Business Owner Operator

Run your own business and become a Canadian permanent resident.

The Business Owner Operator Program is an attractive option for foreign investors who want to establish or purchase a business in Canada. By securing a work permit to actively manage your Canadian business, you can gain a clear path to permanent residency.

 

Business Owner Operator

Run your own business and become a Canadian permanent resident.

The Business Owner Operator Program is an attractive option for foreign investors who want to establish or purchase a business in Canada. By securing a work permit to actively manage your Canadian business, you can gain a clear path to permanent residency.

 

What is the Business Owner Operator Program?

This program allows a foreign investor to apply for a work permit to own and operate a business in Canada. Unlike passive investment programs, this pathway requires the applicant to be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the company. It serves as an excellent vehicle for entrepreneurs to enter the country and later transition to permanent resident status through a suitable immigration program.

 

General Requirements

  • You must be a majority owner, holding at least 50.1% of the shares, and you must be unable to be dismissed from your management position.


  • You must have a strong background as a business owner or manager with transferable experience, as well as sufficient assets to purchase or establish the business.


  • You must have sufficient language abilities in either English or French to actively manage the business and be involved in its daily operations.


  • Your business must either employ or create at least one employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Not a passive investment

This is an active pathway. You must be involved in the daily activities of the business; passive investment will not qualify you for a work permit under this program.

LMIA variation

While a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is typically required, the program allows for a variation that exempts you from the standard advertising requirements to first offer the job to Canadians.

Permanent residency is a separate step

Obtaining a work permit through this program is the first stage. You will later need to apply for permanent residence through a program like Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you’re handling it yourself or need guidance throughout, we’re here to support you.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.
 

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consulation.

Express
Consultation

Speak with an immigration expert to get answers to questions and concerns

$49.99 (CAD)

30 minutes with an expert

Answers to basic question

Overview of immigration pathways

Key information on requirements

Get more details

Premium Consultation & Eligibility Assessment

In-depth analysis, eligibility assessment & tailored strategy

$149.99 (CAD)

60 minutes with an expert

Customized plan to maximize success

Eligibility review, CRS score, and best pathways

Guidance on required documents

Get more details

Self-Managed Application Support Consultation

Speak with an immigration expert to discuss your self-prepared application.

$199.99 (CAD)

60 minutes with an expert

Tips to strengthen your application

Answers to questions on forms, and requirements

Guidance on next steps after submission

Get more details

Get the help you need to succeed.

Business identification

We can help you identify a suitable Canadian business to purchase that meets all the program's requirements.

Strategic business planning

Our team assists in preparing a comprehensive business plan to prove your venture will provide a significant benefit to the Canadian economy.

Application preparation

We will guide you in compiling all the necessary business and personal documents, ensuring your application package is complete and accurate.

Express Entry strategy

We can advise you on how your LMIA can provide additional points in the Express Entry system to strengthen your permanent residency application.

The LMIA and Permanent Residency

The LMIA issued under this program can provide a significant advantage in the Express Entry system. As a senior manager (NOC 00), you may receive up to 200 points, which can dramatically increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and improve your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence. This makes the program a strong two-step pathway: first a work permit, then permanent residency.

Purchasing an Existing Business vs. a Start-up

The program is a viable option for those who wish to either purchase an existing business or create a new one. For a start-up, you must demonstrate that you have been "actively engaged" in the business through preparatory activity, such as making financial investments, signing contracts, or obtaining permits. For an existing business, you must show a clear controlling ownership stake and prove the business is genuine and has ongoing operations.

Benefits for Your Family

The work permit granted under this program can benefit your entire family. Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, and your dependent children may receive study permits, allowing them to attend public schools for free. This provides an excellent opportunity for the whole family to settle in Canada while you establish your business and work towards permanent residence.

Interested in a different path?

If you are a high-net-worth individual who prefers a hands-off approach to immigration, a passive investment program may be a better option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Most immigration programs designed to attract skilled workers let you include your family in your application for permanent residency in Canada. This includes your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. Additionally, Canada has separate programs where citizens and permanent residents can sponsor certain close relatives for immigration.

While there's no age limit to apply for economic immigration programs, your age will affect your score.  These programs award points based on various factors like education, language skills, work experience, and even having a job lined up in Canada. People between 25 and 35 get the highest score for age, but don't worry!  If you're outside this range, you can make up for it with strong points in other categories.

If you're an international student wanting to study in Canada, you'll need a study permit. To get one, you must first be accepted by a school approved by the Canadian government (called a designated learning institution). You'll also need to show you have enough money to cover your schooling, living costs, and even the ticket back home.

Our commitment is to your success, and we never recommend services unless you genuinely qualify. We believe in open communication and will always explore the most realistic options for your situation. Furthermore, our unwavering support extends beyond the application process. We're with you every step of the way, even in challenging circumstances, ensuring a smooth and successful immigration journey to Canada.

Our team is committed to your success, and we'll explore all realistic pathways to achieve your Canadian immigration goals. We believe in clear communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.

Consult with an immigration expert

licensed and insured representatives with you every step of the way

Consult with an immigration expert

licensed and insured representatives with you every step of the way

© Can-Am Immigration, Inc. All rights reserved.


CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.

Consult with an immigration expert.