The new IMP C11 work permit requirements

Robert is a citizen of the small country of Micronesia. He is a self-employed person who makes handmade porcelain figurines. Robert runs pop-up shops in the Caribbean, selling his products. Interestingly, one of his friends tells him he may open a pop-up store in Canada to sell his unique products there. However, he needs to obtain a work permit under IMP C11. Robert can’t wait to apply for this LMIA-exempt permit.

What is IMP C11?

In most circumstances, you need a work permit to work in Canada. However, even before applying for a work permit, you must apply for an LMIA through Service Canada (ESDC). The LMIA application ensures that hiring a foreign national will not harm the Canadian job market. Nonetheless, there are circumstances in which IRCC exempts individuals from the LMIA requirements. In other words, you may directly apply for a work permit without an LMIA. The International Mobility Program, or IMP, covers all LMIA exemption codes. Therefore, when we refer to IMP C11, we mean the LMIA exemption code C11.

This code applies to self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs. IRCC updated the instructions for IMP C11 on Nov 21, 2022. However, they applied these changes retroactively. Therefore, the current article affects your work permit application regardless of the time you submit it. Furthermore, it affects future applications, both online and at the port of entry.

IMP C11 basics for entrepreneurs and self-employed people

Under the new approach, a self-employed person makes a living from their profession. Moreover, they rarely hire anyone other than their family members. Entrepreneurs take on more significant financial risks and hire people outside of their family. To qualify for a C11 exemption, an entrepreneur or a self-employed person must satisfy the officer they meet the following criteria:

• They intend to stay in Canada temporarily, so their work is seasonal. However, they may still qualify for year-round businesses if they prove they will replace themselves with a Canadian or a permanent resident after their temporary stay.
• Their work generates significant benefits in one or more of the following areas.
  • Economic,
  • cultural,
  • social, or
  • creating opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents of Canada.
• They meet both the qualifications as an employer and an employee.
• While the business can be a corporation or another type, it must prove that it owns at least 50%.
• The documentary evidence must support all their claims.

Significant benefits under IMP C11

IRCC divides significant benefits for IMP C11 into three major categories: (1) Economic, (2) Social, and (3) Cultural.

Significant economic benefits

IRCC offers the following guidelines for assessing significant benefits.

• Creating job opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents
• Using their expertise in developing a business that benefits the Canadian economy
• Contributing to a Canadian industry via innovation, job creation, and market expansion
• Assisting an activity that promotes growth and job creation in a community
• Creating training and job opportunities for Canadians, permanent residents, and registered Indians
• Offering economic stimulus in remote areas

This list is neither inclusive nor exclusive. However, it provides us with insights into how IRCC processes C11 applications.

Significant social benefits

We could consider the following as social benefits for IMP C11. Of course, I refer to how IRCC looks at these benefits.

• Promoting communities (especially their pride and heritage)
• Encouraging investment in the local tourism industry (amenities and other resources)
• Addressing safety and health threats to Canadians and permanent residents
• Advancing social inclusion in communities
• Contributing to improving environmental considerations via developing unique products and services

Significant cultural benefits

An IMP C11 work permit candidate can demonstrate their ability to make cultural contributions through the following factors. Of course, this list is just a guideline:

• Their previous national or international artistic awards or recognitions
• Membership in highly-regarded cultural organizations
• Acting as a judge to review the work of other artists
• Recognition by their peers, government bodies, etc.
• Significant scholarly contributions
• Industry or scientific publications
• The leadership of an esteemed organization
• Being a celebrity in their cultural field

Assessment factors for IMP C11

Officers consider the following assessment factors when reviewing an IMP C11 work permit application. Of course, the burden of proof is on you. Therefore, present as many documents as you can.

• Will the employment result in significant benefits?
• Has the applicant demonstrated that their language skills are sufficient for the position?
• Can the applicant’s skills and experience contribute to the business’s viability?
• Is there a detailed business plan that supports the applicant’s work in Canada?
• Have they taken measures to establish the business in Canada?
• Is the business of a temporary nature (e.g., seasonal businesses)?
• Does the applicant need to remain in Canada on a long-term basis (a negative factor)?
• Does the applicant own at least 50% of the business?
• Do they qualify for a work permit under the provisions of section 200 of the Immigration Regulations?

While the officers may consider dual intent or long-term work permits in exceptional circumstances, the new IMP C11 favours short-term work permits.

IMP C11 for PNP and Quebec candidates

Sometimes, an applicant receives a nomination for business immigration to a province or under the Quebec self-employed program. They could use IMP C11 to obtain a work permit in these circumstances. However, it is recommended that you consult with a professional to assess your options. Moreover, if you are a Start-Up Visa candidate, you could qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (IMP A75) instead of IMP C11.

Special cases for IMP C11

IRCC considers IMP C11 for the following special cases:

• Fishing guides (Canadian lakes)
• Foreign camp owners or directors and outfitters
• Foreign freelance race jockeys

If these apply to you, book a consultation session with me.

Alternatives

You may still qualify for other programs if you do not meet the requirements for an IMP C11 work permit. Here are some examples:

• Intra-company transferee (IMP C12, T24, T44, T51)
• Significant benefits under IMP C10
• An LMIA-based work permit as an owner/operator (not practical in most cases)
• Work permit as an Investor under CUSMA (only for US and Mexican Citizens)

We can explore your options if you book a consultation session with me.

Updates to C11 requirements (May 27, 2025)

Business owner’ work permits now reflect their truly temporary nature. Officers must issue a permit for no more than 18 months and review the offer’s stated duration to ensure it matches the foreign national’s expected stay. If an offer indicates a longer period, the applicant must show a definite plan to transition out of managing the business. Moreover, officers should not extend an initial permit beyond 18 months unless the applicant provides clear evidence of a temporary purpose and a concrete exit strategy.

Support funds

Applicants must prove they can support themselves and any dependents under section 39 of the IRPA. They need transferable, available funds free of debts equal to the low-income cut-off (LICO) for their family size. These funds must cover at least 18 months or the proposed stay, whichever is shorter. Proof can include cash or bank deposits, documents for transferable assets such as stocks, bonds, or treasury bills, payment guarantees such as bank drafts or traveller’s cheques, or wages from an existing business. Officers should use the current LICO table when determining the required amount.

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!

If you intend to apply for a work permit under IMP C11, your best bet is to book a consultation session with me. Alternatively, you may fill out the following form. For alternative options, please book a consultation session or complete our assessment forms.

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