Owner Operator
The Owner-Operator LMIA was a special arrangement under Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program that allowed eligible foreign business owners to apply for an LMIA without meeting the usual recruitment and advertising requirements. This special exemption is no longer available.
No. The special Owner-Operator LMIA advertising exemption ended on April 1, 2021. Business owners must now meet the applicable requirements of a regular LMIA application or qualify for another work permit category.
Potentially. Buying or setting up a Canadian business does not automatically qualify someone for a work permit. Eligibility depends on the applicant's ownership, business activities, financial resources, proposed economic benefits, and applicable immigration requirements.
The C11 category is an LMIA-exempt work permit pathway for qualifying entrepreneurs and business owners who intend to operate a business in Canada temporarily. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed work will provide significant economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada or opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents.
Under current IRCC guidance, business-owner work permits under C11 should generally be considered where the applicant controls at least 51% of the business. Applicants with smaller ownership interests may need to qualify under another work permit category.
There is no universal fixed investment amount under the C11 category. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to establish or operate the proposed business, as well as separate funds to support themselves and accompanying family members.
Purchasing a business does not automatically provide Canadian Permanent Residence. Entrepreneurs may qualify through an eligible provincial business immigration program or another immigration pathway, depending on their circumstances and the program's current requirements.
Yes. C11 is an LMIA-exempt category under Canada's International Mobility Program. However, applicants must meet the applicable eligibility requirements and provide sufficient supporting evidence demonstrating significant benefit to Canada.
Yes. Depending on the immigration pathway, purchasing and actively operating an existing Canadian business may be an option. The business must be genuine, and the applicant must satisfy the requirements of the relevant immigration category.
Depending on the application, supporting documents may include proof of business ownership, a detailed business plan, financial statements, evidence of available funds, relevant management experience, and documentation demonstrating the proposed business's benefits to Canada.
Yes. Global Immigration and Placement Consultancy Services Ltd. (GIPCS), based in Edmonton, Alberta, provides professional Canadian immigration consulting services to entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners across Canada and internationally.
Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can assess your circumstances, explain available immigration pathways, and assist with eligible work permit and business immigration applications.