As a Work Permit holder:
Is it possible to register a business in Canada when in work permit? To legally start and operate a business in Canada as an individual you need to be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent resident. However, you are not out of options if you are a work permit holder.
Work permits in Canada are issued for specific jobs with a specific employer for a set time. Starting your own business here while on a work permit would be breaking the law since you’d be violating the terms of your work permit. Being in an open work permit visa won’t make any difference either.
If you aim to become a permanent resident by starting a business then it is important to note that owning a business does not change your current immigration status.
If you are on a work permit visa and wish to start a business, there are many things to be taken into consideration before you jump to a conclusion.
There are 2 ways to start a business when on a work permit.
1. Apply for a Start-up Visa for Entrepreneur immigrants.
2. Apply for immigrant visa while on a work permit.
On the registration process angle, you can register a business with most Canadian provincial Government registries but will run into many hurdles when you start to run a business as your Social insurance number with Canada Revenue Agency will not be in the same category as that of a Citizen or a Permanent resident.
However, you might start a partnership or corporation in Canada by teaming up with one or more Canadian citizens or landed immigrants.