Case Study : From Entrepreneurial Vision to Starting Up a Business in Canada
At Arnika Visa, we understand how challenging a C11 Work permit can be — especially for business owners who have invested their money, time, hopes, and resources in pursuing the expansion of thier businesses to Canada.
When Ms. Christina, a founder of an active Australian firm, set her sights on starting up a business in Canada, she knew the journey would be challenging — but she also knew she had the dedication, strategy, and professional background to make a meaningful contribution to the Canadian business sector.
Her goal was clear: starting up a business in Canada, creating high-quality services, and ultimately contributing to the Canadian economy by hiring local staff and supporting newcomers in their settlement journeys. With years of experience assisting clients in Australia and abroad, Christina was confident her expertise aligned perfectly with the requirements of the C11 work permit (Significant Benefit WP).
Yet, as with many deserving applicants, the path was not simple.
Seeking Expert Support
To ensure her application was fully aligned with IRCC standards, Christina retained RCIC Reza Eslami (R710241) of Arnika Visa. Together, they prepared a detailed business plan, a comprehensive job offer as Owner/Managing Director of her Canadian company, and an evidence-based business case demonstrating the cultural, social, and economic benefits her work would bring to Canada.
The application outlined Christina’s vision:
- Starting up a business in Canada
- Create contractor and employee roles for local professionals
- Develop an administrative support team
- Offer specialized services for clients
- Contribute to the integrity and professionalism of the business industry
The submission was robust — but C11 work permit approvals are never guaranteed. The program requires an intensive review of experience, viability, and benefit to Canada. Christina understood the high bar and remained patient and committed throughout the process.
The Approval That Changed Everything
On May 23, 2024, Christina received the news she had been waiting for: Her C11 Significant Benefit Work Permit was approved for two full years.
This milestone marked the official starting up a business in Canada. Christina wasted no time putting her plans into action.
She immediately:
- Engaged her in daily business management
- Began onboarding an administrative support contractor
- Started laying the groundwork to transition contractors into permanent employees
- Established structured business processes
- Expanded her service offerings to support both Canadian and international clients
Her business became active, operational, and fully embedded in the Canadian market — just as outlined in her original vision.
The C11 Work Permit Approval Letter
Overcoming Early Administrative Challenges
Like many new entrepreneurs entering Canada’s tax and payroll system for the first time, Christina encountered an unexpected hurdle:
She could not access her CRA tax profile without providing overseas tax documentation, and her Australian accountant delayed providing the required documents.
This technical barrier temporarily prevented her from issuing her own salary, but it never stopped the business from growing.
With complete email records, accountant correspondence, and confirmation from Canadian tax specialists, Christina maintained transparency and continued focusing on operations. She reinvested revenue into business development, contractor onboarding, and infrastructure — a decision that strengthened the long-term viability of her business in Canada.
Despite these challenges, her business continued to demonstrate real, tangible benefits to Canada.
Overcoming Early Administrative Challenges
Christina’s story is a remarkable example of what determined entrepreneurs can achieve when their work genuinely contributes to Canadian society. With the support of Arnika Visa Services, she successfully navigated one of Canada’s most complex LMIA-exempt programs and established a thriving professional presence in Canada.
Her journey reflects:
- The courage to expand internationally
- The resilience to overcome administrative barriers
- The commitment to build something meaningful for Canadians and newcomers
Today, she continues to expand her business in Canada, proving that when vision meets expertise, success follows.
If you have been struggling to get a C11 Work permit or any other business owner visa Canada, don’t give up — let our experience guide you to success.
📍 Arnika Visa — Turning Immigration Challenges into Success Stories.
🖋️ RCIC: Reza Eslami, R710241
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