How to apply for C11 Visa Canada?

The C11 Visa is a special category of visa under the International Mobility Program (IMP) designed for the Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals seeking temporary residence in Canada. This visa falls under the R205(a) – C11 category, which is precisely designed for individuals who want to enter Canada for cultural, sports, or recreational activities. The foreign nationals looking to enter in Canada as business owners can be classified into two different categories.

• The first category includes people who aim to enter Canada for a temporary and generally seasonal purpose to manage their existing business, typically individuals who are self-employed.
• The second category includes the persons who look for entry to either start a new business or manage an existing one, with the aim of meeting the requirements for provincial nomination or selection as an entrepreneur (including Quebec) or for the federal Start-up Business Class.

C11 visa Canada for Entrepreneurs and Self-employed

Under this special visa category, entrepreneurs and self-employed persons can enter Canada for a short-term to engage in activities related to their business or profession, i.e. joining conferences or conducting market research.

• Self-employed: Someone who works for themselves as the owner of a business and seldom recruit people outside of their family members. While many people are the owners of the business, they typically carry out all the responsibilities of an employee.
• Entrepreneur: A person who arranges and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than usual financial risks to do so. They recruit employees other than their family members to do the activities of the business.

What are the eligibility requirements of the C11 visa Canada?

To be eligible, candidates need to fulfil the c11 visa Canada requirements defined by the program guidelines. Possessing a business in your home country alone does not promise you approval as several other factors are taken into consideration.

• Must have the history and experience to establish a successful venture, or they have the resources to buy an existing Canadian business
• Have at least of 50% of the ownership of the business they establish or buy in Canada
• Need to have a detailed business plan for the business in Canada
• Must create prospects and benefits for Canada and Canadians in various fields
• Need to conduct thorough research and analysis of the industries and sectors that have potential for growth and development.

What are the eligible businesses under the C11 visa Canada for Entrepreneur/self-employed?

• Seasonal businesses, i.e. bed and breakfast operators, gold miners and wildlife guides are examples of self-employment that is provisional in nature.
• Year-round businesses, i.e. automotive repair shops or hair-dressing salons) would require more evidence that the overseas national only willing to remain for a temporary period.

Key features of the C11 visa Canada Program 

The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit provides an exceptional opportunity for overseas entrepreneurs to setup and grow their businesses in Canada.

• The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit was formed under the International Mobility Program (IMP).
• Under this program, entrepreneurs can obtain a work permit for 2 years. It can be extended multiple times as long as the business remains active & gainful in Canada.
• What sets it apart from other programs is that it allows self-employed entrepreneurs and business owners to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada.
• The C11 work permit process is also exceptional in that it is not affected by the LMIA process.
• To be eligible for this, entrepreneurs need to provide a solid business plan that shows their ability to bring significant profits to Canadians.
• Generally, it provides an exceptional opportunity for overseas entrepreneurs to setup and grow their businesses in Canada while contributing to the Canadian economy and society.

Who should apply for a C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit? 

This work permit is an ideal choice for the following individuals: 

• Self-employed professionals willing to begin a business in Canada.
• Overseas entrepreneurs willing to purchase an existing business or franchise in Canada;
• People who were selected under any of the Entrepreneur streams of the PNPs

How to get Canadian permanent residency through C11 visa Canada?

It is crucial to understand that the c11 visa Canada process works different way compared with other pathways. The program does not directly provide you with the Canadian Permanent Residency. However, you can attain Canada PR Visa in 2 step process: 

• First- Accomplish your business of self-employment in Canada for a minimum of twelve consecutive months under a valid work permit 
• Second- Meet the FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Program) requirements under Canada Express Entry and claim the EXTRA points for Canadian experience for 1 year for your PR. Get ITA (Invitation to Apply) from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with increased CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) point scores.

To check your eligibility and apply for immigration to Canada this year under the most appropriate visa program, you may contact Visas Avenue qualified and vastly experienced Immigration Advisor and expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.