FAQ

A C11 Work Permit is an LMIA-exempt work permit for eligible entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals whose proposed business activities are expected to provide significant benefits to Canada.

Applicants must generally demonstrate:

• A genuine intention to establish, acquire or operate a Canadian business.
• Sufficient ownership or control to actively direct the business.
• Relevant business management or entrepreneurial experience.
• Financial resources to implement the proposed business plan.
• Credible evidence of significant benefits to Canada.
• An intention to comply with temporary resident requirements.
• Compliance with applicable immigration and admissibility requirements.

No. C11 is an LMIA-exempt work permit category under Canada's International Mobility Program.

No. A C11 Work Permit is generally employer-specific and authorizes the applicant to perform the approved business activities under the conditions listed on the permit.

Yes. Eligible foreign entrepreneurs may apply from outside Canada if they satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.

Potentially. Certain foreign nationals can apply for work permits from inside Canada.

C11 entrepreneur applications generally require substantial ownership or effective control of the proposed business. Majority ownership, often at least 51%, can demonstrate control. However, ownership percentage alone does not determine eligibility. Consider the business structure, decision-making authority, actual role, and applicable IRCC instructions.

There is no universal fixed minimum investment amount prescribed for every C11 application. The investment must be credible and sufficient for the nature, location and scale of the proposed business.

Purchasing an existing business may support a C11 application if the applicant can demonstrate genuine ownership or control, an active management role, sufficient financial capacity and significant benefits to Canada.

Yes. Eligible entrepreneurs may propose establishing a new Canadian business.

Potentially. A franchise may support a C11 application where the entrepreneur will genuinely own or control and actively operate the business.

Foreign nationals may be permitted to invest in or acquire a Canadian business, subject to applicable laws.

A legitimate home-based business may qualify if it meets applicable municipal, provincial and federal requirements and demonstrates significant benefits.

Significant benefit refers to a meaningful positive contribution to Canada's economy, society or culture. Relevant considerations may include job creation, innovation, regional economic development, expansion of services, increased competition, specialized expertise or other demonstrable benefits.

Some businesses in rural or underserved communities may be able to demonstrate significant regional economic benefits.

Depending on their circumstances, potentially eligible businesses may include:

• Manufacturing and industrial enterprises.
• Technology and innovation businesses.
• Construction and specialized trade companies.
• Hospitality and food-service businesses.
• Professional and consulting services.
• Agriculture and food-processing operations.
• Retail and distribution businesses.
• Businesses serving underserved communities.

A detailed business plan is strongly recommended. It should explain the proposed business, ownership structure, target market, financial projections, operational strategy, staffing requirements and anticipated benefits to Canada.

Validity is determined by IRCC based on the proposed business activities, supporting evidence, temporary nature of the work and other applicable considerations.

The former Owner-Operator LMIA advertising exemption was discontinued in April 2021.

C11 is a separate LMIA-exempt category requiring a qualifying significant-benefit assessment.

A C11 exit plan is a documented strategy explaining what a foreign entrepreneur intends to do when their temporary authorization to work in Canada ends. The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit is issued under IRPR R205(a) for business activities expected to provide significant economic, social or cultural benefits to Canada.

Because it is a temporary work permit, the applicant must satisfy IRCC that they will comply with Canadian immigration law, including leaving Canada when required. An exit plan helps demonstrate this intention.

Common reasons may include:

• Insufficient evidence of significant benefit.
• Weak or unrealistic business plans.
• Inadequate investment or financial resources.
• Unclear ownership or management authority.
• Limited evidence of business feasibility.
• Insufficient relevant business experience.
• Concerns about the genuineness of the proposed activities.
• Failure to satisfy temporary resident requirements.
• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
• Medical, criminal or other inadmissibility.