Work Permit Categories for Business People
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. If you’re a business professional with a job offer in Canada, you may be eligible for a work permit under this program. To qualify, your employer may need to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market.

International Mobility Program (IMP): The International Mobility Program includes several work permit categories that don’t require an LMIA. For business people, the most relevant categories within IMP are the Intra-Company Transfer, the NAFTA/USMCA, and other free trade agreements.

Start-Up Visa Program: Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to establish a new innovative business in Canada. To be eligible for this program, you must secure an investment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Once approved, you can apply for a work permit to operate your start-up in Canada.

Self-Employed Persons Program: If you’re a self-employed individual and have experience in cultural activities or athletics, you may be eligible for a self-employed work permit. This program is designed to support individuals who can make significant contributions to Canadian culture and sports.

Owner/Operator LMIA: Business professionals who intend to purchase or establish a business in Canada may consider the Owner/Operator LMIA route. To qualify, you’ll need to have a controlling interest in the business and demonstrate that your business will create significant economic benefits for Canada.

Intra-Company Transfer
The Intra-Company Transfer program allows multinational companies to temporarily transfer their employees to Canada. To be eligible for this program, you must have been working for the parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate company abroad for at least one year. The program aims to enhance Canadian businesses by allowing them to bring in specialized knowledge and skills.

As of 2022-2023, the Intra-Company Transfer program remains an attractive option for business professionals. It streamlines the process of obtaining a work permit, as LMIA is not required. However, applicants still need to meet specific criteria and provide evidence of their qualifications.

NAFTA/USMCA Work Permits
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in 2020, facilitates trade and economic cooperation between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Under this agreement, certain business professionals are eligible for work permits in Canada.

The USMCA covers various categories, such as:

Business Visitors: Individuals involved in international business activities, such as research, marketing, or sales, can apply for a business visitor work permit. No labor market assessment is required for this category.

Professionals: If you’re a professional with a qualifying job offer in Canada, you may be eligible for a USMCA work permit. This category is ideal for those in professions like architecture, engineering, or law.

Intra-Company Transferees: Similar to the broader Intra-Company Transfer program, this USMCA category allows the transfer of employees between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

Investors: Business investors who want to establish, purchase, or expand a business in Canada can explore the USMCA Investor work permit category.

Start-Up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is a shining beacon for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

Secure a letter of support from a designated Canadian organization, such as a venture capital fund or angel investor group.
Have a qualifying business that can create jobs and compete on a global scale.
Prove your proficiency in English or French.
Have enough settlement funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
The Start-Up Visa Program is a pathway to permanent residency in Canada. Once your business venture is established and you meet the program’s requirements, you can transition from a work permit to permanent resident status.

Self-Employed Persons Program
For business professionals with a background in cultural activities or athletics, the Self-Employed Persons Program offers a unique opportunity to work in Canada. This program is designed to promote cultural and athletic achievements in Canada. To qualify, you must:

Prove that you have relevant experience and the intention to be self-employed in cultural activities or athletics.
Score sufficient points in the selection criteria, which consider factors like experience, age, education, and adaptability.
Provide a commitment to make a significant contribution to Canadian cultural or athletic life.
Successful applicants can obtain a work permit and work in their respective fields in Canada. Over time, they may also be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Owner/Operator LMIA
The Owner/Operator LMIA is a pathway for business professionals who wish to purchase or establish a business in Canada. To be eligible, you must:

Own a significant portion of the business (at least 50% or more).
Demonstrate that your business will create substantial economic benefits for Canada.
Meet the LMIA requirements, including providing a business plan, financial statements, and demonstrating your ability to manage and operate the business effectively.
The Owner/Operator LMIA offers business professionals a unique route to obtaining a work permit in Canada. It allows you to actively participate in managing and operating the business you own or plan to establish.

Application Process
The application process for work permits varies depending on the specific program you’re applying for. Here’s a general overview:

Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or meet the eligibility requirements for the specific program.

Document Preparation: Gather all necessary documents, which may include educational certificates, work experience letters, passport, and proof of funds.

LMIA (if required): If your work permit application requires an LMIA, your employer will need to apply for one. This process assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market.

Work Permit Application: Complete the work permit application, either online or on paper, and pay the required fees.

Biometrics and Medical Exam: Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide biometrics, and in some cases, a medical exam may be necessary.

Interview (if required): You may be asked to attend an interview at a local Canadian consulate or embassy.

Decision: After processing your application, the Canadian authorities will make a decision. If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.

Port of Entry: If you are not already in Canada, present your POE Letter of Introduction to a Canadian immigration officer when you arrive. You will be issued your work permit at that time.