Migrations are always through work permits and student visas. But did you ever wonder if you can build your own business? You can accelerate your permanent residency in Canada by buying a business, too. If you are a business owner who wishes to expand globally or a manager looking to relocate your family, the Owner/Operator LMIA Program can be your pathway.
The Owner/Operator program had changed since April 1, 2021, wherein reasonable recruitment efforts are now required to hire Canadian/Permanent residents. This policy already applies to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for Entrepreneurs. Like any other business owner using for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), positions need to run advertisements first locally before searching for foreign applicants.
What is the process for the Owner-Operator LMIA Program?
Let us give you a brief rundown of how it works.
- You basically build up your own business in Canada or buying an existing one. The buying process can be similar to housing, a broker offers you listings, or you can have family/relatives search for you.
- Gather all needed requirements and set a senior position for you (as an owner, CEO, operations manager or major shareholder of the business). This lets you have full control of the company.
- Apply for the Owner-Operator LMIA, which is an authorization document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Apply for a work permit to run your own new business. It lets you fast track the process because you do not need Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) or language tests (IELTS)
- Otherwise, you can apply for Express Entry for permanent residency right after the LMIA. However, ECA and language tests will be required.
Additionally, your spouse can obtain an open work permit, and your children can get a study visa if you have any.
How can we apply?
Once you have decided to proceed, we are here to help you every step of the way. We will give you a list of businesses to choose from and help you make the most informed decision you can. We will handle the stress of the paperwork so that you can focus on your family’s smooth transition to life in Canada.
We highly recommend this program as it provides fewer restrictions versus other types of immigration schemes. As we said, it is also fast track. You run your business as the owner adhering to Canadian labour laws, and most of us know that having your own income is better than a regular job.
If you wish to learn more about the Owner/Operator program, our friendly, licensed and experienced immigration consultants will be very eager to assist you. Call us on +1 (416) 492-1222 or book a consultation call today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the Owner/Operator LMIA Program?
- The Owner/Operator LMIA Program allows business owners or managers to accelerate their permanent residency in Canada by establishing or buying a business in Canada.
- How has the Owner/Operator program changed since April 1, 2021?
- Since April 1, 2021, the program requires reasonable recruitment efforts to hire Canadian/Permanent residents before searching for foreign applicants.
- What is required to apply for the Owner-Operator LMIA Program?
- You need to establish or buy a business in Canada, gather all required documents, and set a senior position for yourself within the company to have full control.
- What is the purpose of the Owner-Operator LMIA?
- It is an authorization document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows you to run your business in Canada.
- Do I need an Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA) or language tests to apply for a work permit under this program?
- No, you do not need an ECA or language tests to apply for a work permit to run your new business under this program.
- Can I apply for permanent residency right after obtaining the LMIA?
- Yes, you can apply for Express Entry for permanent residency right after the LMIA, but ECA and language tests will be required.
- Can my spouse and children benefit from my application under this program?
- Yes, your spouse can obtain an open work permit, and your children can get a study visa.
- How can I apply for the Owner/Operator LMIA Program?
- You can start by selecting a business to establish or purchase, and then proceed with the application process with the help of immigration consultants.
- What are the advantages of the Owner/Operator program?
- The program offers fewer restrictions compared to other immigration schemes and allows for a fast-track process to running your business and potentially obtaining permanent residency in Canada.
- Who can assist me with the Owner/Operator program application?
- Our Licensed and experienced immigration consultants can assist you with every step of the application process.
- Why is running your own business in Canada beneficial under this program?
- Running your business allows you to adhere to Canadian labour laws while potentially having a more significant income than a regular job, accelerating your path to permanent residency.
