Investment in Canada

The C11 visa in Canada is a subset of the IMP visa (International Mobility Program) and a type of Canadian work visa that does not require an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) approval for non-Canadian individuals to be self-employed or entrepreneurial. This method is only recommended for individuals who, for personal reasons, seek temporary residence solely to conduct lawful business in Canada. It is important to note that this temporary residence potentially has the potential for further action to obtain permanent residency through various immigration routes. It goes without saying that meeting the legal requirements is necessary to obtain either type of residence (temporary and permanent).

The C11 visa method allows applicants to pursue one of two subcategories:

First Scenario: Purchasing a majority stake in an existing business and developing a business plan for business expansion, then applying for a work visa.

Second Scenario: Designing and launching a new business in which the majority ownership belongs to the applicant through the preparation of a business plan, then applying for a work visa.

Individuals meeting the criteria can obtain a C11 visa in Canada by purchasing a Canadian company or starting a business in Canada, provided that they create significant social, cultural, or economic benefits for citizens, permanent residents, and Canadian businesses and do not have a negative impact on the Canadian economy.

Requirements for obtaining a C11 visa in Canada:

  • Sufficient budget (CAD 200,000 or more) to purchase or start a business in Canada.
  • Sufficient financial means to support oneself and family during the stay in Canada.
  • Sufficient English language skills to manage the business.
  • Management experience (required level of experience depends on the type of business).
  • Ownership of more than half or the entire business to be purchased or established in Canada.
  • A complete business plan containing key information about the business, such as the proposed business model, market research indicating the need for such a business in Canada, the business hiring plan, pricing strategy for products and services, and revenue forecast.
  • The business should have economic, social, or cultural benefits, contribute to the development of a particular industry in Canada, and have no negative impact on the Canadian economy.

Documents required for applying for a C11 visa in Canada:

  • Personal documents: Such as educational documents, passport, birth certificate, family member documents, etc.
  • Canadian business documents: Such as company registration documents, business plan, documents related to the payment of Employer Compliance Fee.
  • Employment history documents: Including company establishment announcement, articles of association, business license, etc. if you are a business owner.
  • Pay stubs, employment history letter, etc. if you are an employee.

Conditions for accompanying visas in C11 Work Permit Canada:

The accompanying visa is issued for family members of the applicant:

Family members usually include spouses and unmarried children under the age of 22.

  • The applicant must have a C11 work visa.
  • If the spouse accompanies the applicant, they must provide documents confirming the marriage, such as official marriage documents and birth certificates.
  • If the child accompanies the applicant, they must be under 22 years old and provide documents confirming the blood relationship with the parent, such as a birth certificate.

Important points:

Initial stages of business

If you undertake the initial stages of your business in Canada, officers will understand that you are serious about executing your business plan. Initial activities may include:

  • Transferring the necessary budget to Canada for starting or purchasing a business.
  • Establishing connections with Canadians whose presence is vital in the business execution process.
  • Drafting a plan for hiring qualified individuals to expedite the implementation of your business.
  • Selecting a location for your proposed business.

In addition to the above, you must demonstrate that you intend to leave Canada after a specific period of time.

Having a Business Plan:

Having a business plan that includes all the essential details of your business is crucial. The components of a comprehensive business plan include:

  • Company Description: A brief explanation of the company, its history, geographic location, and key features.
  • Products or Services: A detailed description of the products or services offered by the company.
  • Market Analysis: Examination of the target market, competitors, opportunities, and threats.
  • Organizational Structure: Overview of the company’s organizational structure and management roles.
  • Marketing and Sales: Marketing and sales strategies and approaches.
  • Financial Reports and Projections: Current financial reports, future financial projections, and income and expense forecasts.
  • Action Plan: Operational and executive steps of the plan in various areas.
  • Strategies and Objectives: The most important goals and strategies of the company for achieving success.
  • Risk Policy and Crisis Management: Identifying possible risks and how to manage them.
  • Management Team Profile: Key profiles of the company’s management team.
  • Ethical Compliance: Approaches and ethical requirements of the business.

Benefitting Canada:

Immigration authorities carefully consider whether your business benefits Canada economically, socially, culturally, or industrially. This evaluation includes:

Economic Benefit:

  • Assessing your business’s role in stimulating Canada’s economy.
  • Evaluating job creation, economic growth, and increased national income.

Social Benefit:

  • Assessing your business’s role in improving the lives of local people.
  • Evaluating the positive effects on youth, women, marginalized groups, and vulnerable individuals.

Cultural Benefit:

  • Evaluating the impact of your business on cultural developments and cultural diversity in Canada.
  • Assessing your contribution to preserving and enhancing youth and future generations.

Industrial Development Benefit:

  • Assessing your business’s role in the development and advancement of related industries.
  • Evaluating the level of innovation and technological improvement through your business.

Decision-making for immigration to Canada requires providing comprehensive and documented information about the benefits and added value you bring to the country. A thorough examination of these factors by immigration authorities can have a positive impact on the final decision-making process.

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