Program delivery update: Provincial business candidates or Quebec self-employed applicants approved for a Quebec selection certificate seeking eventual permanent residence – [R205(a) – C60] – Canadian interests – International Mobility Program

February 16, 2024

Provinces and territories have amended their work permit support letters to demonstrate that they are satisfied the applicant applying for an entrepreneur work permit has or will create a genuine business, has a viable business plan, and has demonstrated that their business will create or maintain significant cultural, social or economic benefit for the province or territory in which they plan on residing.

With these assurances that the significant benefit test has been met, officers can focus on section R200 requirements, including the requirement that the applicant intends and has the ability to perform the work sought, and that the foreign national will leave Canada at the end of the period authorized for their stay. The instructions below have been updated with details for officers on the significant benefit review undertaken by the provinces and territories and the support letter issued as a result.

In addition, the Government of Quebec is also extending the length of time Quebec-destined entrepreneurs or self-employed people who have been issued a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) may be issued with a work permit. The length of time has been increased from 2 to 3 years.

Updated instructions

• Provincial business candidates or Quebec self-employed applicants approved for a Quebec selection certificate seeking eventual permanent residence – [R205(a) – C60] – Canadian interests – International Mobility Program