Executive Summary
The C60 work permit lets an entrepreneur who has been approved by a Canadian province move to Canada, run their business, and earn a provincial nomination for permanent residence. It is the bridge between a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) entrepreneur stream and federal permanent residence.
It suits experienced business owners and senior managers who can invest roughly $100,000–$250,000, hold a net worth of about $300,000–$600,000, and are ready to live in the province and run the business day to day. In return, the route has a defined finish line: meet the terms of your performance agreement and the province can nominate you for PR.
This guide explains how the C60 works, which provinces still run entrepreneur streams in 2026, what it costs, how long it takes, and how it compares with the C11.
What Is the C60 Work Permit in Canada?
The C60 is an LMIA-exempt work permit issued under Canada’s International Mobility Program. Its legal basis is paragraph 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (significant benefit to Canada). IRCC lists it under exemption code C60: “Provincial business candidates or Quebec self-employed applicants with a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).” Before December 2022, these permits were issued under code C11.
The province does most of the work on the business case: its Letter of Support confirms that your business is expected to benefit the province. An IRCC officer then decides whether you meet the requirements for a work permit.
To be eligible, you generally need:
- A Letter of Support from a provincial entrepreneur stream (or a CSQ, for Quebec self-employed applicants)
- Proof that you can run the business: education, ownership or senior management experience, and language ability
- Proof of funds for your committed investment and to support your family
- Evidence that you will respect the conditions of your temporary status (dual intent is allowed)
- A clean medical, criminal and immigration record
The C60 is issued before you are nominated. That is the point: it lets you enter Canada and prove your business works, and the province then nominates you on that record.
C60 Work Permit Program Overview
The essentials in one place. Choose a tab.
- Business owners or senior managers, usually with at least 3 years of recent experience (requirements vary by province)
- Founders who will start or buy a business in the province
- People ready to relocate and manage the business day to day
- A Letter of Support from a provincial entrepreneur stream
- Investment: usually $100,000–$250,000, depending on province and location
- Net worth: usually $300,000–$600,000
- Language: CLB 4 or 5 for most streams (CLB 7 for graduate streams)
- A business plan the province has approved
- In most streams, at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- A defined route to permanent residence through provincial nomination
- No job offer or employer sponsor needed
- Usually issued for up to 2 years
- Your spouse may qualify for an open work permit (see Watch-outs)
- Your children can study in Canadian schools
- You invest after you arrive, under your performance agreement, not before
- Provincial stage (Expression of Interest to Letter of Support): varies by province and draw schedule
- Work permit processing: varies by visa office; plan for 1–4 months
- Performance period: 6–24 months, depending on province
- Work permit to nomination: typically 18–24 months, followed by federal PR processing
- The permit is tied to one province and one business. You can’t move it.
- You must spend the investment you pledged and keep the business running.
- Missing your performance terms usually means no nomination.
- Since January 21, 2025, a spousal open work permit depends on your occupation being TEER 0 or 1 and on your permit having at least 16 months left when your spouse applies.
- Several provinces have closed or paused their entrepreneur streams. Check current status before you plan (see the province breakdown below).
Advantages of the C60 Work Permit
Most business owners hit the same wall: you can’t get a work permit without a business in Canada, and you can’t get PR without one either. The C60 breaks that loop. The province approves your plan first; then you come to Canada and build the business that qualifies you for permanent residence.
Two advantages stand out:
- A defined path to PR. The C60 sits inside a Provincial Nominee Program entrepreneur stream with a written finish line. Meet your performance agreement and the province can nominate you.
- A strong approval record. Because the province has already vetted the business, the officer’s review centres on you. In our practice, 90% of C60 work permit applications have been approved. Past results do not guarantee the outcome of any future case.
The trade-off is commitment: one province, a pledged investment and hiring targets. If you need more flexibility, or you don’t want to pledge an investment, compare the C11 work permit.
C60 Work Permit: Milestone Breakdown
-
Step 01
Expression of Interest & Defining Your Business
-
Step 02
Business Application & Performance Agreement
-
Step 03
C60 Work Permit Application
-
Step 04
Business Operations & Permanent Residence
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 (BPA)—a binding contract that sets out your investment, job creation, and business management obligations. Only after signing the BPA 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 BPA 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 Nominee 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 BPA
- 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 (2026)
Not every province still offers a route to a C60. These are the published minimums as of October 2026. Provinces change entrepreneur streams often, so confirm current status before you commit to one.
Alberta
Key numbers
Rural Entrepreneur: $100,000 investment, $300,000 net worth, CLB 4, one job. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur: $100,000 ($50,000 outside Calgary and Edmonton), CLB 5.
Worth knowing
The rural stream is limited to communities under 100,000 people outside the Calgary and Edmonton areas.
British Columbia
Key numbers
Base: $200,000 investment, $600,000 net worth. Regional: $100,000 investment, $300,000 net worth. CLB 4 and one job for both.
Worth knowing
The Regional stream needs a community referral and an exploratory visit. Final report is due about 18–20 months after arrival.
Manitoba
Key numbers
$250,000 investment in Winnipeg Metro or $150,000 outside it; $500,000 net worth; CLB 5; one job.
Worth knowing
Where you set up decides your investment threshold, so choose the region before you build the plan.
Nova Scotia
Key numbers
$150,000 investment and $600,000 net worth in Halifax; $100,000 and $400,000 elsewhere. CLB 5.
Worth knowing
Restructured in February 2026. The graduate route now sits within the Entrepreneur stream (CLB 7). One year of operation before nomination.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Key numbers
$200,000 investment, $600,000 in assets, at least 33.3% ownership, CLB 5, one job.
Worth knowing
Less competition than the larger provinces. A separate graduate entrepreneur route exists for PGWP holders.
New Brunswick
Key numbers
$150,000 investment, $500,000 net worth, at least 33.3% ownership, CLB 4, one job.
Worth knowing
24-month establishment period with at least 6 consecutive months of operation before nomination. No recent invitation rounds published.
Prince Edward Island
Key numbers
$600,000 net worth, CLB 4, and a signed performance agreement.
Worth knowing
Very few business invitations since 2025. Treat PEI as uncertain until regular draws resume.
Quebec
Key numbers
The C60 covers self-employed applicants who hold a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Worth knowing
Quebec runs its own selection, and intake is limited and capped. Confirm current status with MIFI before you plan.
Ontario
Key numbers
Entrepreneur Stream closed permanently on November 4, 2024.
Worth knowing
Not an option for new applicants.
Saskatchewan
Key numbers
Entrepreneur and Farm Owner/Operator streams closed permanently on March 27, 2025.
Worth knowing
Not an option for new applicants.
What the C60 Costs
Four numbers shape your budget. The net worth figure is what you must hold; the investment is what you must spend in the business.
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
Many entrepreneurs first hear about the C11 entrepreneur work permit. Both let you run your own business in Canada, but they are built differently and lead to different places.
| C60 Work Permit | C11 Work Permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Permanent residence through a provincial entrepreneur stream | Temporary work based on significant benefit to Canada |
| Who decides | The province selects you; IRCC issues the permit | An IRCC officer alone |
| Path to PR | Built in Nomination once you meet your performance agreement | None built in; you must qualify later (e.g., PNP or Express Entry) |
| Investment | Usually $100,000–$250,000, set by the province | No fixed minimum; must be credible for the business |
| Obligations | Formal Business Performance Agreement, monitored by the province | No formal agreement; viability is assessed up front |
| Where you live | In the nominating province, near the business | Anywhere in Canada; you must actively manage the business |
| Process | Multi-stage: Expression of Interest, application, agreement, permit | Single work permit application |
| Family | Children can study; spouse may qualify for an open work permit | Similar, subject to the same spousal rules |
| Risk profile | More structure; a clear outcome if you meet the terms | More flexible up front; more uncertainty later |
| Best for | Founders who want a defined route to PR | Founders who need speed and flexibility |
Processing times vary by visa office and change often.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Usually, yes. Your children can study in Canadian schools. Your spouse may qualify for an open work permit, but since January 21, 2025 this depends on your occupation being TEER 0 or 1 (most owner-managers are) and on your permit having at least 16 months of validity left when your spouse applies. We confirm this for your family before you file.
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.
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.
Sometimes. You can apply from inside Canada only if the regulations allow it in your situation, for example if you already hold a valid work or study permit. Visitors generally need to apply from outside Canada. Either way, you need the provincial Letter of Support first.
Contact the province right away. Many provinces will extend the Letter of Support, and defer the start of your performance period, if you can show you applied for the work permit on time and are waiting for IRCC’s decision.
Your chances depend mostly on the strength of your provincial application and on how well your work permit application proves you can run the business. A Letter of Support helps a great deal, but officers still assess your experience, funds and intentions. A lawyer’s review before you file is the best way to catch weak points early.
No. Ontario permanently closed its Entrepreneur Stream on November 4, 2024, and Saskatchewan closed its entrepreneur streams on March 27, 2025. Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador still run entrepreneur streams.
No. The C60 gives you the time and legal status to build the business. PR comes after the province nominates you, which it does only once you meet your performance agreement. You then apply to IRCC for permanent residence.
Tools & Additional Resources
These tools and official resources can help you assess eligibility, understand program requirements, and prepare the supporting documents you need.
Eligibility and Assessment Tools
- General Entrepreneur PNP Assessment Calculator
- British Columbia Eligibility Calculator
- Alberta Eligibility Calculator
- New Brunswick Eligibility Calculator
- Fee Calculator
Official Government Resources
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.
Additional Resources
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit
The federal alternative to the C60. If no province fits your business, or you do not want to be tied to one, this is the route to compare.
Provincial Nominee Programs in Canada
How the PNP entrepreneur streams differ by province — the hub page for choosing where to apply.
British Columbia Entrepreneur Immigration
Requirements, investment thresholds and the regional stream, for founders considering BC.
Manitoba Business Investor Stream
Manitoba’s entrepreneur pathway, including the current state of the stream and what the province expects.
New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Immigration
What New Brunswick’s current stream requires, and how it differs from the version most sites still describe.
Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream
Eligibility, net worth and business requirements for Nova Scotia’s entrepreneur route.
Start a Business in Canada
If you have not settled on an immigration route yet, start here for the full range of options.
