C11 Work Permit Canada, The initial move in the direction of acquiring permanent residency in Canada, commonly known as a Canada PR visa, frequently involves securing a work permit, also referred to as a Work Visa. The C11 Work Permit Canada presents itself as a viable option for individuals with an entrepreneurial or self-employed background aspiring to work in Canada with the ultimate goal of attaining permanent resident status. This piece will comprehensively elucidate all the essential details concerning the Canadian entrepreneur work visa.
Individuals from other countries may be eligible for a work permit under the C11 category if they intend to initiate or acquire a business in Canada. This exception allows them to manage their own business without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is typically mandatory for hiring foreign nationals. It is essential to note that specific qualifying criteria and limitations may be applicable.
Individuals aspiring to apply for an Entrepreneur or self-employed work visa frequently need to demonstrate the possession of a robust business plan, sufficient funds to initiate and sustain the business, and the necessary skills or experience for the chosen business type. Additionally, they might be obligated to furnish supporting documents, including income tax records, business registration paperwork, source deduction details, and proof of pertinent work history.
For the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the C11 work permit category and its specific criteria, it is advisable to visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult with a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).
To gain further insight into the Entrepreneurs or self-employed work permit category for individuals entering Canada to manage their own business, you can explore this article. The content covers various aspects of the program, such as its requirements, advantages, application process, additional details, business plan, investment prerequisites, eligible business activities, duration of the work permit, and pathways to attaining permanent residency (Canada PR).
C11 Work Permit Canada Overview
Businesses have the option to employ temporary workers without undergoing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in cases where Canada experiences broader economic, cultural, or other competitive advantages, or when Canadians and permanent residents derive reciprocal benefits.
Through Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP), companies in Canada have the opportunity to recruit temporary workers globally without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which typically affects the work permit applications of immigrant workers. Another LMIA exemption within the IMP framework is the “C11 visa category.” Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals can seek work permits without LMIA by applying under the exemption code C11.
What is the C11 Work permit Canada?
The International Mobility Program (IMP) provides the unique Canadian work permit visa known as the C11 category work permit. This is extended to international business owners and investors who aspire to manage a business in Canada as self-employed individuals.
The initial work permit is valid for two years, providing applicants with ample time to initiate and manage their businesses. Additionally, the work permit is extendable on multiple occasions. Following a minimum of 12 months of operating their business, entrepreneurs and investors who entered Canada under the C11 visa category can apply for permanent residence in Canada (Canada PR).
C11 Work Permit Canada Eligibility?
Foreign nationals who seek immigration to Canada as business owners fall into one of two groups of entrepreneurs or self-employed persons under the C11 work permit Canada.
- Those who seek a temporary entry to Canada, usually during the summer (seasonal), based on their entrepreneurial plans and career to operate their current business (typically Self-Employed people), as well as
- Those who seek entry to Canada to launch or run a business to fulfil the requirements for provincial nomination or selection as an entrepreneur (including Quebec Self-Employed) or the federal Start-up Business Class (SUV) in the context of the permanent residence program.
Whether you select a temporary visa or permanent residency, you must prove to the immigration officer with your C11 work permit application that you are:
- A business owner or self-employed person with a solid business plan and resources.
- Canadians can gain significantly from the business or self-employment they are involved in.
What is the definition of a Self-Employed Person in Canadian Immigration?
An individual who runs a business and typically only employs family members. Although many people run the company as owners, they often perform all of an employee’s duties.
What is the definition of an Entrepreneur in Canadian Immigration?
An entrepreneur organizes and runs a firm or business while taking on more than usual financial risks. To run the company, they hire people other than their family members.
Types of foreign workers who can apply for C11 Permits
Foreign nationals who want to run their own business in Canada as entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals must prove that.
- The employment should generate substantial economic, social, or cultural advantages or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. In this context, the contributions of the self-employed worker to the economy, society, or culture of Canada, particularly if the worker is providing a distinctive service, may be taken into consideration.
- The work is temporary or seasonal, and they intend to leave Canada within a certain amount of time (a)
Examples of temporary self-employment include seasonal companies (such as bed and breakfast owners, gold miners, and wildlife guides).
Year-round businesses, such as auto repair shops or hair salons, must demonstrate that the foreign employee is only in transit temporarily. Authorities may request foreign nationals to provide a plan for hiring someone to manage their business once it has been initiated.
If an applicant can convince and satisfy the IRCC officer for these two things, they will be granted the C11 entrepreneur work permit.
What are the C11 Entrepreneur work permit documents requirements?
IRCC officers assess foreign nationals in dual capacities as both employers and employees, necessitating qualifications for both roles when applying for business owner or self-employed work permits. Applicants must furnish ample supporting documents to persuade an IRCC officer that their involvement in legitimate business operations would substantially contribute to social, cultural, or economic objectives. The following outlines the supporting documentation necessary to fulfill the requirements for the C11 Work Permit Canada:
1- The degree of ownership of the business
Work permits for transient entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals should only be granted when the applicant owns a minimum of 50% of the relevant business. In instances where an individual with a smaller ownership percentage in the company is arriving to work, they are required to apply for a work visa as an employee, not as a self-employed person, and may consequently need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Typically, only one owner among several is eligible for an Entrepreneur or self-employed work permit unless there are extraordinary circumstances that can be demonstrated. These regulations are in place to prevent the manipulation of minority shares for obtaining a work permit, although the intention is not to discourage investment in Canada by IRCC. Examples of exceptional circumstances include situations where both owners possess distinct expertise relevant to the company. For instance, one owner is a licensed hunting guide, and the other is a chef. In such cases, the job roles specified in the job offer should align with their actual responsibilities.
The reality of corporate activity is not accurately represented by a virtual employer-employee relationship or its look.
2- Significant benefit considerations
IRCC officers will also assess whether the applicant’s business generates or sustains a “significant benefit” to Canada. If IRCC officers are persuaded that the work of a foreign national will socially, culturally, or economically benefit or create opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents, they may determine that a work permit application fulfills the conditions of the Entrepreneur or self-employed visa.
The IRCC officer has identified the following scenarios as meeting the criteria of the C11 Permit. Considerations for Significant Benefit include, but are not limited to, an assessment of how the foreign worker will contribute.
- Widespread support for Canada’s economy (such as job creation, development in a regional or remote setting or expansion of export markets for Canadian products and services)
- A business can advance Canadian industries such as technological development, product or service innovation or opportunities for improving the skills of Canadians,
- Improved tolerance, information, or chances for social interaction with people of a similar culture
- Increased health and well-being, i.e., the physical and mental health of society on a national or regional level
IRCC Officers shall evaluate any spin-off advantages from self-employment and the factors listed in Significant benefit to Canada.
Irrespective of the ownership percentage in the Canadian business, there are various factors to contemplate when evaluating whether the requirements for the C11 visa in Canada are met. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Will the effort result in a successful firm that employs Canadians or permanent residents and boosts the local economy?
- Does the applicant possess the language skills required to run the company?
- Does the candidate have any experience or qualifications that will help the company be more successful?
- A business plan exists and demonstrates unequivocally that the applicant has taken action to launch their venture.
- Has the applicant initiated any measures to execute the business plan (such as furnishing evidence of having the funds to launch the company and cover expenses, securing rental space, formulating a staffing strategy, acquiring a business number, presenting ownership agreements or documentation, etc.)?
- Is the business transient in nature, such as seasonal businesses?
- Are they starting a long-term business that will require their presence indefinitely, like an auto repair shop?
The significance of a proposed business’s considerable benefits, as examined by officers, is not solely determined by the type of business (sole proprietorship, franchise, corporation, etc.) or the amount invested in it. Instead, the focus is on how the business contributes to the local or regional economy and creates opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents.
For instance, the local economy would be okay with hiring two additional employees at a convenience shop on Yonge Street in Toronto.
However, if the same convenience store were to open in a remote, small town where the nearest grocery store is 20 kilometers away, it could be advantageous. This is because it would attract employees from a much smaller pool of locals, where employment opportunities might be limited, and enhance the economies of nearby businesses by drawing in customers.
Alternatively, using a franchise as an example, is it the sole Tim Hortons in the community, attracting visitors from a much broader area? Or is it one of several in a small city where its opening would not have a significant impact?
3- Long-term self-employed applicants and temporary purpose
IRCC officers need assurance that the foreign national will depart from Canada after the authorized stay. Therefore, the applicant must consistently persuade the IRCC officer that they intend to leave Canada after the permitted temporary period, even if they have a dual intent to initially apply as temporary employees and eventually as permanent residents. The applicant must demonstrate that their employment in Canada is genuinely temporary, affirm their capability and willingness to leave, and establish that they maintain stronger ties to their home country than to Canada.
Foreign nationals who have repeatedly received work permits without any gaps may no longer fulfill the requirements for the C11 visa in Canada. Those who frequently engage in brief trips outside of Canada but spend the majority of their time there should undergo thorough scrutiny to ensure they have not acquired deemed residency in Canada. Spending 183 days or more in Canada during a year may classify a person as a resident for taxation purposes.
IRCC officers should request additional evidence regarding the foreign national’s ties to their home country and any plans they may have for leaving Canada in the future, especially if they have been in the country for several years and seem to have established their lives predominantly there. It is emphasized that foreign nationals should not automatically attain permanent residency solely based on owning businesses and being self-employed.
IRCC officers have the authority to limit the duration of a work permit to a particular season or period if they have concerns about the transient nature of the work in Canada.
The IRCC officer should ensure that the self-employment still offers a significant benefit in addition to assuring them that the work is temporary.
4- Applicant’s Qualifications
- Have experience running their businesses.
- Speak English or French language to perform his duties.
- Have enough money to maintain themselves
- Have enough financial resources to launch or buy and run the business.
- Have sufficient resources to start or run their business in Canada.
5- Have enough groundwork to start their business (A Solid Business Plan)
- The proposed business models.
- Market research shows that such business is needed in Canada.
- The recruiting plan is to hire skilled Canadian permanent residents or citizens.
- The pricing strategy for the business’s goods and services.
- Revenue forecast for next coming years.
- Choose the location for your business.
- Have business contacts, a network of suppliers, vendors, associates, etc., to facilitate the operation of the business.
- Business purchase agreements with potential buyers
- Support letters from Canadian suppliers and vendors
6- Letters of support from related organizations
Such as local or regional economic development organizations or chambers of commerce.
What type of business can apply for a C11 entrepreneur work permit?
Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who aim to establish their primary residence outside of Canada often find success in obtaining the C11 entrepreneur work permit Canada, based on our experience. In comparison to non-seasonal businesses, applicants who own or plan to establish seasonal enterprises tend to have a higher success rate with work visa applications. The following are examples of both seasonal and non-seasonal enterprises that can be established in Canada with promising prospects for the future.
Seasonal Businesses Eligible For C11 Category
- Moving companies
- Outdoor adventure businesses
- Chimney sweeper companies
- Lawn care businesses and landscaping
- Retailers such as Christmas/Halloween retailers
- Pool maintenance services
Non-Seasonal Business Industries Eligible For C11 category
- Personal trainer or coaches
- Aerospace
- Forestry
- Automotive
- Cleantech
- Tourism
- Mining
- Home Services
- Life sciences
- Food & beverage production
- Robotics and industrial automation
- Biochemical & Chemical
- Financial services
How to apply for a C11 visa application?
The C11 Work Permit Canada is a multi-step process. The main steps are summarized below:
- Decide whether to start a new or buy an existing business in Canada.
- Research & prepare a solid business plan and conduct market research.
- Develop an execution plan and start executing your business plan
- Demonstrate your commitment to starting your business in Canada.
- Issue yourself a job offer to work for the business as its employee
- Complete and apply.
- Submit your biometrics and medical exam (If applicable).
- Watch for the IRCC decision on your application.
- Come to Canada to run your business upon your approval.
- Operate your business for a minimum of 12 months
- Apply for a Canada PR visa
C11 Work Permit Canada Processing Time
The average processing time for a C11 Work Permit Canada varies depending on your country of residency. Typically, it takes 6-12 months for the work visa to be processed. It’s important to note that this processing time does not account for the duration it takes for you to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo), undergo a medical exam, and for IRCC to receive your passport, insert the visa, and return it to you.
How long is the C11 visa category valid for?
A C11 Work Permit Canada can be granted for a duration of up to two years. Extensions for Entrepreneurs or self-employed work permits are typically only considered when a request for permanent residency is being processed or under exceptional circumstances. In instances where applicants are awaiting a provincial nomination certificate or are involved in significant investment projects, a letter from the province or territory affirming continuous support is necessary for the extension.
Benefits of the C11 Work Permit Canada
- The quick processing time (usually 6- months to obtain a work permit)
- No minimum net worth requirement
- No minimum investment amount requirement
- The Spousal Open Work Permit and the Children’s Study Permit or Temporary Resident Visa
- The business establishment anywhere in Canada
- C11 work permit extension possibility if the business is still in operation.
- An Alternative Pathway to the Owner/Operator work permit Canada
- Pathways to Permanent Residency
C11 Entrepreneur visa to PR
The C11 Work Permit Canada does not automatically lead to permanent residency. However, there is a two-step immigration process for IMP Work permit holders. The initial stage involves obtaining a work visa, and the second stage entails applying for permanent residency by meeting specific criteria. Despite the constraints on dual-purpose, an applicant who moves to Canada through this program and successfully manages their business in Canada for at least one year can apply through:
1-Express Entry
After working for 12 months, the owner may be eligible for the Express Entry program under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) category to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canada PR. It’s important to note that work experience gained as self-employment or an entrepreneur does not qualify as experience under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
2-PNP
After being granted a work permit and residing in Canada for at least one year, the owner may apply for a permanent resident visa (Canada PR) through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) if they meet the business requirements specified by the PNP.
3-Spouse Open Work Permit
The spouse can apply as the principal applicant after obtaining work experience and an employer sponsor in Canada. (Spouse Open Work Permit)
How Can We Help You To Get A C11 Visa To Canada?
At Canserves, if you want to apply for a C11 work permit in Canada, we can assist you from filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents; we take care of it all. We provide comprehensive guidance at every step to ensure you make the right decision to maximize your chances of obtaining a work permit and, finally, submit your work permit application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative.