When exploring Canadian business immigration options, two standout pathways often come up: the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit and the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program. Both can lead to permanent residency, but they serve very different types of applicants. Understanding the difference between business immigration pathways like the C11 vs Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) can make or break your strategy.
The C11 Work Permit is designed for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals looking to start or purchase a business in Canada that brings significant economic, social, or cultural benefit. It’s ideal for solo business owners, startup founders, or anyone with a solid business plan who isn’t tied to a foreign corporation. It’s flexible, doesn’t require a minimum investment (though a well-capitalized business helps), and can include your spouse and children under accompanying permits.
By contrast, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program is tailored for executives, senior managers, or specialized knowledge workers transferring from a foreign branch to a Canadian subsidiary of the same company. You must demonstrate a qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian companies and prove that you’ve been working with the company for at least one year in the past three.
So, while both programs lead to similar end goals, work authorization and eventual PR, they’re fundamentally different in structure and intent. If you’re an independent entrepreneur, the C11 likely makes more sense. But if you’re an executive in an established global firm with a Canadian affiliate, the ICT pathway may offer a faster route. Either way, choosing wisely between the C11 vs Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) is key to a successful move to Canada.
The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit is one of Canada’s most flexible business immigration options and for good reason. It’s tailor-made for entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and owner-operators who want to build something meaningful on Canadian soil. Whether you already run a successful company abroad or you’ve got a powerful vision for your first Canadian venture, the C11 could be your launchpad.
So, how do you qualify for a C11? Let’s break down the essentials and what each one really means:
Canada doesn’t hand out work permits just for having a good idea, you need to show that your business is doable, profitable, and impactful. Your plan should include real numbers: startup costs, revenue projections, staffing needs, competitive analysis, and how your business will benefit the local economy. This is your blueprint and your biggest persuasive tool. A vague plan? That’s a red flag. But a tight, clear business model? That opens doors.
You need to show that you’re not just browsing. That you are committed. Whether you’re starting from scratch, buying an existing business, or expanding a current one into Canada, IRCC wants evidence that you’re taking concrete steps. Think: letters of intent, agreements of purchase, incorporation documents, or evidence of business registration.
They don’t want passive investors, they want action-takers.
This is not a passive investment visa. You must be involved in running the business hands-on. That means taking responsibility for hiring, marketing, client relations, and the company’s financial decisions. If you’re just putting in money and stepping back? The C11 isn’t for you. Immigration officers want to see that you are the business and that it can’t run without your leadership.
You don’t need to be a millionaire, but you do need to show that you can get the business off the ground. This includes startup capital, operational expenses, and the ability to support yourself and your family in the early months. Bank statements, investment portfolios, or proof of assets can help demonstrate this. If your business depends on external funding that’s not yet secured, that’s a potential problem. Immigration Canada wants stability not uncertainty.
At Akrami and Associates, we specialize in turning ideas into immigration reality. From building a winning business plan to preparing the full C11 submission, we know what works and what gets flagged. Ready to bring your entrepreneurial dream to Canada?
Let’s get started today.
One common question from clients is whether they can run the business remotely. The answer is: to an extent. While remote supervision is possible (and increasingly common), you still need to show that you’re actively involved in the Canadian business and that a substantial amount of your time will be spent in Canada. Immigration officers want to see that your business is not just a front to secure a visa, but a genuine, ongoing enterprise requiring your leadership.
You don’t necessarily need to be physically in Canada 100% of the time, but you must justify how your responsibilities, including managing staff, securing contracts, and overseeing operations, are fulfilled. This demonstrates that your business contributes meaningfully to the Canadian economy.
Before you even think about forms or fees, it starts with vision. This is where you shape the “what” and the “why.” What kind of business are you starting or buying and why Canada? Are you opening a boutique café in Vancouver or acquiring a logistics firm in Ontario? You’ll need to dive into Canadian market research, industry trends, and regional demand. Immigration officers aren’t impressed by vague ideas, they want specifics. Your business has to do something for Canada: create jobs, fill a market gap, contribute to the local economy. So, show that you’ve done your homework.
This isn’t a free ride. You need financial muscle to prove you’re ready to launch. While there’s no official minimum, having $100,000 to $200,000 (or more) set aside demonstrates seriousness. The funds can be held in a Canadian account or escrow to show intent, especially if you’re buying an existing business. IRCC wants to see liquidity, not just promises. This isn’t just about paying startup costs, it’s about showing that you can sustain the business and yourself while it grows.
Here’s where the magic happens. Your business plan is the core of your C11 application, and it’s more than just paperwork, it’s your proof of concept. Think of it as your pitch to the government. It should clearly outline:
Make it professional, realistic, and tailored to Canada’s economy. Immigration officers see hundreds of plans, yours needs to stand out.
Once your plan is polished and your funds are secure, it’s time to submit. This isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about telling a story. Include every piece of evidence that supports your vision: your professional resume, proof of business ownership or experience, financial documents, and of course, your detailed business plan. This is where working with a legal team pays off, one error or weak argument could derail your application.
Upon approval, you’ll receive a closed work permit tied directly to your business. This is your green light to launch. From day one, you need to be hands-on hiring staff, building customer relationships, tracking your progress. IRCC expects you to be actively managing and growing your business, not just watching from the sidelines. Stay compliant with provincial and federal regulations, file taxes, and document everything. Why? Because this period sets you up for permanent residency.
After at least 12 months of active management, you can leverage your experience to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry (under the Federal Skilled Worker or CEC stream especially if you’re in a senior management NOC 00 role). Previously, this added up to 200 CRS points, and there’s ongoing discussion about reintroducing this incentive. Alternatively, you may qualify under provincial entrepreneur immigration streams. The point is: if you build something real and sustainable, Canada wants you to stay.
At Akrami & Associates, we’ve helped entrepreneurs from all over the world use the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit to settle in Canada, not just to run businesses, but to build futures. Your journey starts with a plan. Let us help you turn it into a permanent one.
Let’s make your Canadian dream your next business venture.
The Intra-Company Transfer program is designed for multinational companies looking to transfer key personnel from their overseas branch to a Canadian office. This pathway doesn’t require the applicant to be an owner of the company; they can also be a key employee with specialized knowledge or an executive role.
Unlike the C11, the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program does not require a specific financial investment into the Canadian entity. That’s because the company is already established, and the transfer is typically internal.
That said, it’s important to note that a Canadian branch can be newly established. If your overseas company doesn’t yet have a presence in Canada, you can apply to open a new Canadian office and transfer yourself or a key employee there.
In such cases, similar requirements to the C11 apply:
Although this category is still classified as an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT), the structure mirrors many aspects of a C11 application. However, one key difference remains, the C11 is for owners/operators, while Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) can include employees.
Thinking about expanding your business into Canada? The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit is a game-changer for multinational companies seeking to transfer key employees across borders seamlessly. This isn’t just a move, it’s a strategy.
The Backbone of Your Application To qualify for the ICT work permit in Canada, the first box you need to check is the legal relationship between the foreign and Canadian companies. Think parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate, this is non-negotiable. The two entities must be actively doing business and legally connected. Without this foundational tie, the entire application will crumble. Make sure this relationship is clearly documented with corporate ownership structures, shareholder agreements, and registration certificates.
Only The employee being transferred must have worked at the foreign company for at least 12 consecutive months in the past 3 years. But not just in any role. They must hold an executive position, be a senior manager, or possess highly specialized knowledge. IRCC doesn’t hand out ICT permits to general staff this route is for game-changers, decision-makers, and experts whose absence would be felt.
This is your evidence vault. Think beyond the basics. You need to demonstrate:
This is where you make your case that your expansion isn’t just paperwork, it’s a well-thought-out business decision.
With the full package ready, you submit the work permit application to IRCC. If the Canadian office is brand new, IRCC will scrutinize your business plan. They want to see a commitment to growth: hiring local employees, leasing office space, and getting operations up and running within 12 months. Established companies may have a smoother ride, but clarity, precision, and thorough documentation remain key for everyone.
Once approved, the employee can enter Canada and start their new role. But your work isn’t done. For new offices, especially, IRCC expects to see signs of life within the first year: revenue generation, hiring activity, partnerships, and actual operations. This isn’t a passive process. Your company must stay compliant and demonstrate ongoing value to justify work permit renewal.
Once the employee has gained sufficient Canadian work experience (usually 12 months or more), they can transition to Permanent Residency through Express Entry under the Canadian Experience Class or via Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). That’s how temporary mobility becomes permanent settlement.
| Feature | C11 Work Permit | Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit |
| Ownership Required | Yes | No (can be an employee) |
| Investment Needed | Recommended $100K–$200K | Not mandatory |
| Applicable to New Businesses | Yes | Yes (new Canadian branch) |
| Remote Management Allowed | Limited | Yes (depending on role) |
| Day-to-Day Involvement Required | Yes | Depends on position |
| PR Transition Path | Express Entry after 1 year (NOC 00) | PR possible through Express Entry or PNPs |
The right pathway depends entirely on your background, business ownership, financial capacity, and long-term immigration goals.
At Akrami & Associates, we help you assess your profile and recommend the most strategic route. Whether you’re pursuing C11 or Intra-Company Transfer (ICT), both categories require detailed planning, precise documentation, and a clear demonstration of your intent to operate or contribute meaningfully to the Canadian economy.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients successfully navigate both C11 and Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) applications. Here’s how we can support your journey:
📞 Book a consultation today to find out which pathway is right for you, and let us help you build a secure future in Canada.
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