Owner Operator Program: LMIA Entrepreneur Pathway to Canadian Immigration

Owner Operator Program: LMIA Entrepreneur Pathway to Canadian Immigration

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is quite well-known in Canadian Immigration. The LMIA is an assessment that is often required for businesses looking to bring in foreign workers. They must prove that they have tried to fill the job with a Canadian citizen or resident first. What is lesser known, is an Entrepreneur Pathway exception exists, knows as the owner operator program.

The Owner Operator Program is a viable and increasingly popular entrepreneur pathway. In this option, you do not need to complete the LMIA requirement if you are going to be both an owner and involved in the daily operations. However, you must meet certain minimum requirements to be eligible for this program.

Purchase/launch a business - You must purchase an existing business or be launching a new Canadian office of a foreign enterprise. You may also use this option to start a new business but, that route tends to be more difficult.

Have a controlling interest – In order to be eligible for the owner operator program, you must have a controlling interest in the business. This means owning a majority to the extent that you cannot be removed. The business decisions must ultimately come down to you. The success must rely on your ability to own and

operate the busines unencumbered.

Have active involvement – Embedded in the name of the owner operator program is the word operator, for a reason. You can not simply be making a passive investment in the business. There are other immigration programs for that. In this Entrepreneur Pathway you must be involved in the day-to-day operations. Not just involved but, largely overseeing it.

You must also be qualified to run the business, which is typically proven through a combination of education and experience. Though, extensive experience is often preferred. This can include prior senior management and/or business ownership experience. You must be able to show that what you have done in the past clearly relates to what you will do in the future.

Have a business plan – The most important part of this entrepreneur pathway is the business plan. A great deal of the decision-making process regarding your immigration application will rely on this business plan. This business plan will be imperative in proving that you not only meet all the requirements above, but that the business will be a success and bring significant economic value to the Canadian economy.

Ultimately, the main focus of the owner operator program, as well as any other entrepreneur pathway or business immigration program, is to drive the economy. If you can’t demonstrate that the business will bring new revenue, technology, ideas and – more importantly – jobs for current citizens and residents you will struggle to be successful.

There are several entrepreneur pathways and other business immigration options. However, the Owner Operator Program might be the right fit for you if you are going to have a controlling interest and involved in actively running a business. Before pursuing this route, you should consult with an immigration lawyer. Once you have determined which path is best for you, you should also utilize a professional business plan writing firm. The combination of legal and business insight will ensure you are presenting the best case to the immigration authorities.