The Self-Employed Persons Program enables eligible foreigners to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residence as self-employed persons. They will be required to posses relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, and intend to contribute to these industries in Canada. Both the Federal and Quebec programs are excellent alternatives for foreigners to consider when seeking business immigration to Canada. Ultimately, this may prove to be the most suitable route for individuals that are keen on working for themselves.
In order to qualify as a self-employed person, you must:
You will be required to pass:
You must also have the financial means to:
Note: Financial requirements differ with the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program.
Qualified self-employed persons must have relevant experience pertaining to at least one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups:
Your experience will be deemed relevant if you have, for at least two years:
Cultural activities include occupations within Canada’s creative and cultural industries. For example:
Relevant occupations in the athletics industry include:
You may visit this site to view a full list of qualifying activities for self-employed persons.
This can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website. It includes an instruction guide and document checklist designed to help you fill out the forms correctly. You must include all of the information, documents, signatures, and fees that are asked for. If your application is missing any required information, it will be returned to you without processing.
In most cases, these fees include:
You must send your application to the address provided in the instruction guide. It is highly recommended that you review your application in order to ensure that you have:
It is important to note that if you are caught embellishing on or omitting any details, you will face consequences. In other words, if you misrepresent yourself by providing false information or leaving out crucial details:
The selection grid is designed to determine whether you will be able to contribute to the economy once settled in Canada. The maximum score is 100 points. You will need to score a minimum of 35 selection points in order to pass. Your application will be reviewed and graded using a point system that assesses the following:
A maximum of 10 selection points will be awarded based on your age at the time your application is received. Some examples include the following:
You may be awarded up to 25 selection points based on your level and duration of study. Some examples include the following:
You may be awarded up to 35 selection points based on the amount of experience you have gained over the past five years. Some examples include the following:
English and French are the official languages in Canada. You can choose to complete either an English or French proficiency test. You may also opt to do both tests in order to increase your chance of approval. Up to 24 selection points may be awarded based on your ability to:
You may earn up to 6 selection points for adaptability based on factors that will ease your integration into Canada. Some examples include the following:
If your application is approved, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will issue you a permanent resident visa. This includes both your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and your entry visa. You must have both with you upon arrival to Canada, as well as a valid passport and/or travel documents.
If you require more information regarding the Self-Employed Immigration Program, please complete our free online evaluation form here.
300 Supertest Rd. Toronto, ON, Canada M3J 2M2
Phone:416-593-9590
E-mail: info@canadaimmigrationinc.com
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