C11 - Employer's Work Permit

What is C11?

C11 is the work permit code under the International Mobility Program (IMP), applicable to foreign business owners who wish to enter Canada to operate or establish their own business, solely for temporary residency purposes.

C11 is issued under section R205(a) of the Canadian Immigration Law and Regulations, for cases where the applicant's business activity can generate substantial economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada, to the extent that a Labour Market Examination (LMIA) is not required.

Who is C11 for?

C11 applies to business owners, including:

1. Self-employed: A person who works for their own business, usually hiring very few or no outside family members, and directly involved in the operation of the business.
2. Entrepreneur: A person who organizes and runs a business, accepts higher-than-average financial risks, and hires non-family members to operate the business.

A key commonality: The applicant is both the employer and an employee of that same business.

The core condition for being considered for C11

The applicant must simultaneously demonstrate all of the following elements:

1. The temporary nature of the stay

• Jobs in Canada are temporary or seasonal.
• I plan to leave Canada within a specified period of time.
• There is no indication of an intention to reside permanently through continuous, uninterrupted renewals.

2. Control over the business

• The applicant must own and control at least 51% of the business.
• If you own less than 51%, you will not qualify for a C11 license and must apply for a work permit as an employee.

3. Clear and separate finances.

The applicant must demonstrate that they have two separate financial groups:

• Living expenses (support funds): Sufficient to support oneself and family according to LICO standards, without being dependent on the company's revenue.
• Business funds: Used to establish or operate a business, completely separate from living expenses.

4. Significant benefits for Canada

IRCC does not base its assessment on whether or not a business is open, but rather on:

• Does the business create job opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents?
• Does this involve market expansion, product/service innovation, or technological development?
• Contributing to the local or regional economy, especially in small or remote areas.
• The business must deliver tangible benefits during the license's validity period, not just in the distant future.

C11 license validity period

• Typical duration: 12 to 18 months
• If applying for a stay longer than 18 months, the applicant must provide very clear evidence:
• The stay is still temporary:
  • There are plans to transfer, step down, or withdraw from the executive role.
  • Seasonal businesses (e.g., seasonal tourism, mining, nature guides) are generally easier to demonstrate as temporary than businesses that operate year-round.

Is C11 a route to permanent residency?

IRCC stated:

• C11 is not for those aiming to obtain permanent residency.
• Cases involving dual intent should be considered as follows:
  • Provincial Entrepreneurship Program
    
  • Or Start-up Visa
• Having been granted a C11 visa does not automatically grant the right to reside in Canada permanently.

Documents to prepare

When applying for a work permit under this category, applicants need to provide the following documents:

1. Detailed business plan: Market analysis, revenue model, growth targets.
2. Evidence of experience and achievements in the business field.
3. Documents proving ownership or control of a business in Canada.
4. The passport is still valid.
5. Medical certificate and criminal record check (if required).
6. Documents demonstrating sufficient financial capacity to operate a business and live in Canada.

Application process

1. Prepare the application : Gather all the documents listed above.
2. Apply online : Through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
3. Government fee for applying for a work permit.
4. Biometrics : After submitting the application, applicants will receive instructions on providing fingerprints and a photograph.
5. Waiting time for processing : Processing times may vary depending on the country and type of application.

Important note

• LMIA Exemption : C11 work permits typically do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), simplifying the application process.
• Not allowed to work for another company : You are not allowed to work for any company other than your own business.

Transitioning from a C11 Work Permit to Permanent Residency (PR)

Workers currently employed in Canada under the C11 visa may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the following programs (consult with an attorney for updated program requirements):

1. Is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) part of the Express Entry system acceptable?

According to official IRCC guidance, all work experience as a self-employed or business owner (including C11 work permits) does not count towards work experience for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applications.

The only exception currently applies only to doctors providing public health services under IRCC's temporary policy.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Several Canadian provinces have Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for foreign workers with work experience in that province. If you are working in Canada under a C11 visa, you may be eligible for nomination through the PNP, depending on the specific requirements of each province.

3. Start-Up Visa

Points to note if switching from a C11 to an SUV

• You have to reapply for SUV status from scratch; you cannot directly switch or use the C11 experience to "convert" automatically.
• If the company you work for under the C11 visa is not a qualifying start-up, you cannot use it to apply for an SUV.
• You can use your work experience in Canada under the C11 visa to help demonstrate your management or business development skills in your SUV application.
• If you are granted a Work Permit SUV, you can switch from a Work Permit C11 to an SUV to work for your startup business (if needed).

C11 services in Canada - Keyapply offers comprehensive support:

• We provide business strategy consulting and develop plans that demonstrate significant benefits.
• A guide to establishing a business in Canada and completing the necessary legal paperwork.
• Prepare and submit the C11 Work Permit application for the applicant and their family.
• Assistance with obtaining work permits for spouses and study permits for children.
• We provide advice on long-term immigration through Start-Up Visa, PNP, or Express Entry.
• Service for converting to Start-Up Visa :
  • We provide support in developing startup ideas if clients wish to transition to the Start-Up Visa category for permanent residency.
  • Providing workspace, training, and connections with designated organizations to apply for Letters of Support;
  • A guide to operating a business in Canada to meet IRCC requirements while awaiting permanent residency.