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Explore the C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit Program in Canada

The C11 Investor Visa Program is one of Canada’s immigration pathways. It targets foreign business investors and offers many advantages compared to other immigration policies. If you’d like to know more details about the C11 program, join Phan Immigration as we dive into the following key points.

What is Canada’s C11 Investor Visa Program?

The C11 Investor Visa Program, also known as the C11 Visa application, allows foreign entrepreneurs with a specific business plan to establish and run their own business in Canada. Unlike the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) immigration stream, the C11 Visa does not require an LMIA and gives you the ability to directly manage your enterprise from the moment you enter Canada.

This program was introduced by the Canadian government to attract potential investors, contributing to the country’s economic, cultural, and social development.

Participants are eligible to apply for a work permit to establish, operate, and manage their business in Canada. In addition, C11 Visa holders may also pursue long-term settlement in Canada.

The C11 Visa allows foreign nationals to invest in Canada without requiring an LMIA
The C11 Visa allows foreign nationals to invest in Canada without requiring an LMIA

Who Can Participate in the C11 Program?

The C11 program targets entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum education level: High school diploma.
  • Good health, with no history of or ongoing legal violations.
  • Experience in operating and managing a business or commercial establishment.
  • Previously managed or owned a production or business facility.
  • Must own at least 50% of any business in Canada.
  • Must clearly demonstrate the intention to leave Canada if the visa expires.
  • No English language certificate required, but basic English proficiency is necessary.
  • No minimum investment requirement to start a business, but at least CAD 300,000 (~VND 5,369,688,000) is needed to operate the business.

Key Benefits of Choosing the C11 Investment Program

Once approved under the C11 program, foreign entrepreneurs can enjoy the following benefits:

  • Ability to bring the entire family to live in Canada.
  • Access to public healthcare services free of charge.
  • Children can study in public schools with a high-quality education system at no cost.
  • Eligible to apply for permanent residency, and after living in Canada for 3 years, they may apply for citizenship.
  • No obligation to reside permanently in Canada; participants can return to their home country to continue living and working.
  • Permission to bring workers from their home country to work in their Canadian business.
  • No requirement to prove assets or meet a minimum investment amount.
Entrepreneurs who obtain a C11 Visa will enjoy numerous benefits
Entrepreneurs who obtain a C11 Visa will enjoy numerous benefits

Application Review Process under the Economic Benefit Stream of the C11 Program

The C11 application review process consists of 4 steps as follows:

  • Step 1: Develop a business idea – The applicant must have a detailed and feasible business plan that can create job opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, contribute to economic growth, or enhance the country’s exports. Supporting documents such as proof of experience, financial reports, and evidence of the business concept will be required at this stage.
  • Step 2: Establish a company in Canada – The applicant must register to establish or acquire a business in Canada. Depending on the province or territory, the requirements for business registration may vary.
  • Step 3: Submit a work permit application – At this stage, the application must include the business plan, a job offer from the Canadian business, and documents proving the information of both the company and the applicant.
  • Step 4: Wait for results – Once the application is submitted, the applicant must wait for a decision from the Canadian immigration authorities. Processing time usually takes around 3 to 4 months, and if approved, the applicant will receive a Canadian work permit.
The processing time for a C11 Visa application is 3 to 4 months
The processing time for a C11 Visa application is 3 to 4 months

Pathway to Permanent Residency with a C11 Visa

After obtaining a work permit, to apply for permanent residency, C11 Visa holders must operate and manage their business in Canada for at least 12 months. In addition, some provinces may require proof of English proficiency or academic qualifications. Once these conditions are met, business owners can apply for permanent residency.

Some programs that allow transition from a C11 Visa to permanent residency include:

  • Provincial Nominee Program Entrepreneur (PNP Entrepreneur): This program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals with business experience and investment capacity to establish, purchase, or expand a business in that province.
    => After operating your business for at least 12 months, you may apply for PR through PNP Entrepreneur streams such as in Saskatchewan — don’t forget to prepare the SINP Job Approval Letter to complete the nomination process.
  • Provincial Nominee Program Skilled Worker (PNP Skilled Worker): This program is designed for skilled workers with work experience that meets the labor market demands of a specific Canadian province or territory.
Entrepreneurs can apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Entrepreneurs can apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Other information related to the program

In addition to the basics above, Phan Immigration provides some key points about the C11 Visa you should know:

How is C11 different from other work and investment programs?

Compared to other work and investment options, such as the Owner Operator LMIA program or the International Mobility Program (IMP) for intra-company transferees, C11 has several distinct advantages:

  • LMIA exemption: The C11 program is exempt from the LMIA requirement, making it easier for foreign investors to obtain work authorization in Canada. One major benefit is that applicants do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), streamlining the application process and reducing risks.
  • Flexibility: C11 does not require a minimum investment amount and is more flexible in terms of the type of business and industry you can operate in.
  • Autonomy: Applicants are allowed to directly manage and operate their own businesses.
  • Economic, cultural, and social contribution: C11 focuses on attracting individuals who can provide significant benefits to Canada, not only economically but also culturally and socially. This sets it apart from some programs that mainly emphasize financial investment.
  • Pathway to permanent residency: After running a business in Canada, C11 can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency through programs such as CEC or PNP.
C11 focuses on the business plan
C11 focuses on the business plan

The C11 visa can be extended multiple times depending on business performance

Unlike other programs, such as the Owner Operator LMIA which has a fixed duration, C11 allows participants to apply for extensions multiple times. If the business meets the criteria — effective operations, compliance with Canadian law, and contributing to the country’s development — the extension process will be much easier.

Entrepreneurs can choose from various business models under C11

The C11 program only requires that the business contributes to Canada, without mandating any specific model. Therefore, entrepreneurs may purchase a small shop, open a franchise, buy an existing company, or establish a new business in any industry or product line.

C11 does not require LMIA in the visa application

Normally, foreign workers who want to work in Canada need an LMIA — a government assessment to determine if there is a labor shortage in that occupation. If there is a shortage, the LMIA is positive, increasing the chances of approval. The C11 program is exempt from this requirement, making it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to apply.

The C11 program exempts LMIA, creating favorable conditions for foreign entrepreneurs
The C11 program exempts LMIA, creating favorable conditions for foreign entrepreneurs

Types of businesses suitable for the C11 program

The C11 program does not specifically limit business types but prioritizes models that bring significant economic, cultural, or social benefits to Canada. Some potential sectors include:

  • Technology: Software companies, app development, IT, artificial intelligence, and clean technology.
  • Import–Export: Businesses engaged in exporting Canadian goods and services, or importing essential products and services for the domestic market.
  • Manufacturing: Companies producing industrial goods, consumer products, or creative products.
  • Services: Professional services such as consulting, education, healthcare, or financial services.
  • Tourism: Businesses in hospitality, restaurants, or travel agencies.
  • Agriculture and Food Processing: Companies in food processing or high-tech agriculture.
  • Creative Industries: Enterprises in culture, arts, design, and media.
The C11 program does not specifically restrict types of businesses
The C11 program does not specifically restrict types of businesses

FAQ about the C11 Visa

What is the minimum investment required in a Canadian business under the C11 program?

The C11 program does NOT set a minimum investment amount. Instead, the business must demonstrate its ability to create jobs and contribute to Canada’s economic, cultural, or social development.

Does buying a franchise qualify for the C11 program to immigrate to Canada?

The answer is YES. C11 does not mandate any specific business model. Therefore, you can buy a franchise to apply under the C11 program as long as you meet the other required conditions.

You can purchase a franchise to apply for consideration under the C11 program
You can purchase a franchise to apply for consideration under the C11 program

When participating in the C11 investment program, can I bring my family to Canada?

The answer is YES. Participants in the C11 investment program can bring their spouse and children along. They will be entitled to free healthcare, free education, and have the opportunity to seek employment.

The above are details about the C11 investment visa program that Phan Immigration has compiled and shared. Compared to other Canadian immigration and residency programs, C11 is easier to get approved and offers more benefits, though it also comes with some challenging requirements. If you encounter difficulties or need guidance on the application procedures for this visa program, please contact Phan Immigration for consultation.

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