Canada Announces New C11 Work Permit Requirements For Business Owners in 2025
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Recently Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented significant changes to the International Mobility Program (IMP) under the C11 category, aimed specifically at foreign business owners and self employed individuals seeking temporary residence in Canada.
These changes were detailed in a May 27, 2025 program delivery update, made stricter in terms of eligibility criteria and redefined documentation standards for streamlining the application process to better align with Canada's economic and social objectives.
C11 Work Permit Canada in 2025
The C11 work permit, which is a LMIA exempted visa, allows entrepreneurs to work in Canada on a temporary basis, provided their business offers substantial economic, social or cultural benefits.
Unlike other permits, the C11 emphasises entrepreneurial contributions such as job creation and community development, rather than just employment based immigration.
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What is New in the C11 Work Permit Policy?
The recent updates focus on improving clarity, enhancing compliance and ensuring only qualified entrepreneurs benefit from this program. Key changes in the C11 work permit include:
- New Program Title: The designation has been updated from entrepreneurs or self employed individuals seeking only temporary residence to Business owners seeking only temporary residence, underlying the importance of ownership and operational control.
- Majority Ownership Requirements: Applicants now must own at least 51% of the business confirming they hold a controlling interest.
- Proof of Financial Support: Entrepreneurs must demonstrate adequate personal and business funds to sustain both themselves and their enterprise while in Canada.
- Enhance Documentation: Applicants are now required to submit detailed business plans and evidence of economic, social and cultural contributions the venture will bring to Canada.
- Clearer Application Guidelines: The IRCC has provided precise directions on where and how to apply for C11 permit, streamlining the application submission process
- Temporary or Seasonal Business Rules: New considerations have been introduced for temporary or seasonal businesses, reflecting evolving labour market needs.
- Work Permit Duration: The permit is now limited to a maximum of 18 months, with guidelines on when extensions may or may not be granted
- CEC Exclusion: Work experience gained under the C11 permit does not count towards eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class for permanent residency
- Clear Definition of “Significant Benefit”: Updated guidelines include specific examples like job creation, innovation and support for underserved regions to better access an applicant's potential contribution to Canada
Impact on Canada's Immigration Goals
These divisions to the C11 category are part of a broader immigration strategy under the Immigration Levels Plan 2025 - 2027, which aims to reduce temporary residency levels to 5% of Canada's total population by 2026.
With more stringent criteria, IRCC is ensuring that only serious, well resourced entrepreneurs who align with Canada's long term economic interest are welcomed under this program. The changes also reflect broader trends in Canada's immigration system, such as the cap on international students and restrictions on temporary foreign workers introduced to better manage population growth and housing affordability challenges.
Read Next: IRCC Shares Immigration Processing Times for July 2025
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