This is not an immigration program as it gives work permit under federal TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program). The government of Canada has not fixed a number of work permits to be issued under this program. However this program is gaining popularity in entrepreneurs and investors who want to invest and move to Canada.

Existing federal permanent immigration programs and Provincial Nominee Entrepreneur program do not attract overseas investors as opportunities under this program are very less and limited to a very small quota. Candidates start by getting temporary work permit and later apply for permanent residency which takes lots or time and money. In this case many overseas investors seeking permanent residency have to wait for longer period. However on the other side Owner operator program is designed to attract those entrepreneurs who want to move to a particular area of Canada, and can buy an applicable business to get the permanent residency of Canada. This is more beneficial and easier than provincial immigration program.

The province of Quebec leads in popularity with its Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP). However it is meant for very wealthy applicants who can invest a big amount of money.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to apply for owner operator program, the overseas investor should have the following:

1. Management experience which can be verified.
2. The candidate should have sufficient amount of funds to buy the business in Canada.
3. Proficiency in English or French language to be able to work as a manager.
4. Should have more than 50% shares in the business to be able to take the decisions. Just to have ownership of the shares does not qualify a share holder to become an owner operator. The share holder should have an offer letter to be able take active part in the management of the business. It can be considered by evaluating the experience of the foreign investor in managing and operating a business.

Owner operator program process

1. First of all the overseas investor should select a business to buy.
2. An appropriate business plan should be submitted along with LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
3. After getting the positive LMIA the overseas investor can apply for temporary work permit to work on management level for the duration of 12 to 24 months and it can be renewed as well.

After selecting an appropriate business to purchase, normally it takes around two to three months to complete the LMIA process. After that it will take around three months to get the work permit. After that the investor can move to Canada and start working. While working in Canada the investor can apply for Canadian permanent residency along with immediate family members under any immigration program which suits them. They can apply federal Express Entry immigration program or any Provincial Nomination program. It will take approx 12 months to complete this process.

We at Guide2future have a team of professionals who can assist the overseas investor to select and purchase the appropriate business. After selecting the suitable business we will help in completing all the required formalities related to your immigration like LMIA, work permit and permanent residency.