Mobility Program – C-11 Class

Applicants in this category must demonstrate that their admission to Canada to begin establishing or operating a business may generate significant economic, social or cultural benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

• Applicants seeking only temporary residence:

Foreign nationals applying to work for themselves or to operate their own business on a temporary basis must demonstrate that their admission to Canada to operate their business would generate

• significant economic benefit or
• social or cultural benefits or
• opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents

Benefits to Canadian clients of a self-employed worker may be considered in this case, particularly if the worker is providing a unique service.

• Points to be considered for “significant benefit”

Regardless of what percentage of the business in Canada is owned, significant benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Is the work likely to create a viable business that will benefit Canadian or permanent resident workers or provide economic stimulus?

1. Does the applicant have a particular background or skills that will improve the viability of the business?
2. Is there a business plan that clearly shows that the applicant has taken steps to initiate the business?
3. Has the applicant taken some measures to put the business plan in action (showing evidence of having the financial ability to begin the business and pay expenditures, renting space, having a staffing plan, obtaining a business number, showing ownership documents or agreements, etc.)?

• Significant economic, social or cultural benefit

Indicators of “significant benefit” include:

1. General economic stimulus (such as job creation, development in a regional or remote setting or expansion of export markets for Canadian products and services);

1. Advancement of the Canadian industry (such as technological development, product or service innovation or differentiation or opportunities for improving the skills of Canadians).

The issuance of work permits for entrepreneurs should be considered only when the applicant controls at least 50% of the business in question.

Long-term self-employed applicants

Applicants who have repeatedly been issued work permits over several years in the self-employed or entrepreneur category should, in addition to satisfying the indicators of general economic stimulus, be able to provide evidence of the following:

• registration of their business as a legal entity in Canada;
• demonstration that the profits of the business remain predominantly in Canada or proof that other significant benefits have accrued to Canada;
• proof that all appropriate federal, provincial or territorial and local tax returns have been filed; and
• proof that they meet the temporary requirement that they will leave Canada at the end of the period authorized for their stay.

Applicants seeking eventual permanent residence

There are two categories of potential permanent residence applicants who may apply for a work permit under this category:

• Actual or potential provincial nominees undertaking business activities;
• Quebec-destined entrepreneurs or self-employed persons issued a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

It is important to know that a C11 work permit doesn’t get the applicant permanent residency automatically.

There are two steps involved.

• The first stage is to get a C11 work permit.
• The second stage is to apply for permanent residency by fulfilling the following criteria:
• Successfully managing your business in Canada for 12 consecutive months (at the minimum) with a valid work permit.
• Fulfilling minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
• Getting ITA (Invitation to Apply) for Express Entry by the IRCC.

This class is ideal for professionals and businesspersons who are ready to operate and manage a business in Canada and eventually obtain PR of Canada with family.