Owner Operator LMIA
Owner Operator LMIA
Owner/Operator LMIA is a pathway to Canada for business owners and entrepreneurs who wish to enter Canada after establishing or purchasing a business.
It is possible to apply for a work permit under this category to either launch a start-up or purchase an existing business in Canada. A work permit can be issued for up to two years. If it is a first-time Owner/ Operator LMIA application, a work permit is likely to be issued for a duration of one year. Provided the business owner can prove the business has been established the work permit can be extended. Each extension is usually two years and there is no limit on the number of times the work permit can be extended. There are pathways to permanent residency for owner/operators depending upon the type of job offer/LMIA and the background of the owner/operator.
Requirements for the owner/operator
1. Own a business in Canada.
2. Sole proprietor or a majority shareholder of the business.
3. Previous management experience and qualifications that demonstrate the capability to manage the business.
4. English or French language ability to actively work as a manager in the business.
5. Financial assets to purchase and operate the business.
6. Demonstrate that the business will lead to job creation or retention or the transfer of skills to Canadian permanent residents / citizens.
7. Hold a position within the business that cannot be dismissed or is answerable to a more senior manager of the company.
8. Provide business plan that details how the business will create/maintain employment of Canadians as well as an outline as to how the business owner/operators employment will be maintained within the company.
9. Active involvement in the business and demonstration that the owner/operator is not making a passive investment.
10. The business must employ at least one Canadian citizen or permanent resident within the first year.
Advantages of the Owner/Operator LMIA
The processing time is short (usually 3-6 months to obtain an LMIA and work permit)
There is no minimum net worth requirement
There is no minimum investment amount required
The spouse of the owner/operator receives an open work permit and the dependent children receive a student permit or temporary resident visa depending upon their age
The business can be established anywhere in Canada
Work permit can be extended an indefinite number of times provided the business is still in operation
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Express Entry: If the owner/operator obtains an LMIA in a senior management position (NOC 00) they will receive 200 additional points on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in the Express Entry system as soon as he or she has an LMIA approved.In most cases this will strengthen an applicant’s score enough to receive an “Invitation to Apply” (ITA) in the Express Entry system. If the job offer and LMIA are not in a senior management position they will still receive 50 points on their CRS score. If they operate the business for at least one year they will receive further additional points on their CRS score.
PNP: After a work permit is granted and the owner has resided in Canada for at least a one year period, they may be in a position to apply for a permanent resident visa through a Provincial Nominee Program.
Spouse: The spouse can apply as the principal applicant after obtaining work experience and an employer sponsor in Canada.
How can a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant Help?
In addition to making sure the application is complete there are three main areas where an RCIC can help.
Immigration Strategy and Option: An RCIC can advise you on the different options that are available to you to obtain permanent residence in Canada and explain the pros and cons of each option. It is important you choose the best immigration program from the start as this will likely save you time and money in the long run.
Professional Representation: If you do not have a representative assisting you then you will probably only submit the required documentation listed on the IRCC document checklist. Submitting only these documents may be enough to result in a favorable decision. However, submitting only those documents sometimes is not enough to make your case and to satisfy the visa officer you meet the requirements of the visa. Generally, it is wise to submit as much evidence as you can above and beyond the minimum required by IRCC. Your representative can assist you in preparing and submitting a strong application to IRCC by identifying the weaknesses in your application and advising you how to strengthen your application.
Submission letter: An RCIC will prepare and submit a submission letter on behalf of the applicant along with the application. The submission letter is an important part of the application which summarizes and more importantly demonstrates why you meet the requirements of the visa.
Ready to apply?
We will Assist you in finding a suitable business to purchase or establish
Review your information and develop a strategy to apply
Prepare and submit your visa application to IRCC
Act as your authorized representative to IRCC
Update you regularly on the status of your application.
If you want to obtain a work permit to operate your own business in Canada apply we are here to help! Please complete our free online assessment form or contact us and one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants will revert to you within 48 hours.
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