C-11 LMIA Exempt Work Permit

The C11 Work Permit offers a unique opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to temporarily live and work in Canada by running their own business — without needing an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).

This visa (referred as the C-11 visa) works best for entrepreneurs who have unique businesses or know-how business ideas. This visa is also ideal for those business investors who can demonstrate how his/her business or intended project will be either socially, culturally or economically beneficial to Canada.

Businessmen must present evidence of past personal accomplishments in business, such as unique business and demand for their products/services, number of offices, number of workers hired, amount of revenue generated, sales of a self-designed product, etc. or with evidence of public recognition, for example international interest, media coverage, important clientele, etc. inside or outside Canada.

Officer looks deep into the following: Will the benefit be significant, important or notable?

1. Economic Benefits

Economic benefits include anything that strengthens the Canadian economy or business sector, such as:

• Creating jobs or preventing job losses for Canadians or permanent residents
• Expanding Canadian industries through market growth, new products, or services
• Supporting remote or underserved regions with economic development
• Using specialized business skills to complete important deals or negotiations
• Avoiding disruption of major events that could impact employment or economic growth
• Providing training opportunities to Canadians or permanent residents

2. Social Benefits

Social benefits refer to the indirect positive effects the applicant's work has on Canadian society. These may include:

• Improving health and safety for the public
• Enhancing community pride, reputation, and investment in tourism or heritage
• Helping address environmental challenges through innovative products
• Promoting social inclusion, especially in marginalized or diverse communities

3. Cultural Benefits

Culture includes the arts, heritage, and creative industries, and is viewed as essential to Canada's identity and well-being. Cultural contributions can include:

• Receiving national or international awards or patents
• Being a member of prestigious professional organizations
• Participating on expert panels or judging others' work
• Being recognized by peers or institutions for significant achievements
• Publishing work in academic or industry journals
• Holding leadership roles in respected cultural or professional organizations
• Being widely known for artistic or cultural excellence

Program requirement and overview

Who Can Apply?

This program is ideal for:

• Business owners with innovative or unique businesses
• Individuals offering specialized products, services, or expertise
• Entrepreneurs planning to expand into the Canadian market

Key Requirements

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:

1. Significant Benefit to Canada

   The business should offer clear economic, social, or cultural value to Canadians.

2. Majority Ownership

   Applicants must own at least 50% of the business.

3. Strong Business Plan

   A comprehensive plan must show the business is viable and likely to succeed.

4. Relevant Experience

   Applicants should have proven business or industry experience.

5. Financial Readiness

   Sufficient funds must be shown to launch and operate the business in Canada. "It's recommended to have at least CAD $100,000 available for Business investment".

6. Steps Already Taken

   Demonstrating progress — like registering the business or securing funding — strengthens the application.

Initial Investment and Costs

No minimum investment legally required, but it's advised to plan for:

• Legal & application fees: approx. $15,000 – $25,000
• Business setup & first-year operations: at least $50,000
• For a stronger application: aim to invest $100,000 – $200,000

Visa Details

Initial Work Permit Duration: 1 to 2 years

Renewable: Unlimited times, as long as the business remains active and the TFW is actually working for the business.

Family Benefits

• Spouse: Eligible for a work permit
• Children: Eligible for a study permit and free public education
• Healthcare: Free for the applicant and immediate family during the visa period

Processing Time

Typically processed: Usually less than any other Work Permit

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Yes — successful applicants will have several options to transition to permanent residency, depending on their personal, business and family member profiles.

Documents Needed

• Business documents: registration, ownership, marketing materials, patents, etc.
• Personal documents: passports, diplomas, bank statements, proof of experience, etc.
• Business Plan: Can be drafted with legal help in Canada.

We help in preparing a Business Plan:

Initial Information Sheet for Preparing a Business Plan

1. General Information

• Business Name (proposed/registered):
• Business Structure (Sole Proprietorship / Partnership / Corporation / Other):
• Date of Incorporation (if applicable):
• Business Location(s):
• Contact Person:
• Phone/Email:

2. Business Overview

• Nature of Business:
• Industry/Sector:
• Short Description of Products/Services:
• Vision Statement:
• Mission Statement:
• Key Objectives (short-term and long-term):

3. Ownership & Management

• Owner(s)/Shareholder(s) Names & Percentages:
• Key Management Team (with roles and background):
• Advisors/Consultants (if any):

4. Products & Services

• Main Products/Services Offered:
• Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
• Pricing Strategy:
• Stage of Development (idea, prototype, operating, expansion):

5. Market Analysis

• Target Market(s):
• Customer Profile (age, gender, income, location, etc.):
• Estimated Market Size:
• Key Competitors:
• Competitive Advantage:

6. Operations

• Location/Facilities Required:
• Equipment/Machinery:
• Suppliers & Partners:
• Staffing Needs (number, types of positions):
• Technology/Software Required:

7. Marketing & Sales Strategy

• Marketing Channels (online, retail, wholesale, distributors, etc.):
• Sales Process (direct, agents, online, etc.):
• Promotion/Advertising Plans:
• Customer Retention Strategy:

8. Financial Information

• Start-up/Expansion Costs:
• Sources of Funds (equity, loans, investors, grants):
• Revenue Model:
• Projected Sales (first year/monthly, and 3–5 years annually):
• Break-even Point (if known):
• Past Financial Performance (if operating):

9. Legal & Regulatory

• Business Licenses/Permits Required:
• Intellectual Property (patents, trademarks, copyrights):
• Insurance Needs:
• Compliance with Industry Regulations:

10. Additional Information

• Key Challenges/Risks Anticipated:
• Support/Resources Required:
• Timeline for Implementation: