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.

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 consultation.
 

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 consultation.

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.

hand holding Canadian flag with city skyline for Business Owner Operator to permanent residence pathway

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.

entrepreneur researching Canadian business immigration or purchasing an existing business
business owner considering Canadian start-up visa or different path to 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

Owner-operator LMIAs focus less on recruitment efforts and more on economic benefit and control. The applicant must demonstrate ownership, decision-making authority, and active involvement in the business. IRCC evaluates whether hiring the owner genuinely benefits the Canadian economy.

There is no fixed percentage, but applicants typically hold at least 50% ownership or controlling interest. Minority ownership may be accepted only if the applicant clearly controls business operations and strategic decisions.

Yes, and this is often preferred. Purchasing an established business with employees, revenue, and operational history significantly reduces risk in IRCC’s eyes—provided the transition plan is credible and jobs are maintained.

No, but the business must show a realistic path to sustainability. Start-up losses are acceptable if supported by a credible business plan, sufficient capital, and industry norms.

Yes. Many owner-operators qualify for Express Entry (CEC), Provincial Nominee Programs, or entrepreneur streams after gaining Canadian business and work experience.

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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.