Who can apply

To apply to extend your work permit, you must continue to meet the criteria below—you must

• have applied for permanent residence through the SUV program
  If you’re part of an entrepreneurial team

  If your commitment certificate was given to an entrepreneurial team, all members of your group must submit their permanent residence applications before you can get a work permit.

• be an essential member of your entrepreneurial team
• meet or pass the language requirements
  What are the language requirements?

  You must prove your ability in English or French.

  The minimum language requirements are Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) Level 5 in

  • reading
  • writing
  • speaking
  • listening

  You must submit your results from an approved language test. The results can be the same as the ones you submitted for the permanent resident application.

  Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you apply. We count the 2 years from the date you receive your test results.

  Find out more about language testing.

• intend to live in a province or territory other than Quebec
• show that your work or business will provide a significant economic benefit to Canada
  What are significant economic benefits?

  Significant economic benefits include

  • job creation
  • product or service innovation
  • boost to remote economies
  • training opportunities for Canadians

  Include supporting documents in your application that show

  • you’re an experienced entrepreneur
  • how your business will provide at least one of the benefits above

  If you don’t include documents that show this, we may refuse your work permit.

• bring enough money to settle in Canada
  How much money do I need to bring for me and my family?

  To qualify for a work permit, you must have enough money to meet the minimum income requirement (for your family size) for 52 weeks. Make sure you clearly show that you have the amount listed in the table below.

  The money must also be

  • accessible
  • transferable
  • not limited by debts or other obligations

  Proof of funds we accept includes:

  • cash
  • documents that show property or capital payable to you, like
    • stocks
    • bonds
    • debentures
    • treasury bills
  • documents that guarantee payment of a set amount of money to you, like
    • banker's drafts
    • cheques
    • travellers’ cheques
    • money orders
• bring enough money to start your business
  • This money must be separate from the money you’re using to support yourself and your family.

What family can come with you

If your work permit is approved, you may be able to bring your

• spouse or common-law partner
• dependent children

They need to meet the requirements for temporary residence. This includes children who are too young to attend school.

Work and study permits for family

Family coming with you can also apply for an open work permit if they’re eligible.

Any dependent children coming with you can apply for a study permit.

Each family member must fill out a separate application form for a

• visitor visa or an eTA
• work permit
• study permit

You must have submitted all applications for your family with your work permit application.