If you own a business in Canada then you can apply for an Owner Operator Work Permit. Usually when a person needs a work permit in Canada, they would have to get a LMIA approved. The employer needs to advertise the position and try to fill the position by hiring a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, before they try to hire a Foreign Worker. 

But an Owner Operator Work Permit can be obtained by getting an advertising exempt LMIA. 

What is the Owner Operator LMIA category?

A foreign businessman who invests in Canada to start a business can get a work permit under this category. These LMIA applications are exempt from the advertising requirement. This was created so that the work permit application process is fast, easy and smooth. 

It aims to attract more people to invest in Canada. Because if the process is complicated then people would invest in some other country. 

What is the eligibility for a Owner Operator Work Permit?

To qualify for an Owner Operator Work Permit the person should meet the following requirements:

• The person should own a majority stake e.g. 51% of the business and be able to control the operations and management of the business.
• The person’s pay should be equal to or more than the median wage for that position.
• The person will operate a business that is beneficial for Canadians and provide employment opportunities for them.
• The person has a viable business plan and has taken steps to implement it like arranging financing, leasing office space, registering the business.
• The person has skills and experience that will help him in operating the business.
• The business will hire at least one Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident during its first year of operation.

How can I become a Permanent Resident under this program?

The person can apply for an Owner Operator Work Permit when their LMIA gets approved. A person who is working in a senior management position in a business can get 200 extra points in the Express Entry system. Hence the LMIA based Owner Operator Work Permit and job offer from the business can help you secure Permanent Residence under the skilled worker category. 

SAM law has vast experience in Owner Operator Work Permits. We can guide you and help you through the process. Please contact us for more details.