C11: significant benefit to Canada

Code C11 is part of the International Mobility Program, for business owners who want to come to Canada to set up or run their own business. The key point: C11 is for people seeking only temporary residence.

Who uses C11

• Business owners (self-employed or entrepreneurs) who want to establish or run a business in Canada for a limited time.
• According to IRCC's instructions, people intending to seek permanent residence should be assessed under other categories: provincial business candidates or Quebec-selected self-employed (code C60), or the Start-up class (code A77) where dual intent exists.

Main requirements

• The work is temporary or seasonal, with plans to leave Canada within a set period.
• Control of at least 51% of the business. Owners of less than 51% must apply for a work permit as employees.
• Support funds for yourself and your family, separate from business funds: according to IRCC, equal to the low-income cut-off (LICO) for your family size for at least 18 months, or your stay if shorter.
• Separate business funds to carry out the plan.
• The work must create significant economic, social or cultural benefits for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

How "significant benefit" is assessed

• Concrete benefits during the work permit, not future benefits after you leave.
• Job creation, market expansion, product or service innovation.
• The business plan must be a concrete start-up plan, not just a market analysis.
• For the self-employed: services hard to find in the area may be considered.

Duration

• Usually no more than 18 months. Longer stays require showing the stay is still temporary, typically with a plan to hand over management.
• Year-round businesses (auto repair, hair salons, IT companies) need more evidence of temporary intent, such as a plan to hire a manager after you leave.
• Extensions require showing the significant benefits created and to come.

A note on PR later

According to IRCC, experience as an entrepreneur or self-employed person doesn't count for the Canadian Experience Class.

Note IRCC's instructions stress that C11 is not a shortcut around the LMIA; it applies only where the benefit to Canada is clear and compelling.