Owner Operator Work Permit
Work Permit for Business Owners/Operators
The Owner/Operator Work Permit provides an expedited pathway for majority owners of a company to obtain the authorization to work legally in Canada.
Overview of the Owner/Operator Work Permit
Many business owners might be deterred from considering Canada as a location for their company if they were required to undergo the same work permit process as other foreign nationals.
Typically, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approval is a crucial component of a successful work permit application. The challenge lies in the standard work permit process, where an employer must demonstrate efforts to hire a Canadian for the position before considering a foreign worker. This involves advertising in specific sources for a specified duration and providing a recruitment report detailing the number of Canadian applicants and reasons for their unsuitability for the role. Due to the preference for hiring Canadians, these applications are closely scrutinized and can face rejection if they do not precisely meet government requirements.
Despite these challenges, many business owners may qualify for an Owner/Operator Work Permit, exempting them from the advertising requirements of the LMIA. This significantly streamlines the process by eliminating the typically challenging aspect of the work permit application.
The Owner/Operator Work Permit offers a facilitated pathway for foreign nationals to enter the country and manage their business. Most business owners are understandably hesitant to relinquish control of their Canadian business due to a protracted work permit application process, often leading them to explore alternative locations for starting or expanding their business. The availability of this permit addresses this concern effectively, providing business owners with a more accessible option.