C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit
The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit (officially part of Canada’s International Mobility Program) offers a unique pathway for foreign entrepreneurs to establish or acquire a business in Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) .
Unlike traditional work permits that tie you to an employer, the C11 allows you to own and actively manage your own business while contributing to Canada’s economic growth. This is not a direct permanent residence program, but it provides a strategic foothold in Canada that can lead to permanent residence through programs like the Start-Up Visa or Provincial Nominee Programs
What is the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit?
The C11 exemption under Canada’s International Mobility Program allows foreign entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to obtain a work permit without an LMIA if they can prove their work will provide a significant cultural, social, or economic benefit to Canada .
It is designed for :
Entrepreneurs launching a new business in Canada
Business buyers acquiring an existing Canadian business
Self-employed professionals offering specialized services essential to a Canadian region or sector
Founders using the C11 as a strategic step toward permanent residence through provincial or federal programs
Family Benefits
One of the C11 program’s most valuable features is the comprehensive family support :
Spousal Work Authorization: Your spouse becomes eligible for an open work permit, allowing employment with any Canadian employer
Children’s Education: Your minor children can attend Canadian schools without study permits
Family Integration: Access to healthcare and settlement services in your new community
Our C11 Program Services
At Settlement Experts, we provide comprehensive guidance through every stage of your C11 application:
1. Initial Eligibility Assessment
Evaluation of your business concept against 2025/2026 C11 criteria
Review of your financial capacity and business experience
Identification of optimal pathway (C11 vs. other entrepreneur programs)
2. Business Strategy Development
Market research and opportunity identification
Business plan development meeting IRCC’s heightened scrutiny standards
Exit strategy planning and documentation
3. Legal Structure & Documentation
Business incorporation guidance (51%+ ownership structure)
Commercial lease and supplier contract review
Business bank account setup assistance
Comprehensive document preparation for IRCC submission
4. Application Submission & Follow-Up
Employer Portal compliance and job offer filing
Application submission through appropriate channels
Ongoing follow-up with IRCC
Response to any additional information requests
5. Post-Approval & Transition Support
Guidance on family inclusion (spousal open work permit, children’s education)
Connection with local Economic Development Offices
Strategic planning for permanent residence pathways (PNP/SUV)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a C11 Work Permit, you must meet the following criteria established by IRCC :
1. Majority Business Ownership (51%+)
You must hold at least 51% ownership of the Canadian business, ensuring you have genuine decision-making authority and personal investment in the venture’s success .
2. Significant Benefit to Canada
Your business must clearly enhance Canada’s economic, social, or cultural interests. IRCC evaluates :
Job Creation: Creating sustainable, above-minimum-wage jobs for Canadians or permanent residents
Innovation: Introducing new technologies, processes, or skills to Canadian workers
Regional Impact: Serving underserved or rural communities
Market Development: Helping Canadian companies reach new international markets
3. Viable Business Plan
Your business plan must be concrete and detailed, including :
Location-specific market analysis
Detailed financial projections (start-up costs, rent, supplies, wages)
Marketing strategy
Competitive analysis
4. Operational Readiness
You must demonstrate concrete steps already taken to launch your business, such as :
Business incorporation documents
Commercial lease agreements
Supplier contracts
Business bank account establishment
Necessary licenses and permits
5. Financial Capacity (Two Separate Pools)
You must demonstrate adequate resources in two completely separate categories :
A. Business Investment Funds
Typically $200,000 – $400,000 for most successful applications
Funds must be liquid or easily convertible to cash
Clear documentation of fund sources (4-6 months banking history)
B. Personal Support Funds
Sufficient funds to support yourself and accompanying family members for 18 months, based on Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) :
| Family Size | Minimum Personal Funds Required (18 months) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $44,070 |
| 2 people | $54,864 |
| 3 people | $67,449 |
| 4 people | $81,891 |
| 5 people | $92,070 |
| 6 people | $104,751 |
6. Relevant Business Experience
You must demonstrate the skills and experience necessary to successfully operate your proposed business, including :
Direct experience in the same industry
Management experience in related sectors
Previous entrepreneurial ventures
Professional qualifications or certifications
7. Exit Strategy
Since the C11 is a temporary program, you must present a clear plan for how your business will continue benefiting Canada after your departure. This may include :
Succession planning for Canadian managers
Training programs for Canadian employees
Partnership structures allowing Canadian partners to assume control
Pathway to Permanent Residence
While the C11 work permit itself is temporary, it can serve as a strategic stepping stone to permanent residence through :
1. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Many provinces prioritize entrepreneurs who have demonstrated success through C11 work permits, with specific entrepreneur streams offering faster processing.
2. Start-Up Visa Program
If your business shows exceptional growth potential and secures support from a designated organization, you may qualify for this permanent residence pathway.
3. Express Entry
Canadian work experience gained through your C11 permit provides valuable Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for Express Entry applications.
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