Self-Employed Persons Program
The Canadian government has suspended applications for this route until January 2027. Even before the suspension, this pathway was limited to:
- Professional athletes with international experience
- Professional artists with cultural contributions
- Those with farm management skills for agricultural businesses
Owner-Operator LMIA Route
This once-popular “loophole” allowed entrepreneurs to establish businesses and essentially employ themselves. However, it was closed in April 2021 due to system abuse.
Per the Canadian government: “The Owner/Operator category has been removed from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) as of April 1, 2021. This category allowed applicants to apply for a work permit without having to do the advertising requirement of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).”
Be wary of immigration lawyers suggesting this route is still viable; they’re either misinformed or misleading you.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program: 2025 Updates
The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) program enables multinational companies to transfer key employees from their U.S. operations to Canadian branches or subsidiaries. In 2025, the program has introduced several significant changes:
- Stricter Requirements for Multinational Corporations: Companies must now provide more comprehensive documentation to demonstrate the relationship between the U.S. and Canadian entities.
- Physical Office Requirement: Transferred employees are required to work from a physical commercial office in Canada, emphasising the need for a tangible business presence.
- Prevailing Wage Requirement for Managerial Roles: Managerial positions must meet prevailing wage standards, ensuring fair compensation aligned with Canadian labour market conditions.
- Clarified Conditions for Extending ICT Work Permits: Extensions now necessitate updated employment offers and may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if job duties or locations change.
- Introduction of Caps on Applications: A cap has been placed on the number of ICT applications to manage program intake effectively.
These updates reflect Canada’s commitment to balancing economic growth with labour market integrity. For detailed information, refer to the official website.
CUSMA Investor Category
Under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), U.S. citizens who invest in and actively manage a Canadian business may qualify for an investor work permit. While there is no fixed minimum investment amount stipulated, investments around CAD $200,000 are commonly referenced in practice.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens making a substantial investment in a new or existing Canadian business and intending to develop and direct the enterprise.
- Work Permit: Eligible investors can apply for a work permit without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Application Process: Applicants must provide evidence of their investment and their role in the business.
Immigrating by Purchasing an Existing Canadian Business
Acquiring an existing Canadian business can be a viable route to immigration. This process typically involves:
- Obtaining a Temporary Work Permit: As the new owner, you may apply for a work permit to manage the business.
- Transitioning to Permanent Residence: After successfully operating the business, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residence through programs like the Start-Up Visa Program.
Important Considerations:
- Investment Canada Act Compliance: Non-Canadians acquiring control of an existing business must file a Notification or an Application for Review under the Investment Canada Act.
- Due Diligence: Thoroughly assess the business’s financial health, legal obligations, and market position before acquisition.
Legal and Financial Advice: Engage professionals experienced in Canadian business acquisitions and immigration law to navigate the process effectively.
Streamlining Your Business Immigration Journey
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Speak to one of our team today.