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

CAD $385

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
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Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
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.

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Cost Breakdown

Work permit processing feeCAD $155
Employer compliance feeCAD $230
TotalCAD $385

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

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