Federal Programs

• Updates

  Temporary Foreign Worker Program - Owner / Operator Category: For applications received on or after April 1, 2021, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will no longer apply policy variations for “owner/operator” applications. These applications will be assessed using the normal process.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is the stream for Canadian employers to hire foreign workers who do not hold an open work permit or study permit. It is also used for business owners/ operators wishing to temporarily work in Canada operating a business. 
 
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application is required to determine if the employer is allowed to hire a foreign worker to operate its business. These applications will be assessed using the normal process for LMIA applications.
 
Applicants must meet all the regular LMIA requirements such as advertising, valid job offer, and compatible wage previously waived for this category of workers.

After obtaining a positive LMIA, the business owner/operator can apply for a work permit and, if approved, start operating the business in Canada.
 
Whether the business owner/operator decides to live permanently in Canada, it is possible to apply for permanent residency. A positive LMIA gives the candidate extra points when applying for Permanent Residency via Federal Express Entry. 

There is no minimum net worth required to apply to the TFWP.

Talk to our business specialists to learn about this program.

International Mobility Program

Entrepreneur or Self-Employed Category

The International Mobility Program allows entrepreneurs or self-employed foreigners, seeking to open a new business in Canada or buy an existing one, temporarily work and operate the business while in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Under the Entrepreneur or Self-Employed category of IMP, qualified applicants will be granted a two-year work permit. As this is temporary authorization to work in Canada, applicants must convince Immigration Officers they will leave the country at the end of the period permitted for their stay.

Work permits issued under this Program can be extended provided that the entrepreneur meets certain criteria to remain in Canada for a long-term.

Applicants need to show that their admission to Canada to operate their business would generate significant economic, social or cultural benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) consider the following factors to define if the benefit is significant:

• The work is likely to create a viable business that will benefit Canadian or permanent resident workers or provide economic stimulus
• The applicant has a particular background or skills that will improve the viability of the business
• There is a business plan that clearly shows that the applicant has taken steps to initiate their business
• The applicant has taken some measures to put the business plan in action, showing evidence of having the financial ability to begin the business and pay expenditures, renting space, having a staffing plan, obtaining a business number, showing ownership documents or agreements, etc.

Requirements

Applicants need to own at least 50% of the business to be eligible for a work permit through the International Mobility Program – entrepreneur or self-employed category.

If the entrepreneur eventually decides to live permanently in Canada, it is required to apply for a permanent residency program.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)

Trade Agreements is another category of the International Mobility Program, also designed for entrepreneurs and investors.

Canada, U.S., and Mexico entered into the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement to facilitate trade and revoke barriers to do business among them.

CUSMA eliminates the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for all business persons covered by the Agreement.

Citizens of the U.S. and Mexico seeking to enter Canada to operate a business for the purpose of trade of goods or services, or investment activities are authorized to do under the CUSMA.

Business visitors from these countries are not required to hold a work permit. The other categories of business persons who can enter Canada through the IMP - CUSMA need first to obtain a work permit.

Categories of business persons who can enter Canada under the CUSMA:

• Business visitors – do not need a work permit to enter Canada
• Professionals (according to list of eligible professions under the CUSMA) – need a work permit to enter Canada
• Intra-company transferees - need a work permit to enter Canada
• Traders and investors – need a work permit to enter Canada

Start-Up Visa Program

Designed for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, skills, and the ability to start and grow a business in Canada, the Start-Up Visa Program is an option for investing in the country and a pathway for Canadian permanent residency.

Entrepreneurs need to have a qualifying business and support from venture capital funds, an angel investor group, and/or a business incubator listed as designated organizations by Immigration Canada to apply for the Start-Up Visa Program.

It is mandatory that applicants and the designated organization jointly hold more than 50% of the total voting rights at the time of submission.

Usually, the applicants are required to submit a business plan to the designated organization. A complete, detailed, and well-elaborated business plan is essential at this stage to increase the chances of a successful application.

One or more organizations can review the business proposal and, at their own discretion, choose to invest in or support a start-up business.

A work permit is required to start working in Canada. Upon receiving a commitment certificate and a support letter from one or more designated organizations, the investor can apply for a work permit.

The minimum language requirement for this Program is level 5 of CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) in either English or French in all of the four skills.

Lastly, applicants need to provide biometrics, medical exams, police certificates and prove having enough money to afford the costs to settle in Canada.

By the end of the permanent residency process, the applicant needs to demonstrate active and ongoing management of this business from within Canada, that the business is incorporated in Canada and an essential part of the operations of the business happens in Canada.

Self-Employed Persons Program

Self-employed persons with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and wish to live permanently in Canada can apply for the Self-Employed Persons Program. The applicant must be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.

At least two years of experience is required, considered the period starting five years before the submission date until the date a decision is made on the application.

Applicants are graded based on five selection criteria and a point system with a maximum score of 100. The current pass mark is 35.
Experience (35 points)

• Education (25 points)
• Age (10 points)
• Language Abilities (24 points)
• Adaptability (6 points)

Lastly, applicants need to provide biometrics, medical exams, police certificates and prove having enough money to afford the costs to settle in Canada.