Canada Business Visa – Guide for UK Applicants

Are you thinking about growing your business in Canada? The Canada Business Visa gives UK entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals a way into a strong economy. Given the good business environment and strong trade ties between the UK and Canada, now is a good time to consider Canadian projects.

• Multiple Visa Options: There are different options for entrepreneurs, investors, and those visiting for business.
• Economic Growth: Canada's economy is expected to grow, giving many business opportunities.
• Trade Relations: The UK and Canada trade a lot with trade worth over £20 billion each year.
• Paths to Permanent Residency: Some business visas can lead to Canadian permanent residency.
• Family Inclusion: Most business visa programs let applicants bring their close family.

*Want guidance to apply for Canada Business Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process. 

What is the Canada Business Visa?

A Canada Business Visa allows people from other countries to enter Canada for short-term business activities, provided the activities do not involve working in Canada. This visa serves those seeking to investigate business prospects, make investments, or keep up business contacts in Canada. Those seeking employment with a Canadian company or intending to join the Canadian workforce should not apply for this visa.

Benefits of the Canada Business Visa

The benefits of the Canada Business Visa are given below.

• Canada has a stable economy, with a GDP expected to grow by 3.2% in 2026.
• The Start-Up Visa and C11 Work Permit programs can lead to Canada PR or permanent residency.
• Applicants can usually include their spouses and dependent children in their applications.
• Canada's location gives access to markets in North America.
• Canada has business incentives and support for new businesses.

Types of Canada Business Visas

The various types of Canada Business visas are given below.

• Start-Up Visa Program
• Self-Employed Persons Program
• Owner-Operator LMIA Route
• C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit
• Business Visitor Visa (Temporary)

Start-Up Visa Program

The Canada Start-Up Visa Program aims to bring creative and competitive entrepreneurs to Canada who can create jobs. Foreign entrepreneurs can get permanent residency if they start a business that meets certain requirements. Unlike other immigration options, this program needs backing from Canadian venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators.

Self-Employed Persons Program

The Canada Self-Employed Persons Program offers a route for self-employed people in culture or sports to immigrate. Applicants should plan to contribute a lot to Canada through cultural or athletic activities. Qualified people can get permanent residence in Canada through this program, and they do not need a particular amount of money or investment.

Owner-Operator LMIA Route

The Canada Owner-Operator LMIA process allows foreign business people to get a Canadian work permit if they can show they will manage and run a business they own in Canada. This involves getting a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Canadian employers need an LMIA before they hire a foreign worker. The LMIA helps prove that a foreign worker is needed for the job and that there are no qualified Canadian workers or permanent residents available to do the work .

C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit

The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit serves as a route for foreign entrepreneurs and self-employed people seeking to start or buy a business in Canada. It grants temporary entry to run their business, with a chance to later apply for permanent residence. As part of the International Mobility Program (IMP), this permit does not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Business Visitor Visa (Temporary)

A Canada Business Visitor Visa is a temporary permit that allows people from other countries to visit Canada for particular business reasons, as long as they don't join the Canadian workforce. This visa is for international business activities, such as going to meetings or working with Canadian businesses. People may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) too, depending on their nationality.

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Business Visa

The eligibility criteria for UK applicants are given below.

• Age: Applicants must be of legal age to conduct business.
• Business Experience: Applicants should have experience in business management or ownership.
• Financial Capacity: Applicants need enough personal funding to support themselves and any dependents.
• Language: English or French might need to be proved, depending on the situation.
• Admissibility: Applicants must have no criminal record and be in good health.

Document Requirements

The documents required to apply for the Canada Business visa are given below.

• Passport: The passport should be valid for your entire stay.
• Business Plan: A plan that details your goals, market research, and financial forecasts.
• Proof of Funds: Bank records that show you have enough money.
• Letters of Support: If needed, get these from organizations or business partners.
• Credentials: Provide your certificates.
• Police Clearance: You may need to provide this from countries you've lived in for over six months.
• Medical Exam: This might be needed based on the program.

Canada Business Visa Application Process (From the UK)

To apply for the Canada Business Visa, you must follow the steps given below.

Step 1: Determine what type of business visa fits what you want to do. Options include the Start-Up Visa, C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit, or Business Visitor Visa.

Step 2: Prepare the required documents. This includes your passport, a full business plan, proof you have money, police records, and medical test reports.

Step 3: Submit your application online through the IRCC website or at a Visa Application Centre. Pay the fee and upload your documents.

Step 4: Go to your biometrics appointment. You might also have an interview to talk about your business plans.

Step 5: Receive your Canada Business Visa.

Visa Fees and Estimated Costs

Detailed information about the application cost of Canada Business Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Application Fee (CAD)
Start-Up Visa Program	$1,575
Self-Employed Persons Program	$1,575
Owner-Operator LMIA Route	$1,000 (LMIA fee)
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit	$155
Business Visitor Visa (Temporary)	$100

Canada Business Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the Canada Business Visa Processing time is given below.

Visa Type	Estimated Processing Time
Start-Up Visa Program	12 to 16 months
Self-Employed Persons Program	24 to 36 months
Owner-Operator LMIA Route	4 to 6 months
C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit	3 to 6 months
Business Visitor Visa (Temporary)	2 to 8 weeks

Can You Include Family Members?

Yes, most Canada business visa programs let applicants include their immediate family. This implies:

• Spouse or common-law partner: They can apply for an open work permit.
• Dependent children: They can apply for study permits to go to Canadian schools.
• Each family member has to meet all entry requirements.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Business visas offer different ways to get Canadian permanent residency:

• Start-Up Visa: You get permanent resident status once approved.
• C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit: A temporary permit that can lead to permanent residency via programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or Express Entry.
• Owner-Operator LMIA: Work experience can help you qualify for permanent residency programs.

Extension, Renewal, or Switching Visas

• Temporary visas can be extended if the requirements are still met.
• People can renew their status if they continue to follow visa rules.
• Changing from one visa type to another might be an option, depending on the situation and requirements.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis offers advice on immigration and visas, with specific skills in helping business people from the UK with the Canadian Business Visa. We give specific advice to make sure your application goes smoothly and you can move to Canada without problems.

Our services include:

• Individual meetings to find the right Canada Business Visa for you.
• Help getting ready and checking all the papers you will need.
• Advice on writing a complete business plan that follows all rules.
• Help with biometrics, submitting your application, and dealing with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Help after approval to set up your business and move your family to Canada.