Entrepreneur and Self-Employed Work Permit Canada: Run Your Own Business
IRCC can issue a temporary work permit under category C11 if you will run your own business in Canada for a limited time and bring a clear benefit to Canada. You must plan to leave when the permit ends. We test your plan, funds and timeline before you apply.
since 1991
Who can get a business owner work permit?
You can apply if you want to run, including set up, your own business in Canada and you seek only temporary status. You must show the work is temporary or seasonal and that you plan to leave in a set time. You also need separate support funds and business funds, and the work must bring significant benefits to Canadians (IRCC).
Self-employed or entrepreneur: why it matters
IRCC treats a self-employed owner who rarely hires beyond family differently from an entrepreneur who hires employees and takes financial risk. Neither type of work counts toward the Canadian Experience Class. Our detailed C11 guide explains the history and our PNP versus C11 comparison helps you choose. The LMIA-exempt hub shows other categories.
Key rules at a glance
- Temporary only: the permit is for people who do not seek permanent residence through this route.
- Two pots of money: you need support funds for you and your family, separate from the business funds.
- You are both employer and employee: you submit the offer of employment for yourself and meet the rules for both roles.
- Benefit to Canada: you must show how the business benefits Canadians, beyond you and your family.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
The business owner permit fits if
- You want to run a business in Canada for a limited, specified time.
- You have funds for the business and separate funds to live on.
- You can show a benefit to Canadian workers, clients or the economy.
Another route fits if
- You want permanent residence: read our provincial entrepreneur hub.
- You are moving your company: see the intra-company transfer guide.
- You are a US or Mexican citizen: a trader or investor may fit under the trade agreements guide.
See our work permits hub and the significant benefit guide for related routes.
Why business owner applications get refused
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Looks like a path to PR
IRCC says people who seek permanent residence belong under provincial business, Quebec self-employed or start-up streams. A weak plan to leave raises doubts.
No separate funds
You need support funds for your family and business funds for the venture. Mixed or missing funds can sink the file.
No clear benefit to Canada
The business must create significant economic, social or cultural benefit, such as jobs or a service not available in the area.
Generic job description
The NOC and job title must match the real duties, not a generic entrepreneur label.
Weak business proof
You must give enough documents to show the business is genuine, such as a plan, licences, contracts and funds.
Not sure this permit fits?
We test your plan, funds and exit timeline before you file.
Limits you cannot miss
Temporary by design
The permit is for a temporary or seasonal stay. You must show an end date and a plan to leave Canada.
As the owner you are both employer and employee. You submit the offer through the Employer Portal and get an offer number. Apply online even if you are visa exempt, since IRCC prefers it for this complex file.
If you may want permanent residence, use a provincial entrepreneur stream instead. Self-employed and entrepreneur work does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class. See our provincial entrepreneur hub.
Documents to gather
Your checklist depends on your business. Start with these.
How the application works, step by step
Six stages from your plan to your permit.
Test the fit
Confirm you want temporary entry only, not PR.
Write the business plan
Show the work, the benefit to Canada and the end date.
Separate your funds
Show business funds and support funds on their own.
Submit your offer
File the offer in the Employer Portal and get the offer number.
Apply online
Add your plan, funds proof and licences.
Get your permit
Follow its conditions and prepare to leave on time.
Business owner permit costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Business owner work permit FAQs
What is the C11 business owner work permit?
C11 is the IRCC code for a work permit for foreign nationals who want to run, including set up, their own business in Canada and seek only temporary status. It falls under the significant benefit authority in R205(a). No LMIA is needed.
Can I use this permit to get permanent residence?
Not directly. IRCC says people who want PR belong under provincial business candidate, Quebec self-employed or start-up streams. Self-employed and entrepreneur work does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class.
What is the difference between self-employed and entrepreneur?
A self-employed owner works for themself and rarely hires beyond family. An entrepreneur organizes the business, takes greater financial risk and hires employees. IRCC treats the benefit differently for each.
What funds do I need?
You need business funds to run or set up the business and separate support funds for you and your family. Show both with documents.
What benefit to Canada must I show?
The work must create significant economic, social or cultural benefits, such as jobs, a service not found in the area, or advancing an industry. The benefit must reach beyond you and your family.
Does the stay have to be temporary?
Yes. The work must be temporary or seasonal, and you must show a plan to leave Canada in a specified period of time.
What is the offer of employment for a business owner?
You submit an offer for yourself in the Employer Portal and get an offer number. Employers select the C11 code. You must meet the requirements for both employer and employee.
Should I apply online or at the port of entry?
Apply online. IRCC says visa-exempt people may apply at a port of entry, but because the application is complex, it encourages online applications under C11.
How much does it cost?
The work permit fee is CAD$155, and biometrics cost CAD$85 if needed. Check the IRCC fee list for the employer compliance fee rules before you submit.
Is this the same as the Start-up Visa?
No. The Start-up Visa is a permanent residence program. This is a temporary work permit with no PR path. See our provincial entrepreneur hub for permanent options.
How do C11 and PNP entrepreneur compare?
C11 is temporary, and a provincial entrepreneur stream aims at permanent residence. Read our comparison post and our detailed C11 guide.
What if my application is refused?
You can reapply with a stronger plan or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our work permit refused guide.
