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Updated: May 15, 2025
Canada’s Entrepreneur Work Permit Program is designed for experienced entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who want to establish, own, and actively operate a business in Canada. This work permit allows foreign nationals to launch a business and may lead to permanent residence if the business creates significant economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada.
It is one of several business immigration pathways, including the Start-Up Visa Program and select Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), available to entrepreneurs seeking to settle in Canada.
Who Is Eligible?
This program is most commonly applied through the C11 exemption under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP). This exemption allows applicants to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exempt work permit based on the benefit their proposed business brings to Canada.
To qualify, applicants must generally:
- Own at least 50% of the Canadian business;
- Be actively involved in its day-to-day operations;
- Demonstrate that the business will create significant economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada;
- Show a track record of business ownership or relevant entrepreneurial/managerial experience;
- Provide proof of sufficient personal funds to establish and operate the business.
🔎 Note: This program is not suitable for passive investors. The applicant must be directly involved in running the business.
What Must Be Included in the Business Plan?
A compelling business plan is crucial. It should clearly demonstrate the business’s viability and the benefits it will create for Canadians.
Your business plan should answer the following:
- Is the business plan viable? What research or data supports its feasibility?
- What tangible benefits will the business create for Canadian citizens or permanent residents?
- How many local employees will be hired?
- Will the business increase the export of Canadian products or services?
- Will the business introduce new technologies, innovation, or improve skills in the local market?
- Will it support the development of regional or rural communities?
- Is the business offering a unique product or service not currently available in Canada?
- What is the business’s target market, strategy, and long-term vision?
A strong business plan backed by credible financials, market research, and operational details will significantly strengthen your application.
Program Details
- Work Permit Duration: Up to two years, allowing the entrepreneur to establish and operate the business in Canada.
- Extension: Possible if the business continues to operate and shows ongoing economic contributions.
- Pathway to Permanent Residence: After one year of business operation, applicants may become eligible for permanent residence through federal programs (like Express Entry, if eligible) or Provincial Nominee Programs.
⚠️ There is no direct PR pathway under the Entrepreneur Work Permit alone. Transition to PR is possible only if the business proves successful and the applicant meets PR program requirements, such as PNP Entrepreneur Stream.
Alternative Business Immigration Pathways
In addition to the C11-based Entrepreneur Work Permit, other programs include:
- Start-Up Visa Program – For innovative, scalable businesses supported by a designated organization in Canada;
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) – Some provinces offer entrepreneur streams with regional requirements;
- Owner-Operator LMIA pathway (now paused until 2026) – Previously allowed business owners to support a work permit through an LMIA, but this pathway is now paused until 2026.
There is currently no formal “passive investor visa” in Canada at the federal level. All business immigration pathways now require active business involvement and a clear benefit to Canada.
Key Considerations Before Applying
Before pursuing this program, carefully evaluate:
- Business Viability: Has your business idea been validated by market research or tested through a pilot?
- Location: Different provinces and communities offer unique business climates and PR pathways.
- Capital Requirements: Do you have sufficient funds to launch and sustain your business?
- Job Creation Potential: Can your business realistically hire Canadian citizens or PRs in the first year?
- Immigration Timeline: Are your immigration goals aligned with the operational timeline of your business?
- Contingency Plan: What is your strategy if the business does not meet expectations?
- Regional Economic Goals: Does your business align with local economic development priorities?
How Sobirovs Law Firm Can Help
At Sobirovs Law Firm, we provide comprehensive legal guidance to entrepreneurs and business owners worldwide. From assessing your eligibility and crafting a persuasive business plan to handling your work permit and PR application, our team ensures you are supported every step of the way.
Contact us today to explore your business immigration options with confidence.
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