Owner operators are candidates who qualify for a work permit by buying a business and moving to Canada. They must have controlling interest in the business by being the sole proprietor or majority shareholder.

Buy a Business and Move to Canada

Who Qualifies?

• A foreign investor with verifiable, transferable management experience.
• Sufficient assets to purchase, or start the targeted business in Canada.
• Sufficient language abilities in either English or French to actively work as a manager in the business.

What is the process?

• The foreign investor identifies a Canadian business to purchase.
• A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is submitted along with a suitable business plan.
• Once a positive LMIA opinion is issued, the foreign investor applies for a 12-24 months, renewable temporary work permit.

How long does this process take?
Once a suitable business is found, it will take 2-3 months to complete the LMIA application process. It will take less than 3-months in most jurisdictions, to receive a work permit.

When can the work permit holder apply for Canadian permanent residence?
There is no minimum wait time. Qualified candidates may apply for permanent residence with their families, soon after they arrive in Canada.

Is this a formal government program?
No. The above process relies on the rules governing owner-operator policies, and other immigration programs to achieve the above described outcome.

Who is an ideal candidate for a "buy business and work in Canada visa"?
Opportunities under formal investment-based immigration programs are very limited in Canada. Most provincial investment-based residence immigration programs operate by an invitation to apply scheme. That overall process takes 12-36 months and often longer to conclude.

A foreign investor entrepreneur, motivated to live in a particular area of Canada, can purchase a suitable business and relocate to that area of choice. This is far more advantageous than trying to meet provincial immigration programs.