C11 Work Permit
Exploring the C11 Work Permit
Eligibility and Benefits for Self-Employed Individuals and Entrepreneurs in Canada
Are you an entrepreneur or self-employed individual looking to work in Canada and eventually become a permanent resident? If so, the Canadian C11 entrepreneur work visa may be an option for you. In this post, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about this visa.
In Canada, the International Mobility Program (IMP) has created opportunities for Canadian companies to hire temporary employees from around the world without the need for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). One of the LMIA exemptions under the IMP is the “C11” exemption, which is available for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals applying for a work permit.
Eligibility and Benefits for Self-Employed Individuals and Entrepreneurs in Canada
The C11 work permit is designed for two categories of enterprises. The first category includes entrepreneurs who wish to enter Canada on a temporary basis in order to pursue their business goals and careers. The second category applies to those who are part of the permanent residency program for entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals.
In order to obtain a C11 entrepreneur work visa, whether you are planning for a short stay or permanent residency, you must demonstrate to the immigration officer that:
- 1You are the owner of a business or a self-employed individual with a strong business strategy and sufficient resources.
- 2The business, venture, or self-employed work you are engaged in has the potential to provide significant economic, social, and cultural benefits to Canadians.
The C11 entrepreneur work visa is open to various types of businesses in Canada.
Some examples of eligible businesses include:
These are just a few examples of the types of businesses that may be eligible for the C11 entrepreneur work visa in Canada. It’s important to note that each case is assessed individually by immigration officers, and meeting the criteria for the visa is essential. Please consult with a qualified immigration professional or refer to official government resources for specific and up-to-date information on eligible businesses under the C11 entrepreneur work visa program.
Eligibility as a Temporary Self-Employed Worker or Entrepreneur in Canada
Foreign nationals who wish to operate their own business in Canada as self-employed persons or entrepreneurs must meet certain requirements to be eligible.
These requirements include:
- 1Temporary or Seasonal Basis: The work must be on a temporary or seasonal basis, and the applicant must have plans to leave Canada within a specified period of time.
- 2Significant Economic, Social, or Cultural Benefits: The work must generate significant economic, social, or cultural benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, as per paragraph R205(a) of the immigration regulations.
- 3Unique Service: If the self-employed worker is providing a unique service, economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canadian clients may be considered.
Examples of temporary self-employment include seasonal businesses such as bed and breakfast operators, gold miners, and wildlife guides. These types of businesses are temporary in nature.
On the other hand, year-round businesses such as automotive repair shops or hair-dressing salons would require more evidence to show that the foreign national only intends to remain in Canada for a temporary period. Immigration officers may request a plan from the foreign national on how they plan to hire someone to manage their business after the start-up phase.
It’s important to note that foreign nationals with the intention of obtaining permanent residence in Canada should be assessed under Provincial business candidates or Quebec self-employed applicants approved for a Quebec selection certificate, as they are seeking eventual permanent residence.
For more information on eligibility requirements for temporary self-employed workers or entrepreneurs in Canada, please consult the immigration regulations or contact a qualified immigration professional for guidance.
Documentary Evidence for Self-Employed Workers and Entrepreneurs in Canada
When assessing the eligibility of foreign nationals as entrepreneurs or self-employed workers, immigration officers should keep in mind that the foreign national will be both the employer and employee. Therefore, they must meet the requirements for both roles.
To prove eligibility, a foreign national must provide the following documentation:
For example, if the foreign national indicates that they will be self-employed in the tourism industry, they could provide submissions from the provincial tourism authority to assist in determining whether the activity would be beneficial and not detrimental to the interests of Canadian service providers. The foreign national could also include information from local Canadian chambers of commerce or labour market information from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Submitting comprehensive and accurate documentary evidence can greatly support the foreign national’s application as a self-employed worker or entrepreneur in Canada. It’s important to consult the immigration regulations or seek professional guidance for specific requirements and documentation to ensure a successful application.
Important Considerations
In addition to the considerations outlined in the “Significant benefit to Canada” criteria (R205(a) – C10), immigration officers should also evaluate any spin-off benefits that may arise from the proposed self-employment.
When determining whether paragraph R205(a) is met, regardless of the percentage of business ownership in Canada, officers should take into account the following questions:
For example, a convenience store located on Yonge Street in Toronto that hires only two additional employees may not have a substantial impact on the local economy, and the addition of two jobs may not be considered significant. However, if the same convenience store is established in a small rural area where the nearest grocery store is 20 kilometers away, it may be viewed as a benefit, as it would provide employment opportunities in a locality with limited job prospects and could potentially stimulate other local businesses by attracting people to the area.
Exploring Permanent Residency Options after Obtaining a C11 Work Permit
After obtaining a C11 work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP) in Canada, it’s important to note that it does not automatically lead to permanent residency. However, there are still immigration possibilities for permanent residency that you can explore. Here are the current options:
Businessperson or entrepreneur:
If you wish to immigrate to a specific province in Canada, you may be eligible for provincial nomination programs (PNP) as a businessperson or entrepreneur. Each province has its own criteria and requirements for these programs, which may vary. If you meet the eligibility criteria and receive a provincial nomination, you may be able to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process for Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) under C11 Work Permit
Foreign nationals who wish to apply for the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) in Canada under the C11 work permit category must meet certain requirements and follow a specific application process. Here are the key steps:
- 1Letter of support from the province or territory: The applicant must provide a letter of support from the province or territory that is nominating them. This letter should include evidence of the individual’s admission to Canada for the purpose of operating their business and creating a significant benefit to Canada’s economy.
- 2Offer of employment or authorization by the Immigration Program Guidance Branch (IPG): The applicant must either receive an offer of employment or obtain authorization from the Immigration Program Guidance Branch (IPG) to submit an “Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)” form.
- 3Employer compliance fee: The applicant must pay the employer compliance fee as per the requirements. Self-employed individuals are considered their own employer and must pay this fee.
- 4Successful work permit application: The applicant must have successfully applied for and obtained a work permit in Canada under the C11 work permit category.
Meeting these requirements and following the application process as outlined by the province or territory is essential for foreign nationals to be eligible and apply for the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) under the C11 work permit category.
Please note that immigration policies and requirements may change over time, and it is recommended to refer to the latest information provided by the relevant authorities for up-to-date and accurate guidance.
Self-employed individual in Quebec:
If you plan to settle in the province of Quebec as a self-employed individual, you may have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency through the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program. This program has its own specific criteria and requirements, and you must demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience to establish and operate a business in Quebec.
Despite the limitations on dual-purpose options, it’s worth noting that if you work in Canada under the C11 work permit for at least one year, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker program category under the Express Entry system. However, meeting the eligibility criteria and requirements for these programs is crucial, and it’s advisable to consult with a qualified immigration professional or refer to official government resources for the most up-to-date and accurate information on applying for permanent residency after obtaining a C11 work permit.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process for Quebec Immigration as a Self-employed Individual or Entrepreneur
Foreign nationals who wish to apply for immigration to Quebec as self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs must meet certain eligibility requirements and follow a specific application process. Here are the key steps:
- 1Valid CSQ (Certificate of Selection of Quebec): The applicant must have received and been issued a valid CSQ as a self-employed individual or entrepreneur from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de l’Inclusion (MIDI).
- 2Request for early entry: The applicant must have a request for early entry from MIDI, indicating their eligibility for immigration to Quebec as a self-employed individual or entrepreneur.
- 3Offer of employment or authorization by the Immigration Program Guidance Branch (IPG): The applicant must either receive an offer of employment or obtain authorization from the Immigration Program Guidance Branch (IPG) to submit an “Offer of Employment to a Foreign National Exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)” form.
- 4Employer compliance fee: The applicant must pay the employer compliance fee as per the requirements. Self-employed individuals are considered their own employers and must pay this fee.
- 5Successful work permit application: The applicant must have successfully applied for and obtained a work permit in Canada under the C11 work permit category.
Meeting these requirements and following the application process as outlined by MIDI is essential for foreign nationals to be eligible and apply for immigration to Quebec as self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs.
Please note that immigration policies and requirements may change over time, and it is recommended to refer to the latest information provided by the relevant authorities for up-to-date and accurate guidance.
Contact Akrami & Associates for Your Work Permit Needs
When it comes to applying for a work permit as a self-employed individual or entrepreneur in Canada, it’s crucial to consider all the important information beforehand. If you’re unsure whether you need a work permit or not, it’s best to research and seek professional help. Applying for work permits in Canada can be complex, which is why it’s highly recommended to seek assistance from experienced immigration professionals.
At Akrami & Associates, we have extensive experience in handling various immigration issues, including work permits. Our team has helped numerous clients successfully apply for and obtain valid work permits in Canada, leading to eventual permanent residency. If you believe you may be eligible, feel free to contact us at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or to book a consultation with one of our immigration professionals for expert advice.
With Akrami & Associates, you can trust that there is always a way!
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