Labour Market Impact Assessment

If you’re a foreign worker wanting to purchase and operator a business in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for the owner operator LMIA

For business persons that have the qualifications to operate a business, the owner operator LMIA may be an effective route to gain temporary entry to Canada. An owner-operator must meet specific requirements, such as proof they will have controlling (at least 51%) interest in the business, prior to a positive LMIA being issued. In addition, the job offer must:

  • Be genuine
  • Demonstrate that you will create new jobs or retain jobs for Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Show you will occupy a superior role in the company 

How do I start an application? 
We’re your first step in starting a citizenship application.  Complete an eligibility assessment here

Owner Operators of a Canadian business are not the same as self-employed people and do not require to be hands-on with the day to day operations of the company.

As part of the documentation analysis, conditional purchase of the business is normally required although what is recommended may be different (ie. proof of completed purchase/transaction)

As opposed to a regular LMIA, proof of advertising requirements is not required.