How to apply
To apply online you’ll need:
- a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
- a valid credit or debit card for payment
Get your documents ready
Before you apply, prepare these documents:
- Updated proof you (and all team members, if you have any) submitted your application for permanent residence, such as a
- letter of acknowledgment from us
- courier receipt for the application package you mailed to us and proof you paid your fees
- confirmation you submitted your application online and proof you paid your fees
- your letter of support from a designated entity
- proof you have enough money to support yourself and your family
- your medical examination results
- a valid police certificate, if needed
- proof you have enough money to start your business
- This money must be separate from money you’re using to support yourself and your family.
Documents we recommend you include
- your business plan
- Make sure it shows what you’ve done to start business operations after you got your commitment certificate.
- a detailed staffing plan
- proof of your exploratory research
- This could include details of supplier discussions, site selection, an exploratory visit and meetings.
- your résumé
- proof that you can do the work related to your role within your business, such as:
- documents highlighting your transferable skills
- proof you have the investment funds available to transfer to Canada
- These are separate from your support funds.
Apply for your work permit
You must apply online for a work permit. Answer the following question to get your specific instructions.
Apply for a work permit from outside Canada
Get your document checklist
Before you apply, use our Come to Canada tool to get a personal document checklist.
Answer the following questions in the tool exactly as shown:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What would you like to do in Canada? | Work |
| How long are you planning to stay in Canada? | Temporarily - more than 6 months |
| I have a job offer and my employer gave me an offer of employment number or LMIA number (or proof of that your employer applied for an LMIA). | No |
| Do you plan to work in one of the following categories? | No |
| Will you be coming to Canada under an active public policy or special measure announced by IRCC? | Yes |
Answer the remaining questions according to your personal situation.
Your results should say Open work permit (Outside Canada). It will also tell you if you need a visitor visa or an eTA.
Click Continue to answer a few more questions. Answer the following questions exactly as shown:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What type of work permit do you want to apply for? | A work permit for an entrepreneur or self-employed person |
| Do you want to work in one of the following jobs? | No |
| There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt? | Yes, I will be paying my application fees. |
Answer all other questions according to your personal situation. If you need help, click on the question mark icon for more information.
Once you finish, you can review your answers and change them if needed.
When you’re ready, click Continue to get your personal document checklist. This page gives you step-by-step instructions on how to submit your application online. It will also list the
- required application forms
- supporting documents
- fees
Complete your application online
Read the instruction guide before you complete your application.
Make sure you fill out all forms in the document checklist (opens in a new tab).
How to fill out the IMM 1295 form
- Application for work permit made outside of Canada form (IMM 1295) (opens in a new tab)
Under Details of Intended Work in Canada, fill in the information as follows:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What kind of work permit are you applying for? | Open Work Permit |
| 2. a) Name of Employer | Enter the name of your start-up (if known) or your own name |
| 4. My occupation in Canada will be: |
|
Submit your application online
Before your submit it, review your application to make sure you
- completed all the forms
- uploaded any supporting documents
- paid your fees
Click Submit once you’re finished to submit your application in the portal.
Apply for a work permit from inside Canada
Get your document checklist
Before you apply, use our Come to Canada tool to get a personal document checklist.
Answer the following questions in the tool exactly as shown:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What would you like to do in Canada? | Work |
| How long are you planning to stay in Canada? | Temporarily - more than 6 months |
| What is your current country/territory of residence? | Canada |
| What is your current immigration status in Canada? | Visitor |
| Does one of the following apply to you? | Yes |
Answer the remaining questions according to your personal situation.
Your results should state Open Work Permit.
Click Continue to answer a few more questions.
Answer them according to your personal situation. If you need help, click on the question mark icon for more information.
Once you finish, you can review your answers and change them if needed.
When you’re ready, click Continue to get to your personal document checklist. This page gives you step-by-step instructions on how to submit your application online. It will also list the:
- required application forms
- supporting documents
- fees
Complete your application online
Read the instruction guide before you complete your application.
Once you get your document checklist, fill out the application form and gather your supporting documents. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.
How to fill out form IMM 5710
You must complete the Application to change conditions, extend your stay or remain in Canada as a worker.
- Application to change conditions, extend my stay or remain in Canada as a worker (IMM 5710) (opens in a new tab)
Under Details of Intended Work in Canada, fill in the information as follows:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. What kind of work permit are you applying for? | Open Work Permit |
| 2. a) Name of Employer | Enter the name of your start-up (if known) or your own name |
| 4. My occupation in Canada will be: |
|
Submit your application online
Before you submit it, review your application to make sure you
- completed all the forms
- uploaded any supporting documents
- paid your fees
Click Submit once you’re ready to submit your application in the portal.
Page details
- Date modified: