International students in Canada enjoy a unique blend of academic opportunity and entrepreneurial potential. While study permits don’t automatically permit full-time business ownership or operation, there are clear pathways and conditions under which a student can legally start and grow a business.
Understanding Study Permit Work Rules
International students with a valid study permit from a designated learning institution can work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Working, including self-employment, must align with these conditions
What Students Can Do
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Sole Proprietorship & Freelance Ventures
Students may operate as sole proprietors or run service-based online businesses—like tutoring, graphic design, or e-commerce—within the permitted 20-hour weekly cap. As long as hours are tracked and compliant, these ventures are legal .
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Shareholding vs. Active Management
A student can own shares in a business without a permit. However, to actively manage, direct or make operational decisions—especially as a director—requires an off-campus work permit and, in some regions, a Canadian co-director
Expanding Business Activity
For students wanting to exceed part-time operations or grow a full-time business, additional permits may be required:
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Work Permits / Entrepreneur Permits
Entrepreneurship-specific work permits (e.g. C11) enable students to actively run their business full-time, subject to meeting Canada’s economic and job creation criteria
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Start-up Visa Program
Ambitious entrepreneurs with innovative business plans may apply for the Start-up Visa, receiving an open work permit once they have a qualifying referral and support
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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Many provinces offer entrepreneur and graduate streams that include pathways to work permits and eventual permanent residence for student-business founders
From Classroom to Boardroom: A Typical Route
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Begin with part-time self-employment that fits under study permit limits.
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Apply for an off-campus work permit or entrepreneur permit (e.g. C11) to manage business operations directly.
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Transition to an open work permit via Start-up Visa or a PNP entrepreneur stream.
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Leverage business experience on a post-graduation work permit or as a contributor to permanent residency applications.
This pathway was followed successfully by one student who founded a café, leveraged owner/operator LMIA, and secured permanent resident status
Key Considerations
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Accurate Time Tracking: Self-employed students must record working hours and income; failure to do so can affect future permit or PGWP applications
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Partnership Requirements: Some provinces require a local director; confirm regional rules when incorporating.
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Permit Compliance: Any full-time involvement requires the appropriate permit; ensure timely applications to maintain legal status.
Yes—a student can start a business in Canada. They may begin part-time within study limits, scale up through an off-campus or entrepreneurship work permit, and eventually pursue permanent residency via business immigration streams. With proper planning and legal compliance, students can transform entrepreneurial ideas into growth ventures.
Are you a student in Canada seeking to launch a business? Explore legal pathways, partner with support programs, or connect with immigration experts to guide your journey—reach out via WhatsApp at +91 81281 11191 or visit exportimport.guru for support on your entrepreneurial ambitions.
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