LMIA Owner Operator Business Plan
C11 LMIA-exempt work permit under R205(a)
Alternate names you will hear
- Owner Operator work permit
- C11 entrepreneur work permit
- C11 self-employed work permit
- LMIA-exempt entrepreneur work permit under Canadian interests
- Significant benefit work permit under R205(a)
These labels refer to the same concept. IRCC treats this as an LMIA-exempt work permit issued on Canadian interests grounds where the work creates a significant social, cultural, or economic benefit. The legal hook is Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations s.205(a).
What immigration officers look for
IRCC practice within the International Mobility Program focuses on whether your work delivers a significant benefit to Canada and whether the business is viable. For C11 entrepreneur and self-employed cases, a strong plan gives officers clear evidence of:
- Ownership and control of the Canadian business and the genuine intention to actively manage it
- Economic benefit such as new jobs, investment, supplier spending, or technology transfer
- Financial capacity to start and operate the business and to support yourself and any family members
- Market need in Canada supported by credible research, pipeline, or contracts
- Operational readiness in Canada (incorporation, location/lease, licensing, timelines)
- Temporary intent consistent with a work permit, while acknowledging future economic-immigration pathways
These points flow from the Canadian interests test and how IRCC evaluates LMIA-exempt permits under the IMP.
Why the business plan matters
For C11, the plan is not window dressing — it is the main way to prove significant benefit and viability. Officers should be able to see quickly and clearly:
- What you will do in Canada and why it benefits the Canadian economy
- How revenue will be generated (pricing, volumes, unit economics)
- Month-by-month cash flow for Year 1 and annual projections for Years 2–3
- Staffing plan showing when and how Canadian hires will be made
- Regulatory readiness (municipal licensing, provincial permits, industry rules)
- Milestones for setup, launch, first customers, and profitability targets
The Biz Plans approach
We build C11-ready plans that present immigration evidence and business fundamentals in one document. Our work includes:
- Canadian market sizing with primary and secondary sources
- Detailed 3–5 year financial model with defensible assumptions
- Hiring plan and wage budgets aligned to cash flow
- Setup timeline mapping leases, licensing, equipment, systems, and launch
- Evidence-package checklist for your counsel to submit with the application
Who uses the C11 pathway
- Owners buying an existing Canadian business
- Founders launching a new operation in Canada
- Self-employed professionals whose work creates clear benefit to Canadians
How to apply
- Confirm your case fits R205(a)International Mobility Program and that the LMIA route is not required.
- Incorporate or register the Canadian entity and complete operational setup steps.
- Build a C11-focused business plan and gather proof of benefit and capacity.
- Apply for the work permit with fees and required forms via your IRCC account.
See IRCC’s central work-permit guidance. - If your role is TEER 0 or 1 and you qualify under service standards, you may benefit from Global Skills Strategy processing timelines.
The Role of The Biz Plans
At The Biz Plans, we prepare plans around how you will actually operate — not generic templates. Every assumption and projection is grounded in execution and backed by investor-grade pro formas with schedules and annexures.
That’s where Atul’s background makes the difference: 5+ years with a leading immigration law firm as RCIC-IRB, 10+ years in corporate finance as a CPA (including advisory with RBC & BMO), and 10+ years as fractional CFO for startups. He also holds two master’s degrees (latest in Finance, UBC) and authored the Business Plan Essentials series.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose The Biz Plans
- Insight into officer review patterns across C11, ICT, PNP Entrepreneur, and SUV files
- CPA-level modeling that demonstrates viability, hiring feasibility, and cash-flow resilience
- Clear, collaborative process focused on your goals, investment, and timelines
- Guidance shaped by real-world outcomes to avoid common refusal triggers
Helpful official references
- Legal basis (Canadian interests): IRPR s.205(a)
- LMIA-exempt overview: International Mobility Program — IRCC
- IMP evaluation & exemption codes context: International Mobility Program Evaluation
Ready to Build Your C11 Owner Operator Plan?
We craft IRCC-aligned, evidence-driven plans with CPA-built financials and hiring roadmaps.