Applicants must hold at least 50 percent ownership in a qualifying Canadian business, documented through incorporation records or shareholder agreements, establishing effective control under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) business immigration requirements.

The entrepreneur must be actively involved in the daily management and strategic direction of the Canadian business, providing documentation that confirms ongoing operational decision-making responsibilities, consistent with IRCC’s active engagement expectations for business operators.

While no federal minimum is universally prescribed, applicants must invest a significant amount proportionate to the business model and location, ensuring operational viability, with funds lawfully obtained and traceable under IRCC admissibility and due diligence standards.

The submitted business plan must demonstrate a feasible commercial model supported by credible market research, projected sustainability, and alignment with Canadian market demand, meeting IRCC’s evaluation standards for economic benefit and regional business development compatibility.

Entrepreneurs are required to create at least one full-time position for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, excluding the applicant or their family, and substantiate this through formal payroll records or employment contracts within the designated timeframe.

Applicants must prove their legally accumulated personal net worth through verified financial documentation, demonstrating capacity to support both business operations and personal settlement, as required by IRCC or the relevant provincial immigration authority.

The Entrepreneur Work Permit is issued as a temporary status; however, applicants must show a clear progression plan toward permanent residence through business performance, provincial support if applicable, and meeting economic immigration pathway requirements.

For streams requiring provincial participation, such as those under the Provincial Nominee Program or Start-Up Visa partnerships, a formal letter of support or endorsement confirming business merit and local alignment is mandatory before work permit issuance.

Applicants must fulfill compliance obligations including periodic submission of business progress reports, tax filings, and employment records, enabling IRCC or provincial authorities to assess continued adherence to the business plan and permit conditions.

Applicants must demonstrate language ability equivalent to CLB 5 or higher in English or French, proven through accepted standardized testing, to ensure effective communication and managerial capability in the Canadian business environment.