Majority ownership of an active Canadian business
You must hold at least 51% of a Canadian corporation that is genuinely operating — incorporation documents, share register, business number and banking must all line up.
Canada — Pathway
Canada Talent Visa
Canada's answer to the O-1 — for founders and operators of significant benefit.
A work authorisation route for founders and senior operators who own and run a Canadian business. No labour-market test is required: the case is won by proving your presence delivers significant economic, social or cultural benefit to Canada. It is the closest Canadian equivalent to the US O-1 — self-driven, evidence-led, and available without an employer sponsoring you.
79%
Typical fit
Indicative — your score is personal
Timeline
6–14 weeks to decision
Processing
No labour-market test required
Who this is for.
Founders relocating to run a Canadian entity they majority-own
Operators acquiring or expanding an existing Canadian business
Senior technical or commercial leaders whose business creates Canadian jobs
Talent who want a fast, self-driven route into Canada without an employer sponsor
What it takes.
A business plan that proves significant benefit
Market analysis, revenue projections, capitalisation and a hiring plan showing measurable economic, social or cultural benefit to Canada — not just a viable idea.
Job creation or knowledge transfer for Canadians
Committed roles for Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or documented transfer of specialised skills and technology into the Canadian market.
Proof of business and settlement funds
Bank statements, investment records and capital-source documents showing the business is funded and that you can support yourself and your family on arrival.
You are indispensable to the business
Your track record — prior ventures, revenue built, patents, senior roles, recognition — must show the business cannot credibly run without you.
A stated temporary purpose
A credible plan for what you will achieve during the permit and how the business continues afterwards, with a documented transition or succession path.
Evidence plan
The file you'll build.
Incorporation and share-ownership documents
Full business plan with financial model and hiring plan
Proof of business capital and settlement funds
Founder track record: prior ventures, revenue, press, awards
Letters of support from Canadian partners, clients or industry bodies
Job descriptions and offer plans for Canadian hires
Questions we get.
Do I need a Canadian employer to sponsor me?
No. You are the business. The case rests on ownership, the strength of your plan and the benefit you bring — not on a sponsoring employer.
Does this lead to permanent residence?
It is a bridge, not a dead end. Canadian work experience earned on this route commonly feeds a federal or provincial permanent-residence application later.
How long is the initial permit?
Typically up to around two years, and renewable where the business is performing against the plan you filed.