Summary of Instructional Updates – Business Owners Seeking Only Temporary Residence [R205(a) – C11]
- Title Update: The title of the instructions has been changed from “Entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals seeking only temporary residence” to “Business owners seeking only temporary residence.”
- New Section Added: A “Definitions” section has been introduced to clarify key terms.
- Eligibility Criteria: A new requirement has been added mandating applicants to demonstrate sufficient support and business funds.
- Documentary Evidence: Updated to include:
- Proof of sufficient support and business funds
- Evidence demonstrating how the applicant’s business activities will create or maintain significant cultural, social, or economic benefits to Canada
- Proof of sufficient support and business funds
- Application Process: New guidance provided on the place and method of application.
- Financial Support Requirements: Additional instructions on the type of proof required for support and business funds.
- Temporary/Seasonal Stay: Clarification added regarding temporary or seasonal periods of stay.
- Assessment of Benefit to Canada: New instructions on how to assess significant benefit, with illustrative examples.
- Work Permit Validity: Specified that work permits issued under this instruction should not exceed 18 months.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Clarified that work experience gained under this provision does not count toward CEC eligibility.
- Degree of Ownership: Stated that work permits should be considered only when the applicant owns and controls at least 51% of the business.
- Extensions and Refusals: New instructions added regarding work permit extensions and application refusals.
