IELTS for entrepreneur work permits, IMP C11, C10, and C12

Emir is an entrepreneur from Turkiye. He intends to establish an innovative start-up in Canada and secure a work permit. Emir will likely use one of the IMP codes, C11, C10, or C12. Regardless, he doesn’t know if he needs to present IELTS or similar language test results as an entrepreneur applicant. Thanks to this article on settler.ca, Emir and all other applicants will know the answer.

Work permit for entrepreneurs

You may continue your work in Canada under specific conditions as a self-employed or an entrepreneur. Generally speaking, the best options for these groups are those that exempt them from an LMIA. Here are the most common options for these groups.

• C11 – work permit for seasonal or short-term presence in Canada (exemptions apply)
• C10 – work permit because of significant benefit for Canada
• C12 (or its alternatives, such as T24, T44, or T51) – work permit for intra-company transferees (ICT)

This list does not necessarily cover all the different options. Therefore, consider consulting with a licensed professional for your options. Furthermore, being exempt from an LMIA does not guarantee a work permit. IRCC officers look into many other factors under R200 to decide the applicant’s fate.

Is IELTS the only language test?

Canada has two official languages: French and English. Of course, Canadians speak many other unofficial languages as well. However, to study, work, or immigrate to Canada, you must know at least one of the official languages. The most common language test for English speakers is IELTS. Nonetheless, IRCC accepts the following tests:

• IELTS: International English Language Testing System (You may only take IELTS General for work permit and immigration. However, taking IELTS Academic for a study permit is okay.)
• CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program  (Only CELPIP General is acceptable. Don’t take General-LS. The latter is for citizenship applications only.)
• PTE Core: The newest exam available to immigrants.
• TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français
• TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français

Immigration officers do not accept other language tests as official indications of your language mastery. Consequently, these tests are the best way to show your English or French abilities. Moreover, for immigration purposes (not work permits or study permits), they are the only options.

Is IELTS necessary for entrepreneur work permits?

Since this website is mainly in English, I focus only on knowledge of this language. Also, I focus on IELTS since CELPIP is rarely available outside Canada.

Immigration officers expect you to know one of Canada’s official languages to work. Subsection 200(3) of the Immigration Regulations corroborates this expectation. Moreover, IRCC publishes special instructions for its officers to assess the applications (Program Delivery Instructions or PDI). Under the PDI for IMP C11, the following criterion appears:

• Does the applicant have the language abilities needed to operate the business?

While the other two IMP codes (i.e., C10 and C12) do not directly raise this question, we could conclude that R200(3) creates the same expectation for the officers. Since you are responsible for convincing an officer about your qualifications, your best bet is to offer an IELTS test result (or other official language test results).

What are alternatives to IELTS or other official tests for entrepreneurs?

If, for any reason, you cannot present IELTS test results with your application, consider the following:

• The results of an unofficial test, such as Duolingo or TOEFL
• A report card from the educational facility that teaches you English

Remember, these options are unofficial. Therefore, it is up to the officer to accept them as alternatives. Of course, if you are applying at a port of entry, the officer will interview you and can determine whether you speak English or French well. Even for port-of-entry applications, I highly recommend IELTS General for entrepreneurial applicants. Furthermore, if you submit alternative documents for online applications, consider taking the IELTS and submitting your results before the officer decides on your application.

What are the minimum IELTS band scores for entrepreneurial applicants?

IRCC has not posted minimums for the test results. However, the minimum language requirement for the Start-up Visa is CLB 5 (Canada Language Benchmark – Level 5 out of 12). This program is for entrepreneurs’ immigration. Consequently, it is reasonable to consider the following table as the minimum language test results for an entrepreneur’s work permit:

Other than these minimums, consider that you will do business in Canada. Consequently, not knowing an official language could negatively affect your performance. Of course, if you are reading this article on your own, you probably know English well.

Check Your Eligibility Instantly

Knowing your options is the first step toward your move. We have designed a self-assessment tool to simplify the complex International Mobility Program. You simply answer a few questions about your background and job offer. The AI then determines if you meet the criteria for an LMIA-Exempt Permit.

Let us help!

Whether you have taken the IELTS test or not, we can help you with your entrepreneur work permit or immigration application. Please fill out the following form or book a consultation session with me. For other options, please consider filling out our assessment forms.

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