Owner Operator Labour Market Impact Assessment

Owner Operator LMIA is a special class of applications within the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) whereby a self-employed individual wishing to enter Canada can do so by establishing or purchasing a business.

Do you want to know your eligibility for an Owner Operator LMIA for Canada?

Call us toll-free or take less than a minute to fill our Online Assessment for Your Visa Options.

Start Your Online Assessment

Or Call Us: 1-(888)-509-1987

Start Your Online Assessment

Or Call Us: 1-(888)-509-1987

Do you want to know your eligibility for an Owner Operator LMIA for Canada?

Call us toll-free or take less than a minute to fill our Online Assessment for Your Visa Options.

Owner Operator LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

Businesses that seek to hire foreign workers typically undergo a process to prove that hiring outside of Canada won’t create a negative impact on the Canadian economy.

As such, employers must obtain authorization from the appropriate authorities, often requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before Canada will consider issuing a foreign worker visa.

Foreign nationals seeking the ability to work in Canada for their own business, have the option of pursuing an LMIA in a similar manner.

LMIA Requirements for Owner-Operators

A few items to keep in mind, when applying for an LMIA as a Owner-Operator:

Applicant must be a proprietor of the organization, or
An official document must demonstrate that the applicant is a shareholder of the organization.
For owner-operator LMIAs, the applicant should have a significant role in managing the business
The sole proprietor or shareholder can’t be dismissed from their position
An owner-operator LMIA business plan, which includes financial planning and investment details
Applicants should show the ability to create employment for Canadians and residents

Successfully petitioning for an LMIA exemption doesn’t guarantee a work permit, temporary or permanent residence.

Get A Free Assessment

Receive answers to all your immigrations questions along with available options, all in one place.

First Name:

Please enter your first name

Last Name:

Please enter your last name

Email:

Please enter a valid email

Phone Number:

Please enter a valid phone number

Nationality:

Please select a country

Country Of Residence:

Please select an country

Country Interested In:

Please select an option

Immigration Matter:

Please select an option

Submit

Or Call Us: 1-(888)-509-1987

Alternatives to the Owner Operator LMIA

Owner-operators may wish to consider alternative paths to obtaining an LMIA. IRCC lists several exemption codes for LMIA applicants, including trader and investor categories under international trade agreements with Europe and North America, among other trading blocs.

Canada encourages business immigration through multiple means and programs, including:

These alternatives for owner-operator LMIA may provide a more appropriate path for entrepreneurs and investors looking to expand into the Canadian market, create a new Canadian business or engage in trade and investment beneficial to Canada’s economy.

Owner Operator LMIA FAQs

Typically, this type of LMIA is reserved for established businesses. For example, an applicant who recently purchased an existing Canadian business would be more likely to secure an LMIA.

Obtaining an LMIA, regardless of the immigration stream, is one of many requirements for those who wish to secure a work visa. As such, the LMIA is part of a larger immigration process and not the end goal.

The owner-operator LMIA processing time varies from case to case, ranging from weeks to months. A clear, concise business plan and full legal documentation will likely reduce the waiting period.

Within the previous points system, an LMIA used to guarantee a high enough score to be invited for a work permit, temporary and even permanent residency. However, a LIMA remains valuable because obtaining this document greatly increases your points score.

Start Your Owner-Operator LMIA Process Today!

Business owner-operators know that time is money, which makes the Owner-Operator LMIA valuable for all enterprises entering the Canadian market from abroad.

Obtaining an Owner-Operator LMIA requires a detailed business plan along with precise legal documentation for business immigration. This includes detailed financial plans, employment projections and property lease details, all of which greatly increase the odds of a successful application.

My Visa Source's immigration lawyers provide proven legal strategies for the Owner-Operator LMIA program, developed over a decade of successful practice. We believe that business immigration solutions should cover all aspects of the process, including business plans, complete documentation and legal representation.

Begin your online assessment in a minute or contact us by phone. We're open 6am-9pm PST & EST, 7 days a week and are ready for in-person, phone, and video consultations.

Toronto 416-900-1044

Vancouver 604-800-1681

Outside North America 1-888-509-1987

My Visa Source made the process of my partner’s PR a breeze. We did run into an issue in the beginning as my partner initially started his PR progress with the intent of going through his work to get his PR. There were some difficulties that ended up leading us into doing his PR through common-law sponsorship, which ended up being a blessing in disguise as we were appointed a new Lawyer & team.

Harley Jensen was very much on top of everything from quick replies to our emails and if we ran into any difficulties she would always set up a phone call to ease us through the process. There was another lovely lawyer by the name Natasha who was also helping us through some difficulties.

Overall My Visa Source made us feel confident and at ease during this very stressful process. We would like to thank the team for all their hard work. I would definitely recommend them.

5 out of 5 » Rating by: Emily N.

Sharing my experience with MVS. This firm has truly reliable and dependable professionals, no wonder it has won so many awards and accolades. After my initial spouse work permit rejection, I approached MVS and I was assured they’d handle my case sensitively. Bara was very calm and informative, he initiated my process. My wife’s permit case was assigned to Sharon and Marc. ‘Sharon’ is very knowledgeable and precise, she was always reachable and was prompt on her responses during the process. Her follow ups on every step was phenomenal. Such a gem! I blindly recommend her.

Marc on the other hand was the heart of the process, shout out to him as well..
All my stress was washed out as every actions performed by them was promising. I was optimistic and finally received the permits, now I can reunite with my family in coming days.

Couldn’t praise enough. Wish you best to unite and bring happiness to more families like ours.
I wish to personally meet you all one day to thank for what you’ve done. You’ve changed my life.

5 out of 5 » Rating by: Vinayak B.

I've had a very bad experience with an immigration lawyer at another firm in the past, and I was very scare to experience that again. I found My Visa Source online and decided to give them a try because of their great reviews, and I don't regret it for a second!. Amazing experience, they really treated me like a human being and were very upfront and organized with all information.

Angel Pavlou is really an angel, very sweet and helpful, she help us a lot on our first stage of the process with the firm. She is an amazing human being!

Because we were applying through common-in-law sponsorship, my team was Harley and Natasha, an amazing team! We worked for about 4-5 month on the file to make sure everything needed was there. And even though they usually respond within 2-3 business days, by the last portion before submission, our emails were responded by the minute, which we really appreciate as it helped to speed up the process significantly.

Even though our contract with the firm ended with the submission of our application, they left the door open for further questions we may have about what's coming next with our application, which is a big support for us, and we really appreciate (as now we have a long road ahead before a final answer from IRCC comes).

Thanks Team! :)

5 out of 5 » Rating by: Kate T.

At first I was a bit wary because we had some challenges with our spousal sponsorship case and all correspondence was done over the phone or email, but now that my husband has been approved, I can say with confidence I would hire My Visa Source again for any immigration needs. My husband was not even asked for an interview in the end. This firm works many different nationalities and passport holders and there experience is vast.

5 out of 5 » Rating by: Julia C.

...

After previously going to another immigration service it became glaringly obvious how great this service was. Angel was able to answer all my questions and share with me some options that I had not been told of by the other lawyer. I highly recommend this service.

5 out of 5 » Rating by: David Andrews B.

I absolutely love this firm. Very detailed and best help you can get. They do free consultation too which is great. Angel is amazing. Trevor is great.
Best team at My Visa Source. I was happy with how my application was handled.

5 out of 5 » Rating by: Josh A.

This was a free consult call. I received the call exactly at the time arranged. Irfhan was very helpful, honest and informative. Unfortunately there weren’t many options for my case and he made no false promises. His integrity was impeccable and even though there wasn’t much that could be done he did offer some great suggestions and advice.

5 out of 5 » Rating by: Robin S.

My Visa Source Law MDP is an excellent immigration law firm. They were very supportive and
professional. They answered our many questions with timely and useful feedback.

5 out of 5 » Rating by: W M.

Mr. Shubhrash has been consultant for my immigration procedure and he has been outstanding. made us feel welcome and answered all our questions. He is very knowledgeable and friendly.

5 out of 5 » Rating by: Dishani G.

I am pleased with the service provided by My Visa Source, and recommend My Visa Source for people who are confused about their immigration process and are looking for a helping hand.

5 out of 5 » Rating by: Zina B.

Planning on entering the United States or Canada this year or in 2025? Avoid potential issues by consulting with a licensed immigration professional. Book a consulation today!

Owner Operator Labour Market Impact Assessment

Owner Operator LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

LMIA Requirements for Owner-Operators

Alternatives to the Owner Operator LMIA

Owner Operator LMIA FAQs

Can a Foreign Start-Up Get an Owner-Operator LMIA?

Why Doesn’t a Successful LMIA Result in a Work Permit?

How Long Does It Take To Get A LMIA?

Will a Successful LMIA Applicant Obtain Canadian Residency?

Start Your Owner-Operator LMIA Process Today!

See What Our Clients Are Experiencing

Overall Planned Canadian Permanent Resident Admissions

Your Source For Everything Immigration

Media

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR IMMIGRATION MAGAZINE

Planning on entering the United States or Canada this year or in 2025? Avoid potential issues by consulting with a licensed immigration professional. Book a consulation today! Learn More

Owner Operator Labour Market Impact Assessment

Owner Operator LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

LMIA Requirements for Owner-Operators

Alternatives to the Owner Operator LMIA

Owner Operator LMIA FAQs

Can a Foreign Start-Up Get an Owner-Operator LMIA?

Why Doesn’t a Successful LMIA Result in a Work Permit?

How Long Does It Take To Get A LMIA?

Will a Successful LMIA Applicant Obtain Canadian Residency?

Start Your Owner-Operator LMIA Process Today!

See What Our Clients Are Experiencing

Overall Planned Canadian Permanent Resident Admissions

Your Source For Everything Immigration

Media

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR IMMIGRATION MAGAZINE

Planning on entering the United States or Canada this year or in 2025? Avoid potential issues by consulting with a licensed immigration professional. Book a consulation today!