Introduction to the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit

The C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa is one of the best ways to immigrate to Canada through starting or buying a business or company. Alongside other federal and provincial entrepreneur immigration programs, the C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa targets migrant entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. These individuals must demonstrate the potential to start and manage companies that bring clear and significant benefits to Canada’s economy, society, and culture. This work visa falls under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and allows foreign entrepreneurs to temporarily execute their business in Canada. The issued work permit is LMIA-exempt and has an initial maximum duration of 2 years.

Key Benefits of the C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa

• No age restriction.
• No educational qualification required.
• No language test or English proficiency needed.
• No LMIA approval required.
• No points-based system.
• No interview for visa approval.
• Full family accompaniment for the principal applicant (spouse and children under 18).
• Potential pathways to Canadian permanent residency.
• Fast and simple process (around 3–5 months) compared to other work visas.

Who Can Apply for the C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa?

Obtaining a work permit or visa is a crucial step toward Canadian permanent residency. If you are an entrepreneur or self-employed individual seeking work in Canada and ultimately aiming for permanent residency, consider the C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa. To qualify as an entrepreneur in Canada under this program, you must fall into one of these categories:

• Selected applicants under provincial nominee programs.

• Entrepreneurs or self-employed with a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

• Entrepreneurs creating significant benefits for Canadians.

Eligibility Requirements

The Canadian government designed the C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa to attract foreign entrepreneurs, enabling them to easily come to Canada to launch their business. Note that simply owning a business abroad is not sufficient. Like other Canadian immigration programs, applicants must meet additional criteria to satisfy the immigration officer’s standards.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

The minimum eligibility criteria for the C11 program are as follows:

• The applicant has a track record or talent for starting a successful investment or the resources and skills to buy an existing business in Canada and turn it into a profitable company.
• Required funds for starting the company in Canada must be accessible and provable with documents to IRCC.
• The applicant must submit a detailed and realistic business plan that is feasible.
• For starting (or buying) a company based on the business plan, the specified amount must be shown as financial proof in the applicant’s bank account (before implementation). Approximately $100,000 in savings is recommended.
• Minimum 50% ownership of the company started or bought in Canada.
• The applicant has relevant experience or special skills related to the proposed business, enhancing its sustainability and longevity in Canada.
• The applicant has taken initial steps to establish and launch the company, such as: proof of financial ability to start and cover costs, selecting and leasing business premises, employee plan, business registration in Canada, ownership agreements, and developing connections with Canadian suppliers, partners, and vendors.
• The applicant must demonstrate that the business creates significant benefits for Canadians through economic, social, or cultural advantages.

The “Significant Benefits” Condition for the Business Plan in Canada

What does “significant benefits” mean for a business plan in Canada? What features must the company the applicant intends to start or buy have to be accepted by IRCC? A key point in the C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa is that the applicant must demonstrate, throughout the application process, the intent to launch a business based on their expertise and skills that brings “significant benefits” to Canada’s economy, society, and culture. Some indicators for highlighting “significant benefits to Canada” include:

• General economic drivers, such as: job creation, regional or remote development, or expanding export markets for Canadian products and services.
• Canadian industry advancement, such as technology development, product/service innovation, or opportunities for improving Canadian skills.

Benefits of the Program

Successful C11 applicants can benefit from the outcomes of being in Canada:

• The applicant enters Canada with a work permit and continues profiting from the established or acquired company while expanding entrepreneurial skills.
• Managing the business earns additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for federal Express Entry.
• Once permanent residency is obtained via federal Express Entry, the applicant can continue as an employee all legally.
• For married applicants, the spouse receives an Open Work Permit, allowing employment with any Canadian employer.
• Children can study in Canada without a study visa.

How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Canada

The C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency. However, a two-step immigration process exists:

• Step 1: Obtain the C11 Work Visa.
• Step 2: Apply for permanent residency meeting required criteria.

Since the applicant applies for a job offer as an employee of their own company, they become an employee. One year of continuous Canadian work experience plus other requirements boosts CRS points. The C11 holder can then apply for permanent residency via federal Express Entry under Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class, or provincial programs.

Apply for Immigration to Canada via C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa

If eligible, submit your request for consultation on immigration to Canada via C11.

C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa Process

• Step 1: Prepare a comprehensive business plan aligned with program criteria.
• Step 2: Provide proof of 50% ownership for starting or buying a business in Canada.
• Step 3: Apply for job offer for the principal applicant as business owner/employee.
• Step 4: Submit work permit application to IRCC.
• Step 5:Biometrics.
• Step 6:Enter Canada with work permit.

Government Fees for C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa

Q&A

Does the C11 Entrepreneur Work Visa require an English test?

Generally, no. However, it is needed for subsequent steps toward permanent residency via Express Entry.

Is there a points system for the C11 work visa? No, there is no points system.

Why is a comprehensive business plan required for C11?

Canada’s goal is to attract entrepreneurs capable of starting and managing businesses that provide “significant benefits” economically, socially, and culturally. The immigration officer assesses intent via the business plan; a detailed, realistic plan outlines practical goals.

Is there an age limit for the work visa?

No, no age restriction.

What are the minimum required documents? Minimum documents include:

• Business plan.
• Professional/specialized history related to the plan.
• Financial proof showing current assets for startup and ongoing costs.
• Company registration documents in Canada.

Can group applications be made like the Startup Visa?

No, each applicant must apply individually.

Can the 2-year C11 visa lead to permanent residency?

Not directly. After 1 year as business owner, open an Express Entry profile. If scoring high enough, apply for permanent residency for self and family. Provincial options also available.

Is the 2-year C11 visa renewable?

Yes, if sufficient investment from the plan and execution steps are met.