Regulated Immigration Guidance
Immigration advice is provided through a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant accountable to Canada's professional regulator.
Business Immigration
Find the Right Business Immigration Pathway
Canada's business-related immigration and work-authorization landscape is not one single program. Explore the three main pathway families below, then use the assessment built for your situation.
Three different pathway families
"Business immigration" covers materially different legal categories with their own eligibility frameworks, evidence requirements and officer discretion. The right starting point depends on your specific fact pattern — whether you're being transferred within a multinational company, coming to operate your own business, or pursuing a provincial nomination as an entrepreneur.
Identifying the correct category first avoids wasted effort on the wrong assessment or application stream.
Three principal pathway families
IMP C10 / C11 — Significant Benefit
Two related but distinct LMIA-exempt federal work-permit categories under IRPR R205(a). IMP C10 is the general significant-benefit authority; IMP C11 is the specific Business Owner, Temporary Purpose category for entrepreneurs and self-employed business owners.
Explore IMP C10 / C11Intra-Company Transferees (ICT)
For eligible personnel transferring within a qualifying multinational corporate structure to a related Canadian enterprise, under the current C61 (new enterprise), C62 (executive/manager) and C63 (specialized knowledge) framework.
Explore ICTProvincial Entrepreneur Programs (PNPs)
Participating provinces operate their own entrepreneur/business immigration streams, each with its own net-worth, investment, experience, location, ownership, language and selection requirements.
Explore Provincial Entrepreneur ProgramsCurrent federal program status
Start-Up Visa Program
As of verification (2026-09-17), the Start-Up Visa Program is paused for new applications as of June 30, 2026. IRCC continues processing applications accepted before the pause. This page does not present the Start-Up Visa as an active route for a new prospective applicant, and no assessment is offered for it while it remains paused.
Not sure which pathway fits?
The Business Assessments hub explains what each preliminary assessment evaluates, so you can start with the right one.
Important things to know
Is IMP C10 the same as an entrepreneur work permit?
No. IMP C10 is the general significant-benefit authority under IRPR R205(a). Someone whose central fact pattern is establishing or operating their own business is normally assessed under the specific IMP C11 Business Owner, Temporary Purpose category instead.
Is the historical ICT code C12 still current?
No. As of the current verified guidance, the general intra-company-transfer framework uses C61 (establishing a new qualifying enterprise), C62 (executive/manager) and C63 (specialized knowledge) — not the retired C12 code.
Can I apply to the Start-Up Visa Program right now?
As of the verification date on this page, the Start-Up Visa Program is paused for new applications. Existing applications accepted before the pause continue to be processed.
Do provincial entrepreneur programs replace the federal categories?
No. Provincial entrepreneur programs (PNPs) operate under separate provincial nomination frameworks with their own criteria, and typically lead toward permanent residence rather than a temporary work permit. IMP C10, IMP C11 and ICT are federal, LMIA-exempt temporary work-permit categories.
Does a preliminary assessment guarantee approval?
No assessment on this site guarantees eligibility, an invitation, or approval. IMP C10, IMP C11 and ICT are discretionary, case-by-case officer determinations, and provincial entrepreneur programs rank candidates competitively.
Why Pentagon
Why Pentagon Immigration Services?
Regulated guidance, realistic strategy and a clear client experience for every stage of your immigration matter.
Clear Consultation & Case Strategy
Structured consultations help clarify your circumstances, priorities and practical next steps.
Strategic Case Assessment
We assess eligibility, evidence, risks and available options realistically—without promising an approval.
Experience With Complex Cases
Our practice includes refused applications and complex immigration matters that require careful review and strategy.
Transparent Fees
Fees and the scope of professional services are explained clearly before applicable work begins.
Secure Digital Client Experience
Online consultation, document and communication workflows are designed to keep your matter organized and accessible.
Ready to find your business immigration pathway?
Book a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant to review your complete situation.