Significant benefit work permit (C10)
A significant benefit work permit rests on paragraph 205(a) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations: work that would create or maintain significant social, cultural or economic benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents. IRCC says officers may assess some cases case by case, possibly under its broader C10 code.
A foreign buyer who plans to run the business they buy may ask whether a work permit can rest on that ownership. IRCC uses administrative codes for kinds of work it treats as meeting paragraph 205(a), and names C10 as the broader code also used for assessment under that paragraph. See work permits and labour market impact assessments for an owner.
What the rule and IRCC say
- Section 205 lists kinds of work for which a work permit may be issued under section 200; paragraph (a) is the significant benefit wording above, and the section lists other kinds of work as well.
- IRCC says it treats certain situations, by policy, as meeting paragraph 205(a), and uses administrative LMIA exemption codes for them.
- C60 covers certain entrepreneurs supported by a province or territory, and C11 covers certain business owners seeking only temporary resident status to run their own business.
- For workers who do not meet the specific considerations for a C60 exemption, IRCC says officers may still assess them case by case, possibly under the broader code C10.
What to ask
Whether a particular purchase fits is for IRCC to decide. Ask an immigration professional which code, if any, applies.
Sources
This definition is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Government of Canada (Department of Justice)GovernmentImmigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, s. 205 (Canadian interests)
- 02
- 03Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship CanadaGovernmentBusiness owners seeking only temporary residence – [R205(a) – C11] – International Mobility Program
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