Build & Run Your Business in Canada with the Right Immigration Pathway Through Entrepreneur Work Permits for Canada

Explore LMIA-exempt work permit options designed for entrepreneurs ready to launch or expand their business in Canada. Discover how you can legally work, direct, and grow your company under Canada’s entrepreneur visa pathways.

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CUSMA Investor Work Permit

This work permit allows U.S. or Mexican citizens to obtain a LMIA-exempt work
permit to develop and direct a business they have substantially invested in within
Canada, under the International Mobility Program.

Services Offered

  • Assess eligibility for T-35 Work Permit.
  • Provide document checklist
  • Work with the applicant and Canadian entity to secure “A” number or Job Offer number for
    the applicant.
  • Guide in the preparation of documents by the applicant.
  • Assist the applicant in aligning the business plan to meet the requirements and
    expectations of IRCC.
  • Work with applicant and Canadian entity to address weaknesses in the application.
  • Apply online for the work permit and add documents during processing, when required.
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Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a citizen of the U.S. or Mexico.
  • Must have invested or be actively investing a substantial amount of capital in a Canadian
  • enterprise.
  • The enterprise must be majority-owned (50%+) by U.S. or Mexican nationals.
  • Must occupy a role that is executive, supervisory, or involves essential skills.
  • Must complete IMM 5321 (Trader/Investor Application).
  • Must also be a U.S. or Mexican citizen.
  • Must work in an executive/supervisory role or possess essential skills.
  • Must be employed in a Canadian entity with U.S. or Mexican nationality.
  1. Proof of citizenship (U.S. or Mexico).
  2. Proof of investment (bank transfers, purchase agreements, equipment shipping, lease payments, business setup).
  3. Business ownership and nationality proof (50%+ U.S./Mexican ownership).
  4. Letter from employer detailing:
    • Job title, description, duties, executive/supervisory/essential skill role.
    • Nature and amount of investment.
    • Duration of stay.
  5. Completed IMM 5321 form.
  6. Offer of employment submitted through the Employer Portal
  • Preferably online, outside Canada due to complexity.
  • Can be submitted at Port of Entry (POE) for visa-exempt applicants.
  • May also apply from within Canada under certain conditions (R199).
  • Initial permit is for 1 year, renewable for 2 years if conditions are still met.
  • Substantiality and legitimacy of the investment (proportionality test).
  • Role is genuinely executive/supervisory or essential.
  • Applicant has control and direction over the enterprise.
  • Evidence of the enterprise being real, active, and for-profit.
  • Intent to return to home country after stay.
  • Business should not be marginal (must generate income beyond just supporting the investor)

Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Work Permit – C 61, C 62 and C 63 Work permit

If the applicant worked in a multinational company who is setting up operations in Canada and is looking to transfer the worker to Canada to work in a similar position as in the parent or branch company, then the worker can apply for a work permit to work in the company’s branch or subsidiary in Canada.

Services Offered

  • Assess eligibility for ICT Work Permit.
  • Provide document checklist.
  • Work with the employer to secure “A” number or Job Offer number for the applicant.
  • Guide in the preparation of documents by the applicant.
  • Prepare documents required for the application.
  • Work with applicant and employer to address weaknesses in the application.
  • Coordinate with employers to educate them about work permit requirements.
  • Apply online for the work permit and add documents during processing, when required.
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General Eligibility Criteria (Applies to C-61, C-62, C-63)

The offer must:

  • Match the correct LMIA exemption code (C61, C62, or C63).
  • Specify NOC code, job title, and duties that align with the TEER level for the relevant ICT category.
  • Describe the relationship between foreign and Canadian entities.
  • Outline the wages, which must meet or exceed prevailing wage levels (as per Job Bank).
    • Housing/travel allowances cannot count as part of wages.
  • Indicate the duration of employment in Canada.Application Assessment Factors

The offer must:

  • Applicants must provide:
  • Proof of qualifying corporate relationship between entities.
  • Offer of employment submitted via Employer Portal (or IMM 5802 if permitted).
  • Detailed job descriptions for both Canadian and foreign roles.
  • Proof of current employment abroad, including job duties and position level.
  • Training, education, and experience documentation, especially for C63 (Specialized Knowledge):
    • Certificates, reference letters, job descriptions, proof of proprietary knowledge.
  • Evidence of economic/social/cultural benefit to Canada.
  • Proof of intent to return home after the assignment.
  • For C-61: Additional documents showing how the new Canadian entity will start operating.
  • If applying under C-63, duties must show proprietary knowledge and advanced expertise.
  • Applications for lower TEER categories (3–5) are subject to greater scrutiny and must be well justified.
  • Wages not aligned with prevailing rates may signal an unqualified or misclassified application.
  • Officers must ensure that the applicant is not working outside the role stated in their work permit, or both employer and employee may be non-compliant under IRPA/IRPR.

To qualify, the employer must be an MNC, meaning:

  • It must operate in two or more countries.
  • Must generate revenue abroad.
  • Example: A company headquartered in one country and operating branches, affiliates, or subsidiaries in others, including Canada.
  1. Current Employment:
    • Be currently employed by a multinational corporation (MNC) outside Canada in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.
  2. Experience:
    • Have at least 1 year of continuous, full-time employment with the MNC within the last 3 years in a similar position.
  3. Nature of Transfer:
    • Be transferred temporarily to a related Canadian enterprise (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate)
      in the same occupational capacity.
  4. Position Abroad Remains Open:
    • Have a position to return to at the foreign company after the Canadian assignment ends.
  5. Business Presence:
    • The Canadian company must be actively doing business (i.e., regularly and continuously
      providing goods or services).
  6. Compliance:
    • Meet all immigration requirements for temporary residence.
  7. Benefit to Canada:
    • The work must provide significant economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canadians or
      permanent residents.
  8. MNC Requirement:
    • Applicants must be part of a multinational. If not, they may need to apply under C11 (business
      owner) instead.

Applicants must submit:

  1. Proof of Corporate Relationship:
    • Evidence that the foreign and Canadian enterprises have a qualifying relationship (parent, branch, subsidiary, affiliate).
    • If establishing a new enterprise, provide a business plan/timeline and proof of how/when the business will start operating.
  2. Job Offer Details:
    • Offer of employment submitted through the Employer Portal.
    • Must describe:
      • The skills/experience required,
      • The job title and duties in Canada,
      • The relationship between the foreign and Canadian enterprises.
  3. Proof of Employment Abroad:
    • Letter from the foreign company with:
      • Current job title, duties, place in organization,
      • Required skills and experience,
      • Duration of stay,
      • Intended Canadian position and its requirements.
  4. Employment Duration:
    • Proof of 1 year full-time work in the foreign company within the past 3 years.
  5. Qualifications:
    • Documents showing the applicant has the education, training, and experience to do the job in Canada:
      • Reference letters,
      • Degree/certification copies,
      • CV, awards, publications.
  6. Benefit Justification:
    • Explanation and documents demonstrating that the applicant’s work will generate significant benefits to Canada (economic, cultural, or social).
  7. Temporary Intent:
    • Evidence showing that the applicant intends to return home after the Canadian assignment.
  8. For New Enterprises (C-61):
    • Extra documentation required for establishing a new office or branch in Canada, including how it qualifies as an MNC expansion.
  1. Multinational Company (MNC) Eligibility
    • The foreign enterprise must already be an MNC: It must have revenue-generating business operations in at least two countries (its home country and at least one other country besides Canada).
    • Cannot use Canada as the first foreign expansion to qualify as an MNC.
  2. Qualifying Relationship Between Enterprises
    • There must be a legal relationship (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) between the foreign and Canadian enterprises.
    • Relationships based only on contracts, franchising, or licensing agreements are not eligible.
    • Both enterprises must remain actively engaged (i.e., conducting regular, continuous business and providing goods/services) throughout the permit duration.
  3. Purpose of Transfer: Establishing a New Business
    • The foreign national must be coming to actively manage and establish the Canadian operation.
    • The enterprise must show a clear need for the person to be in Canada and that the Canadian business will operate independently, not just remotely.
  4. Employment Relationship in Canada
    • A clear employer-employee relationship must exist between the foreign national and the Canadian company.
    • The Canadian enterprise must have control over the daily duties of the transferee.
    • The applicant must take a position within the Canadian entity, not merely work at a client site.
  5. Location of Work and Physical Premises
    • The Canadian operation must have a physical commercial business premises.
      • A shared office may be acceptable if the business has a legitimate presence (e.g., signage, receptionist, business license).
    • Remote-only operations or residential/virtual addresses do not qualify.
  6. Duration and Conditions
    • C-61 permits are issued for a maximum of 1 year with no possibility of extension under this code.
    • After 1 year, a renewal application may be made under another ICT category if eligibility is met.
  7. In Case of Mergers or Acquisitions
    • If there’s a merger or acquisition, the qualifying relationship must still exist.
    • The foreign national may still qualify if:
      • They were employed by the acquired company for 1 year in the past 3 years, and
      • The new entity continues the same type of business and assumes obligations/assets.

This work permit is strictly for executives, managers, or specialized knowledge workers from an
existing MNC seeking to set up a new, actively operating business in Canada under a qualifying
business structure.

C11 category Work Permit – International Mobility Program (IMP)

The C11 LMIA-exempt work permit category allows foreign nationals to work in Canada if their employment will bring significant social, cultural, or economic benefits to Canadians or permanent residents. It is used in cases where no specific LMIA exemption applies, but there is a strong justification for issuing a permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Services Offered

  • Assess eligibility for C-11 Work Permit.
  • Provide document checklist.
  • Work with the applicant and Canadian entity to secure “A” number or Job Offer number for the applicant.
  • Guide in the preparation of documents by the applicant.
  • Assist the applicant in aligning the business plan to meet the requirements and expectations of IRCC.
  • Work with applicant and Canadian entity to address weaknesses in the application.
  • Apply online for the work permit and add documents during processing, when required.
Let’s Connect

Work permit under the C11 category of Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) for business owners seeking temporary residence:

To qualify under C11, the applicant must:

  1. Prove the business activity is temporary or seasonal and demonstrate intent to leave Canada after the work period ends.
  2. Own at least 51% of the business.
  3. Show that you have:
    • Support funds to cover personal and family living expenses (based on LICO) for at least 18 months, separate from business funds.
    • Business funds sufficient to start and run the business, and proof of source.
  4. Demonstrate significant economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canadians or permanent residents, including:
    • Job creation,
    • Market expansion,
    • Innovation,
    • Services or goods not locally available,
    • Support for regional or remote economic development.

Applicants must submit:

  • Work permit application.
  • Proof of ownership (minimum 51%) and business control.
  • A business plan that explains:
    • How the business benefits Canada,
    • Startup steps, costs, location, marketing strategy, and customer base.
  • Offer of Employment submitted through:
    • Employer Portal, generating a job number
  • Proof of employer compliance fee payment.
  • Proof of support funds (bank statements, transferable assets).
  • Proof of business funds (startup capital, investments).
  • Temporary nature of stay:
    • Exit strategy (e.g., hiring a manager to take over).
    • Strong ties to country of residence.

Officers will evaluate:

  • Genuineness of business and intention to leave Canada.
  • Significant benefit to Canadians:
    • Does the business create jobs?
    • Does it innovate or advance Canadian industries?
    • Is it in a region with economic need?
  • Clarity and realism of the business plan.
  • Job duties and experience of applicant (aligned with NOC).
  • Certifications or licenses, if required.
  • Education and training relevant to the business.
  • Language ability to operate the business in Canada.
  • Normally up to 18 months.
  • Can be extended only if the applicant demonstrates a continued temporary purpose with a clear exit strategy.
  • Ownership below 51%.
  • Lack of business plan or funds.
  • Business not providing a clear benefit to Canada.
  • Inability to show intention to leave Canada.
  • Past history of long or repeated stays suggesting de facto residence.

A work permit is granted if:

  • The business offers significant benefit to Canadians,
  • The application meets all conditions under R200 and R205(a),
  • The applicant can show they will leave Canada after the permit ends.

C10 Work Permit (Significant Benefit – IRPR R205(a))

The C10 LMIA-exempt work permit category allows foreign nationals to work in Canada if their employment will bring significant social, cultural, or economic benefits to Canadians or permanent residents. It is used in cases where no specific LMIA exemption applies, but there is a strong justification for issuing a permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Services Offered

  • Assess eligibility for C-10 Work Permit.
  • Provide document checklist.
  • Work with the applicant and Canadian entity to secure “A” number or Job Offer number for the applicant.
  • Guide in the preparation of documents by the applicant.
  • Assist the applicant in aligning the business plan to meet the requirements and expectations of IRCC.
  • Work with applicant and Canadian entity to address weaknesses in the application.
  • Apply online for the work permit and add documents during processing, when required.
Let’s Connect

To qualify under R205(a) / C10, a foreign national must demonstrate that their work in Canada will result in significant benefit, in at least one of the following areas:

  1. Economic Benefit
    • Job creation or preservation
    • Market expansion, innovation, or investment
    • Avoiding disruption to major events
    • Regional development or remote area stimulus
  2. Social Benefit
    • Health and safety improvements
    • Environmental advancements
    • Social inclusion or community development
  3. Cultural Benefit
    • Recognized accomplishments in arts, sciences, or academia
    • Published work or patents
    • Awards, peer recognition, or prominent roles in reputable organizations
  1. LMIA-exempt offer of employment submitted via the Employer Portal (or alternate method if exempt)
  2. Proof of employer compliance fee payment
  3. Detailed evidence showing how the applicant’s work benefits Canada (must be personalized; copying government text is not accepted)

In GCMS (Global Case Management System), officers will assess:

  • How the job meets the exemption criteria (non-boilerplate justification)
  • Duties and skills alignment
  • Job and education requirements
  • Any needed licenses or certifications

Officers must include mandatory case notes justifying the exemption based on economic, social, or cultural benefits.