Canada•North America2-6 months
385 CAD
18 months
Yes
Not Required
Allowed
Available
Not Required
A work permit for foreign nationals who wish to establish or operate a business in Canada that will generate significant economic, social, or cultural benefits.
The C11 is a Canadian LMIA-exempt work permit under R205(a) for foreign entrepreneurs running their own business without a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Applicants must own at least 51% of a Canadian business, hold a senior management role (TEER 0/1), and show significant benefit to Canada through a business plan.
Permits are valid up to 18 months, renewable with evidence of active operations. Spouses may receive an open work permit; dependent children may get study permits. A PR pathway exists through provincial entrepreneur streams — though C11 experience is excluded from Canadian Experience Class eligibility.
This visa is ideal for foreign business owners who want to enter Canada quickly and build toward permanent residence through a provincial entrepreneur program.
Work permit processing fee | 155 CAD |
Employer compliance fee | 230 CAD |
| Initial grant | 1.5 years |
Own at least 51% of a Canadian business (raised from 50% effective May 27, 2025)
Actively manage and operate the business in Canada in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 senior management role
Demonstrate significant economic, cultural, or social benefit to Canada (e.g. job creation, regional development, innovation)
Submit a comprehensive business plan (typically 20–40 pages) with market analysis, financial projections, and hiring plan
Provide proof of sufficient business capital (typically CAD $200,000–$300,000) — separate from personal living funds
Provide proof of sufficient personal/family funds to support yourself in Canada
Show incorporation documents, business registration, and evidence of active operations (lease, bank account, etc.)
Demonstrate ties to home country consistent with temporary residence intent
Completed IMM 1295 (work permit application) or online application via IRCC portal
Valid passport
Business plan (20–40 pages with executive summary, market analysis, financials, hiring plan)
Business incorporation or registration documents
Proof of minimum 51% ownership (shareholder register, articles of incorporation)
Business bank account statements
Commercial lease agreement or offer to lease
Personal bank statements showing separate living funds
Business capital proof (bank statements, investment records)
Résumé/CV demonstrating relevant management and industry experience
Educational credentials
Letters of intent from customers or partners (if available)
Organizational chart
Photographs (passport-standard)
| Application Steps | Register or incorporate a Canadian business and secure at least 51% ownership; Prepare a comprehensi… | bridgepointlaw.ca |
| Dependent Visa | Spouse may apply for an open work permit; dependent children may obtain study permits. | sobirovs.com |
| Dual Intent | false | amirismail.com |
| Fee Breakdown | Work permit processing fee: 155 CAD; Employer compliance fee: 230 CAD | ircc.canada.ca |
| Fees | CAD 155 work permit fee + CAD 230 employer compliance fee | ircc.canada.ca |
| Job Offer Required | false | ircc.canada.ca |
| Legal Reference | Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations R205(a) — Canadian interests (significant benefit); e… | canada.ca |
| Application Portal | https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/appl… | canada.ca |
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