Entrepreneur Work Permit Strategy
For business owners who will build or operate a business in Canada
The C11 category allows an entrepreneur or self-employed business owner to apply for a temporary work permit to develop or operate a business in Canada, when the project could bring a significant benefit to the country. It is an exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under paragraph R205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, IRCC exemption code C11.
At Global Venture Visa we approach it the other way around: first the business, then the permit. A C11 strategy is only as solid as the project behind it.
IRCC code
C11 · Entrepreneurs or self-employed business owners
Regulation
R205(a) · Significant benefit
Type
Temporary work permit, LMIA-exempt
Permanent residence
Not part of this service. It may be considered later, subject to an independent assessment and the requirements in force at that time.
Who this strategy is for
- Owners and founders of a company with real operations and clients.
- Business owners who will take an active, hands-on role in the Canadian business.
- Projects with a defined market, a corporate structure and the resources to develop them.
Who it is not for
- People without a business who want to move to Canada on a personal basis.
- Passive investment with no active role in the business.
- Ideas that do not yet have a market, a structure or resources behind them.
What we evaluate in your project
These are the questions behind every C11 strategy. Pre-qualification gathers the information; the legal and immigration assessment is done by an authorized professional.
01
Your business today
Economic activity, track record, clients and the role you play in the company.
02
Ownership and related companies
Shareholding structure, your participation and related companies in other countries.
03
The project in Canada
What the company will do in Canada, in which market and with which partners.
04
Significant benefit
Whether the project could create significant economic, social or cultural benefits or opportunities for Canadians, which is the test under R205(a).
05
Resources and timeline
The resources available to develop the project and the estimated timeline for the expansion.
06
Business plan
A business plan prepared for review by Canadian banks, tax advisers and immigration officers.
How we work
Three stages, in this order. Commercial pre-qualification is separate from the legal and immigration assessment.
1
Pre-qualification
You share basic information about your company, your role and your project in Canada through a short form or a conversation with our team. This step does not determine eligibility.
2
Canada Market Entry Assessment
A preliminary analysis of your project, its structure and the mobility routes that could apply, reviewed by an authorized professional.
3
Proposal of services
If it makes sense to move forward, we define the scope, responsibilities, stages and terms of the implementation.
Request your Canada Market Entry Assessment
Tell us what your company wants to do in Canada. We review your project and the mobility routes that could apply to your case.
Regulated immigration services are provided by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) and associated lawyers. Each case is assessed individually. Global Venture Visa does not guarantee permits, residence, timelines or results. Permanent residence is not our product: it may be considered as a future possibility, subject to an independent assessment and the requirements in force at that time. Approval of a temporary permit does not guarantee it.