The Owner Operator Program as an Entrepreneur Pathway to Immigration in Canada

1. The Owner Operator Program as an Entrepreneur Pathway to Immigration in Canada There are various pathways to Canadian immigration and an Entrepreneur Pathway is just one of them. However, there are a limited number of entrepreneur pathways. Among the list is the owner operator program. This program facilitates immigration under a temporary foreign worker visa. If you have a desire to immigrate to Canada, are able to secure a controlling interest in a business or new enterprise, and can demonstrate you have the skills and experience to run a business, this may be the best option for you. The Owner Operator Program, as the name implies, is an option that allows you to enter the country if you become the owner of a company with the intention of being involved in the day to day operations. Though it is most common to purchase an existing enterprise, it can apply to start-ups as well. Pursuing the owner operator program as a start-up can be tricky as one of the qualifying factors is the

2. company you wish to invest in is “actively engaged in business”. However, if you, as the applicant, can show an investment in startup costs such as leasehold improvements or equipment and show early clients and some business activity, it may be considered. Regardless if you are pursuing an established business or a startup, you must show that you are needed to run the business or, in other words, be the operator. This means the business does not already have a well-established and successful business manager. This also requires that as the applicant you prove that you have skills and experience necessary to successfully operate the business. A further requirement for this Entrepreneur Pathway is not only that you are an owner but, that you are the main owner. You must have a controlling interest in the business and not be able to be removed or fired. You must clearly demonstrate your investment and % interest in the business. You must further show your position to demonstrate that you cannot be removed. The underlying purpose of an entrepreneur path like the owner operator program is to bring significant benefit to the Canadian economy. This includes showing the company is profitable and will continue to be so and that it will maintain and create jobs for Canadian citizens. It also includes demonstrating that you will be a contributing member of society The owner operator program as an entrepreneur pathway begins as a temporary foreign worker program (TFWP) but, can lead to permanent residency if that is the intended goal. After a set amount of time, if all the expectations of the business and the owner operator arrangement are satisfied, you may be eligible for permanent residency. This can happen via the Federal Skilled Express Entry or under the Provincial Nominee Program. The best way to demonstrate you are a viable candidate for any entrepreneur pathway to immigration including the Owner Operator Program is through a well-crafted business plan. A business plan will demonstrate and

3. support that you and the business meet all the requirements and qualifications. Because of the importance of an immigration business plan, it is best to hire experienced, professional business plan writers like Joorney.