity can significantly strengthen your application.
Register your company in the province where you plan to operate. Set up all legal structures, such as incorporating the business, securing a business number, opening a business bank account, and obtaining necessary licenses and permits. Business incorporation documents are essential supporting evidence to demonstrate your intention to establish and manage a business in Canada. You must hold at least 51% ownership of the business to qualify under C11.
Begin taking visible, real-world steps to launch your business:
Sign a commercial lease or secure a location
Connect with local Economic Development Offices (EDOs), Chambers of Commerce, and community partners
Build your website, branding, and marketing assets
Begin testing or piloting your product or service, if possible.
Collect documents that show you are ready to operate the business and that your presence in Canada is essential. This may include:
Incorporation and ownership documents
Lease agreements and vendor contracts
Hiring plans or employment contracts
Proof of funds (separating business funds and personal living expenses)
Any proof of business activity or community involvement.
Want a detailed document checklist? Download it here!
While not mandatory, submitting an upfront medical exam and police clearance certificate with your application may improve your chances of faster processing under Canada’s Global Skills Strategy (GSS). In our experience, GSS cases are often processed in under 2 months.
Submit your completed application to IRCC through the appropriate channel (online or local visa office). Once submitted, processing times typically range from 2–4 months, but can take longer in some countries. IRCC may contact you for additional information before making a final decision.
Factors that affect processing time:
Country of residence
Volume of applications
Specific visa office handling your file.
Based on our experience:
Most C11 applications are finalized within 2 to 4 months. In some cases—particularly for applicants applying from the UAE and China—processing times can exceed 6 months, largely due to higher volumes and internal processing delays in those regions. While no exact timeline can be guaranteed, submitting a well-prepared and complete application helps minimize delays and gives you the best chance at a timely decision.
To potentially speed up processing, applicants can request consideration under the Global Skills Strategy, which offers expedited processing for eligible work permits.
While GSS is not guaranteed, it can be effective when certain steps are taken:
submitting a police clearance certificate
submitting an upfront medical exam along with the application
In our practice, C11 applications processed under GSS are often finalized within 2 months.
Under the updated 2025 C11 program rules, “significant benefit” means that your business activity must clearly enhance the economic, social, or cultural interests of Canada. Demonstrating economic benefit, such as job creation and industry advancement, is a key criterion for eligibility. Applicants can also highlight cultural benefits, such as promoting diversity or enriching Canadian society, as part of their application. A strong application should emphasize any unique cultural contribution the applicant brings, as these are recognized and valued under the C11 work permit. The benefit must go beyond personal profit and must be evident, measurable, and regionally relevant.
IRCC no longer accepts vague promises or generic business plans. Officers now assess benefit using specific, well-defined criteria, and expect applicants to submit verifiable documentation showing that the business is either already active or ready to launch.
IRCC evaluates your application based on these key areas:
Economic Impact: IRCC looks at whether your work or business will create jobs, transfer skills, or bring investment to Canada. Supporting local economic growth through your business activities is a key factor in the assessment. For example, if you are opening a new business that will employ Canadians or introduce innovative products, this can be seen as a significant benefit.
Cultural Value: If your work has cultural value, such as in the arts, media, or sports, this can also be a significant benefit. Applicants who can demonstrate cultural contributions, such as through art, community projects, or other activities, strengthen their case for the C11 work permit. For example, if you are a filmmaker, artist, or athlete who will enrich Canada’s cultural landscape, this is considered.
Example: If you are opening a dance studio, you can show that your business will not only create jobs but also contribute to the local art scene and provide cultural contributions that enrich the community. This demonstrates both economic and cultural benefits.
Queries related to Economic Impact
Job Creation: Are you creating sustainable, above-minimum-wage jobs for Canadians or permanent residents?
Innovation: Is your product or service new to the region or solving a local problem?
Rural or Underserved Regions: Are you bringing services to a location that lacks similar offerings?
Market Development: Does your business support Canadian exports or expand into new or diverse markets?
Example: A generic retail store in downtown Toronto may not qualify—but the same business in a remote or underdeveloped area, especially if it fills a gap in services or provides cultural value, is more likely to be considered beneficial.
Business incorporation and registration completed
Signed commercial lease or property agreements
Franchise or supplier agreements secured
Staff recruitment initiated or employment contracts signed
Inventory purchased or equipment acquired
Note: A business plan alone is not enough. IRCC looks for action already taken that shows you are committed and prepared to start operations immediately.
Prior experience in a similar business or industry
Demonstrated business management skills
Language abilities relevant to the market or region you’ll serve
Real role in daily operations—not passive investment
Key Point: Your business must create a clear, positive impact in the area where it operates—and your application must prove this through documentation, not just intention.
Examples of Significant Benefit from Our Approved C11 Cases
Job creation in a rural Ontario community through the purchase and revitalization of a struggling automotive service centre, with new hiring plans and equipment investments.
Opening a dance studio in a small town with no similar service providers; launching a culturally enriching studio that promotes the arts, fosters local engagement, and enhances access to artistic education in an underserved community.
Acquisition and turnaround of a failing fast-food franchise in Toronto, supported by a clear recovery plan, operational changes, and new management oversight.
Developing a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for small business accounting, with a focus on Canadian export potential and hiring local tech talent.
A self-employed software developer introducing an innovative technology solution that addresses a specific market gap in Canada, such as a custom logistics platform for local businesses, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and contributing to the country’s technological advancement.
Purchasing and expanding a local tourism business in rural Alberta, contributing to regional economic development and off-season employment.
When you apply for the Entrepreneur Work Permit, C11, your family members can also immigrate to Canada with you. For instance, your spouse could be eligible for an open work permit, while your children could receive study permits. As a result, you can enjoy developing your business in Canada while your family cheers for you!
If your spouse is issued an open work permit, they could work for your business. Remember that your spouse will not be counted towards your company’s creation of job opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The C11 work permit is not a permanent residency (PR) program. It is a temporary work permit designed to allow entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to enter Canada and operate a business. In fact, the Canadian government requires applicants to explain their exit strategy—how they plan to run the business in Canada even after their eventual departure or transition—demonstrating that the business is viable and sustainable beyond the temporary period of the work permit.
The C11 work permit delivers exactly what ambitious entrepreneurs need: a direct route into Canada’s thriving business landscape. Smart business owners and self-employed professionals leverage this powerful tool to establish operations and demonstrate their investment and revenue generation value to the Canadian economy. While the C11 operates as a temporary work permit, it serves a strategic purpose—giving you the platform to showcase your business management expertise, execute compelling business plans, and generate meaningful economic impact.
If your primary goal is to obtain PR, it’s important to know that the C11 program is not intended as a direct pathway. For those with a clear intention to settle in Canada permanently, it may be better to consider immigration programs that are designed for permanent residency from the start, such as:
These programs evaluate your business plans through a permanent immigration lens and are designed to lead directly to PR status.
That said, the C11 work permit can be a strategic entry point to Canada. It allows you to:
Relocate quickly and begin operating your business;
Test and validate your business model in the Canadian market;
Build local networks, hire staff, and contribute to the economy;
Position yourself for future PR eligibility through programs like Express Entry (CEC for spouses or FSW), PNPs, or even the SUV program if your business evolves in that direction.
We’ve worked with many entrepreneurs who came to Canada under C11, built a track record of success, and later transitioned to permanent residency using other programs.
Below are some questions that frequently arise when considering C11 applications.
Both options—buying an existing business or starting a new one—can make you eligible under the C11 work permit, as long as your business demonstrates significant benefit to Canada. Seasonal businesses, such as bed and breakfast operators, gold miners, or wildlife guides, may also qualify under the C11 work permit if they meet the eligibility criteria. However, in practice, buying a business is often more complex and risky for foreign entrepreneurs.
Many business owners in Canada are reluctant to sell to foreign buyers without a valid work permit in place. The process can be time-consuming, involve legal and financial complications, and, if the work permit is refused, may result in significant financial loss.
While we have successfully handled both scenarios, most foreign entrepreneurs choose to start their own business first, with an acquisition strategy built into their business plan. This allows them to enter Canada, begin operations, and explore acquisition opportunities from within—once trust and credibility are established.
In short, starting a business with a growth-by-acquisition strategy is often the more practical and lower-risk approach under the C11 pathway.
Most successful applicants invest between $200,000 and $300,000 initially. However, IRCC expects that you have access to additional funds and are not investing all your savings. Funds must be liquid or easily liquidated, and you must also show personal settlement funds based on the LICO table for 18 months. For a single applicant, the recommended personal funds for 18 months are $44,070. For a family of 4, the required amount rises to $81,891, and for a family of 6, it is $104,751—all exclusive of business investment amounts.
Key documents include:
A comprehensive business plan
Proof of business registration or incorporation
Evidence of available funds
Background documents showing business experience
A strategy explaining how your business benefits Canada
An exit strategy and operational plan
Unlike an employer-specific work permit, which restricts employment to a designated Canadian employer, the C11 work permit allows entrepreneurs to operate their own business independently.
You may consider filing a reconsideration request or reapplying with a stronger case. Common reasons for refusal include weak business plans, insufficient funds, or failure to prove significant benefit. We recommend seeking legal advice before reapplying.
You are not required to live in Canada full-time, which offers flexibility for international entrepreneurs. However, you must be actively involved in the operation and execution of your business plan. Immigration officers will assess whether you are genuinely engaged in managing your business—so limited physical presence is acceptable only if your involvement remains consistent, meaningful, and well-documented.
Yes, you can apply to extend your C11 work permit, but extensions are not automatic. To be approved, you must demonstrate that:
Your business in Canada is active and operational
You continue to be actively involved in running it
Your business is providing a significant benefit to Canada (e.g., jobs created, revenue generated, community impact)
You have complied with the conditions of your initial work permit
IRCC will reassess whether your continued presence in Canada remains justified under the same exemption. It’s important to prepare strong supporting documentation, such as updated business plans, financial records, tax filings, and progress summaries.
Yes. Approximately 25% of companies are selected for compliance reviews by IRCC. During this process, IRCC may assess whether your employment in Canada is genuine and compliant with immigration and other applicable laws. They may review documents related to your wages, hours worked, duties performed, and whether the business is active and operational.
To avoid complications, it’s essential to structure your terms of employment strategically at the application stage and maintain clear records throughout your stay, including payroll, corporate filings, contracts, and evidence of business activity.
The C11 program continues to evolve, with policy updates introduced almost every year. Over the past three years, we maintained an approval rate of over 80%. However, starting in January 2025, we’ve observed a rise in refusals due to Canada’s new focus on “sustainable immigration” and efforts to reduce the number of foreign workers. As a result, our current approval rates have adjusted to 65–70% as of June 2025, reflecting the more selective and competitive landscape.
In 2025-2027, IRCC is prioritizing businesses that align with Canada’s economic and regional development goals. Strong C11 applications typically fall into one or more of the following categories:
Market Expansion: Companies that help to expand the market for Canadian companies and build international partnerships—especially if they fill gaps or bring global competitiveness to a local industry.
Employment Opportunities in Underserved Areas: Businesses that can create significant employment opportunities, particularly in rural or smaller communities, are viewed favourably. This includes businesses in construction, trades, logistics, home care, and food services. For example, starting a gourmet food business or a gourmet food business specializing in authentic cuisine can offer newcomers a unique entrepreneurial opportunity, contribute to local economies, and introduce diverse culinary experiences to Canadian communities.
Innovation: Ventures that bring new technologies, improve efficiency, or modernize processes in key sectors such as agriculture, clean tech, health care, manufacturing, or transportation can meet the “significant benefit” test through innovation.
Generally, no. Children over 18 are typically considered international students and must pay international tuition fees. However, some post-secondary institutions in Canada offer exceptions or special scholarships for dependents of foreign workers, including those on C11 work permits. These policies vary by institution.
We recommend contacting the admissions or international student office of the specific college or university to ask whether any exemptions, in-province rates, or financial aid options are available for your child as a dependent of a work permit holder.
The C11 work permit represents more than just another immigration pathway—it’s a bridge connecting ambitious global entrepreneurs with Canada’s thriving economic landscape. Smart preparation makes all the difference: a meticulously crafted business plan, a deep understanding of application mechanics, and comprehensive documentation that tells your entrepreneurial story. Success hinges on demonstrating tangible value to Canadian communities—job creation that changes lives, innovation that drives progress, and economic contributions that strengthen local markets from coast to coast.
Immigration law doesn’t have to be a maze when you have the right guide. Partnering with Canadian business immigration lawyers and regulated Canadian immigration consultants transforms complexity into clarity, ensuring your vision aligns perfectly with regulatory requirements while maximizing your application’s impact. These professionals don’t just process paperwork—they help refine your business model into a compelling narrative that resonates with decision-makers who understand what Canada needs. The professional team at Sobirovs Law Firm has had much success proving the genuine intent and significant economic benefits of clients from around the world who decided to venture into various Canadian industries.
Your entrepreneurial future in Canada starts with three decisive actions: comprehensive market research that reveals real opportunities, a robust business plan that speaks to Canadian realities, and strategic consultation with immigration professionals who’ve guided countless success stories. This isn’t just about permits and processes—it’s about building something meaningful for your family’s future while contributing to the country that’s welcoming you home. The pathway is clear, the support is available, and Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is ready for what you’ll bring. Contact us today to start your entrepreneurial journey in the Canadian economy.
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