+91-8595338595
C11 Visa Canada Work Permit for Entrepreneurs & Self-Employed
There are more than 100 immigration pathways for Canada, but the C11 visa Canada stands out among those routes. The pathway is an LMIA-Exempt work permit carved for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who have the potential to provide significant social, economic, and cultural benefits to Canadians. Under the work permit, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals can enter Canada temporarily and establish their businesses or self-employed ventures.
Canada has introduced the International Mobility Program (IMP) that empowers Canadian employers to recruit temporary workers from all corners of the world. The attractive feature of this pathway, that the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) rules do not apply to immigrants’ work permit requests. And, the International Mobility Program (IMP) has another LMIA exemption route, which goes by the name of C11 Work Permit Canada.
What are the points to remember before applying for the C11 Visa Canada?
If you are aiming to get a temporary stay or permanent residency under the C11 visa in Canada, you need to declare to the visa immigration officer that:
- You are the owner of a business or are a self-employed individual who possesses a viable and unique business plan and resources.
- Your business or self-employment concept can bring substantial social, economic, and cultural benefits for Canadian citizens.
What are the eligibility requirements of the C11 Work Permit?
To be eligible, applicants must meet the C11 visa Canada requirements outlined by the program guidelines. Owning a business in your home country alone does not guarantee you approval, as several other factors are taken into consideration.
- Must have the history and experience to set up a successful venture, or they have the resources to purchase an existing Canadian business.
- Have a minimum of 50% of the ownership of the business they establish or buy in Canada.
- Must have a detailed business plan for the business in Canada
- Must create opportunities and benefits for Canada and Canadians in various fields
- Must have done enough preparation and groundwork to establish their business/work in Canada and to meet the C11 visa Canada eligibility.
What are the eligible businesses under the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit?
The Canada C-11 work visa does not restrict the type of business an applicant can pursue. The key eligibility criterion for a C-11 visa is that the chosen business must contribute to the Canadian economy. Applicants are required to own at least 51% of the business and actively manage it after the visa is issued in Canada.
C-11 visa candidates have the flexibility to either establish a new business or invest in an existing one. Self-employment is also permitted, provided the applicant submits a substantial business plan demonstrating the proposed economic, social, or cultural benefits to the people of Canada.
What Does “Significant Benefit” to Canada Mean?
“Significant benefit to Canada” under c11 work permit Canada generally means that the applicant must have a solid plan to create an economic stimulus for Canadians and permanent residents. It means creating new jobs, growth of Canadian exports, industry advancement, or development work in any particular region.
How does a C11 work permit lead to permanent residency?
It is important to note that the C11 visa Canada process works very differently compared to other pathways. The program does not directly lead you to Canadian Permanent Residency. However, you can achieve a Canada PR Visa in a two-step process:
- First – Manage your business of self-employment in Canada for a minimum of 12 consecutive months under a valid work permit.
- Second – Meet the Federal Skilled Worker Program requirements under Canada Express Entry and claim the additional points for Canadian experience for one year for your PR. Get ITA with increased CRS Scores.
Amongst so many business immigration pathways to Canada, the C11 Work Permit is the most suitable one as it offers the perfect opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors to move to Canada and establish their business presence. With so many benefits and promising opportunities, the C11 program is a perfect gateway to Canada without having to go through the complicated LMIA process.
Generally speaking, applying for a work permit is the first step toward attaining permanent residency status in Canada. If you are an entrepreneur or a self-employed individual seeking to work in Canada and eventually become a permanent resident, then the C11 entrepreneur work permit is the right choice for you.
Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) has opened paths for Canadian employers to recruit temporary foreign workers without going through the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) work permit process. The same IMP program has another LMIA-exempt program called “C11 work permit Canada”, which permits foreign entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to apply for a work permit without an LMIA.
Key features and benefits of the C11 Program
- The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit was created under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
- The work permit under the C11 category is granted for two years. However, one can extend it multiple times, provided you meet the eligibility conditions and that your business is active and profitable in Canada.
- Self-employed entrepreneurs and business owners in Canada carrying out their businesses with the C11 work permit can apply for permanent residence in Canada.
- The work permit process remains unaffected by the LMIA process.
- The immigration officer evaluates a business plan based on its ability to bring significant benefits to Canadians. The benefit could be related to economic stimulus, advancement of the Canadian industry, and social or cultural.
Who is suitable to apply for a C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit?
The C11 work permit is an ideal choice for the following individuals:
- Self-employed professionals who like to start a business in Canada.
- Foreign entrepreneurs who want to buy an existing business or franchise in Canada;
- Individuals who were selected under any of the Entrepreneur streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs.
Even if you seek more information about the C11 Visa Canada and the Canada Business Visa, you can write an email to [email protected], and one of the most experienced immigration consultants will get in touch with you to help you out with your questions and concerns, or you can also choose to call us at +91-8595338595 or directly interact with the expert through our Live Chat window.
