C-11 Work Permit

LMIA-Exempt Route for an Entrepreneur to Manage Own Business in Canada

Canada wants entrepreneurs as much as it wants talented skilled workers. An existing business that does not require funding support from designated agencies will not be covered under the Start-up Visa program. The federal Self-Employed Persons program is for athletes and other self-employed individuals and not business persons or entrepreneurs. And Entrepreneur streams of different provincial nomination programs often have high net-worth and/or minimum investment requirements.  You may enter Canada on a C-11 work permit but you will continue to be a business owner and will be relying on your entrepreneurial skills to earn more profits in Canada.

c11 work permit - Immisa Immigration

The C11 work permit is a LMIA-exempt work permit for individuals seeking to operate a business in Canada. Here’s a quick overview of the C11 work permit process.

  • Fulfill the eligibility requirements of the work permit
  • Setup a business in Canada with at least 50 percent ownership in the same
  • As the owner of the business, issue yourself a job offer to work for the business as its employee
  • Apply for the work permit on basis of this job offer
  • Enter and work in Canada after your work permit is approved

Not every business owner can qualify for this work permit. To qualify, you must

  • Have provable skills, background, and experience to either setup a successful business in Canada or takeover an existing business and manage it successfully
  • Own at least 50 percent or higher stake in your business
  • Prove that your admission into Canada will result in significant economic, social or cultural benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents 


When assessing the ‘Significant Benefit’ parameter some points that are considered include the following:

  • Is your business plan a viable one and will it benefit Canadians? Does business viability improve because of your skills and background?
  • Will it create jobs for Canadians?
  • Will it lead to regional development and/or higher exports from Canada?
  • Will your business help introduce new technology or innovative measures that will improve skills of Canadians?


The immigration officer will also look at the steps you have taken to put your business plan in action. These can include boosting availability of capital, finalizing lease agreements, implementing staffing plans, registering business in Canada etc.

Setting up a new business or taking over an existing business in a foreign country can be an extremely complicated process. Further, you need to keep an eye on the ‘Significant Benefit’ parameter throughout the process.

There are numerous business-related and immigration-related procedures and formalities involved, which means you will definitely need professional immigration assistance throughout. Further, your business will have to comply with various rules and regulations applicable to employers of foreign workers.

We can ensure your success under this program by helping you setup everything, simplifying the process and meeting regulatory requirements. Contact Us or Book A Consultation and take first step towards your Canadian Immigration!

The C11 work permit is a LMIA-exempt work permit for individuals seeking to operate a business in Canada. Here’s a quick overview of the C11 work permit process.

    • Fulfill the eligibility requirements of the work permit
    • Setup a business in Canada with at least 50 percent ownership in the same
    • As the owner of the business, issue yourself a job offer to work for the business as its employee
    • Apply for the work permit on basis of this job offer
    • Enter and work in Canada after your work permit is approved

Not every business owner can qualify for this work permit. To qualify, you must

  • Have provable skills, background, and experience to either setup a successful business in Canada or takeover an existing business and manage it successfully
  • Own at least 50 percent or higher stake in your business
  • Prove that your admission into Canada will result in significant economic, social or cultural benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents 


When assessing the ‘Significant Benefit’ parameter some points that are considered include the following:

  • Is your business plan a viable one and will it benefit Canadians? Does business viability improve because of your skills and background?
  • Will it create jobs for Canadians?
  • Will it lead to regional development and/or higher exports from Canada?
  • Will your business help introduce new technology or innovative measures that will improve skills of Canadians?


The immigration officer will also look at the steps you have taken to put your business plan in action. These can include boosting availability of capital, finalizing lease agreements, implementing staffing plans, registering business in Canada etc.

Setting up a new business or taking over an existing business in a foreign country can be an extremely complicated process. Further, you need to keep an eye on the ‘Significant Benefit’ parameter throughout the process.

There are numerous business-related and immigration-related procedures and formalities involved, which means you will definitely need professional immigration assistance throughout. Further, your business will have to comply with various rules and regulations applicable to employers of foreign workers.

We can ensure your success under this program by helping you setup everything, simplifying the process and meeting regulatory requirements. Contact Us or Book A Consultation and take first step towards your Canadian Immigration!

C11 work visa is a type of work permit for entrepreneurs, which falls under the International Mobility Program( IMP) in Canada. A C11 work permit allows foreign entrepreneurs and as well as investors to gain a work permit in Canada as tone- employed individualities.
This program is designed to support the entry of foreign entrepreneurs and investors into the Canadian labour request, with the thing of promoting profitable growth and development in the country.

The business who can prove that they can bring significant benefit to Canada or that particular area may be eligible to apply for C11 Work permit.

It is 2 years.

Yes they can bring family as dependent.

Yes if they meet the eligibility requirements of any of the PR program, they can apply for PR.

C-11 is for entrepreneurs and LMIA exempt, however LMIA work permit is for people who has job offer from Canada supported by positive LMIA.

No there is no income requirement however overall business has to make sense and should be big enough to provide significant benefit for Canadian community.

Take Your First Step Towards Canada, Get In Touch with Us

Contact Us or Book A Consultation to work with an immigration consultant today!

YOUR NEXT STEP AWAITS