This class targets applicants seeking business immigration to Canada who:

• Possess relevant experience of being self-employed prior to their prospective business immigration to Canada;
• Are able and willing to establish self-employment for themselves;
• Are willing to contribute to Canada’s athletic, artistic or cultural life;
• Can create employment for themselves through the purchase and management of a farm based in Canada.

Applicants must have a minimum of two years work experience during the previous five years prior to the application date. They can continue adding to this experience before a final decision on their application is made.

The work experience must be in one of the following:

• A self-employed role in athletics or cultural activities;
• Participation in athletics or cultural activities at a recognised world-class level;
• Farm-management.

Further to this experience, applicants must prove they have sufficient personal net worth to qualify for investment immigration to Canada.

Although the threshold for net worth is not specified, the individual should have enough financial means to be able to:

• Create and maintain self-employed living in Canada;
• Make significant contributions to some economic activities while in Canada;
• Cover initial financial demands for settling in the country, for both themselves and any accompanying family members or dependents.

This program offered by the province of Quebec offers another method of business immigration for self-employed candidates.

Both skilled workers and those who are self-employed will be assessed using a selection grid which considers many factors from the applicant. A points system is used to determine successful applications with thresholds set for pre-selection and final selection stages.

Prospects for investment immigration through the Quebec program must meet all occupational entry prerequisites or licensing requirements where applicable. Furthermore, unlike skilled workers, applicants who are self-employed need to satisfy the following criteria:

• Have at least two years relevant experience;
• Possess a net worth greater than $100,000 (Canadian Dollars)
• Have sufficient funds readily available for settlement;
• Be prepared to enter Quebec with the view to creating self-employment through a profession approved by the National Occupational Classification.

Both the Federal Class and the Quebec program are excellent alternatives for foreign investors to consider when seeking business immigration to Canada. Ultimately, they may prove to the most suitable route to choose if they are keen to continue working for themselves when they eventually do make the move.