C11 – Work Permit for temporary business owners

C11 – Work Permit for temporary business owners

For business owners/self-employed individuals moving to Canada to conduct business on a temporary or seasonal basis.

Key Eligibility and Requirements

• Plan to stay temporarily and leave Canada by a specified time.
• Separate personal/family living expenses from business capital.
• Demonstrate significant benefit to Canada, a viable business plan, and the capacity to execute it.

Required Documentation

Proof of ownership, business plan, capital sources, living expenses, CV, and IMP offer.

Points to Note

C11 is not a PR stream. Self-employed/entrepreneurial experience does not count toward CEC experience. Entrepreneurial candidates with provincial support should look at C60.

LMIA exemption does not waive the requirement to meet work permit conditions. Work permits and permanent residency are assessed separately.

Support Process at KeyApply

1. Submit information regarding nationality, residency status, occupation, and relevant documents for assessment.
2. Identify the applicable stream, missing documentation, and scope of support.
3. Prepare the application with an RCIC or responsible lawyer; track requests for additional information if any.

Register for Application Assessment

Select Register for Application Assessment, priced at 0 CAD, to submit your request. Processing fees and government fees, if any, will be confirmed separately based on the case. You can call, email, or message via the KeyApply.com website.

Official Source

• IRCC – C11

Updated October 8, 2026.