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C11 — Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Work Permit
VisasCanadaC11 — Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Work Permit
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

C11 — Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Work Permit

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–6 months

Estimated Cost

CA$385 CAD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

18 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
8% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$50,000
Quality of Life
172/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

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 qualification.

This visa is ideal for foreign business owners who want to enter Canada quickly and build toward permanent residence through a provincial entrepreneur program.

Canada

Curious about life in Canada?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Work permit processing feeCA$155 CAD
Employer compliance feeCA$230 CAD
TotalCA$385 CAD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1.5 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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 Process

1

Register or incorporate a Canadian business and secure at least 51% ownership

2

Prepare a comprehensive business plan demonstrating significant benefit to Canada

3

Gather supporting documents: incorporation papers, lease, bank statements, proof of funds

4

Employer (the applicant's own company) submits an offer of employment via the IRCC Employer Portal and pays the CAD 230 employer compliance fee

5

Applicant completes the work permit application online (IRCC portal) and pays the CAD 155 work permit fee

6

Submit biometrics if required

7

Attend visa interview if requested by the visa office

8

Receive work permit decision; if approved, travel to Canada and activate permit at port of entry

Verified Claims (19)

Last verified May 31, 2026
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
Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
8% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$50,000
Quality of Life
172/200
Full Country Guide

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