What Is the Owner-Operator LMIA Pathway?
Although the dedicated “Owner-Operator” LMIA stream was officially closed by ESDC in 2021, entrepreneurs can still buy or start a business in Canada and apply for a high-wage LMIA-based work permit if they:
- Hold controlling interest in the business, and
- Have a genuine job offer to work as an executive or senior manager (e.g., NOC TEER 0 or 1)
- Can demonstrate that their employment will create or retain jobs for Canadians and provide significant economic benefit
This pathway is often used by foreign business owners as an initial step toward permanent residence.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a work permit through this route, you must:
- Own at least 50% of the business (controlling interest)
- Be offered a job as senior executive or manager (e.g., CEO, General Manager, Operations Director)
- Submit a high-wage LMIA application under the International Mobility stream
- Demonstrate:
- You are actively involved in the business
- You will be paid a salary meeting the prevailing wage
- The business will create jobs or transfer skills to Canadians
- Be able to operate the business upon arrival (license, premises, incorporation)
- Have a transition plan (optional, but highly recommended)
This pathway does not require prior Canadian experience or a Canadian partner.
Types of Eligible Businesses
You may either:
- Purchase an existing business (e.g., retail, franchise, services, hospitality, e-commerce)
- Start a new business (must show detailed business plan and proof of funding)
Businesses must be:
- Active and operational
- Job-creating or economically beneficial
- Registered and compliant with provincial regulations
- Not speculative (no passive investments like property flipping or silent partnerships)
Application Steps
- Start or acquire a business in Canada
- Incorporate the company (federal or provincial registration)
- Create a detailed business plan
- Apply for an LMIA as owner-operator under the high-wage stream
- Receive a positive LMIA
- Apply for a work permit (valid for 1–2 years)
- Arrive in Canada and operate the business
- Transition to PR through Express Entry (e.g., CEC or FSW), PNP, or other options
Processing Time and Fees
- LMIA processing: 2 to 4 months
- Work permit processing: 6 to 8 weeks (varies by country)
- IRCC Fees:
- LMIA: $1,000 CAD
- Work Permit: $155 CAD (plus biometrics, if applicable)
Transition to Permanent Residence
Once approved for a work permit and actively managing the business in Canada, you may become eligible for PR through:
- Express Entry: After 1 year of Canadian work experience (under CEC or FSW)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces accept applicants with business experience and ownership in the province
- C11 Entrepreneur PR Stream: In some cases, you may shift to a C11-based pathway if eligible
- Step 1: Determine Eligibility
- Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile
- Step 3: Gather Necessary Documents
- Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Step 5: Prepare Your Application
- Step 6: Submit Your Complete Application within timeframe
- Step 7: Respond to Additional Information Requests
- Step 8: Receive Your Decision
- Step 9: If Approved, Receive Your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR) Document
The dedicated stream is closed, but business owners can still apply under the high-wage LMIA pathway with controlling interest.
No. This is a work permit-first pathway, but it opens the door to PR through Express Entry or PNP after 1 year.
Yes, if you own controlling interest and will manage the day-to-day operations in Canada.
No. Many applicants use this route for small to medium-sized businesses, including restaurants, convenience stores, service agencies, and online brands.
Start or Buy a Business in Canada — and Build Toward PR
Sapra Immigration helps business owners, buyers, and entrepreneurs obtain work permits through the Owner-Operator LMIA pathway. From business incorporation to LMIA submission and PR planning, we support your full immigration journey.