Self Employed Program
Self Employed Program: The self-employed program is for foreign nationals who can create their own employment, by contributing athletically, culturally, or artistically to Canada’s job market. People with sufficient funds and relevant work experience can apply for the Self-employed Program. There is no minimum net worth and/or investment requirement for this program. However, self-employed applicants need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to settle in Canada along with their dependents and finance the work for which their selection is based.
Immigration to Canada under the Self-employment Program
To qualify for business immigration to Canada under the Self-employed Program, an applicant must demonstrate that they have the relevant artistic or athletic experience that has allowed them to be self-employed while living in their country of origin. The candidate must furthermore be able to make a reasonably significant contribution to one of these fields through their relevant experience and skills in Canada in order to be successful in their application. The National Occupation Classification of Canada has a complete list of all the career types that fall under these two categories.
When you apply for the program, you’ll need to meet the criteria stated below in order to receive points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). These points are then added to create a score for your online profile which you created when you applied. This total score competes against other scores until there is a draw from the pool of candidates. These candidates will then receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada. Remember that your score can always be updated throughout the process as you gain recommendations, new skills, or qualifications.
The Perks of the Self Employment Program in Canada
One of the wonderful things about the Self-employed Program which sets it apart from an Entrepreneur’s Visa Program is that there is no net-worth requirement. However, you must have sufficient funds for immigration purposes according to the usual visa procedure, this includes supporting any dependents (spouse or children) that you are intending to bring into the country with you. This means you have the freedom to set up your business on your own terms, contributing to the Canadian economy in your own unique way without the pressure of a certain profit margin or corporate mindset.
There are also plenty of different career options to choose from, meaning that even if you’re currently working in one field such as photography (for yourself) but you have adequate experience in something else in your country of origin, you can discuss with us about which path would be a better option for successful immigration.
Another perk of the Self Employment Program in Canada is that you only need two years of experience in your chosen field in order to practice in that area of culture or athletics. This is different from the Federal Skilled Worker Program in the sense that while you still need to be qualified in your chosen field, there is much more room to move in terms of entrepreneurship. For example, being a wedding planner still requires a qualification of some kind but it is up to you how you grow this business and how many years you have chosen to spend getting acquainted with the industry.
Do You Qualify for the Self Employed Program?
The Self Employment Program in Canada uses very specific criteria to measure your chances of being selected for immigration. As mentioned before, you need to accumulate points which ultimately total to give you a profile score. The more boxes you check, the better your score, and the better your chances are of being drawn from the pool of candidates who apply. If you don’t currently meet the requirements, don’t give up hope. We can give you guidance on where and how to grow your skill-set, ability, and qualifications in order to meet the standards for immigration.
Self Employed Program Requirements
|
Experience |
Minimum two years of experience in the last 5 years, either as self-employed or participating at a world-class level in art, culture, recreation, or sports activities |
|
Education |
No minimum education requirements |
|
Age |
Ideally between 18 to 50 years |
|
Language |
No language requirements |
|
Points under selection criteria |
Must score a minimum of 35 points out of a 100 |
|
Medical & Security |
Applicants and accompanying family members must undergo medical exams, and provide police certificates |
|
Financial |
Must show sufficient funds to demonstrate that you can support yourself and your family to settle in Canada |
Eligible professional occupations in art and culture
|
NOC |
Occupation |
|
5111 |
Librarians |
|
5112 |
Conservators and curators |
|
5113 |
Archivists |
|
5121 |
Authors and writers |
|
5122 |
Editors |
|
5123 |
Journalists |
|
5125 |
Translators, terminologists, and interpreters |
|
5131 |
Producers, directors, choreographers, and related occupations |
|
5132 |
Conductors, composers, and arrangers |
|
5133 |
Musicians and singers |
|
5134 |
Dancers |
|
5135 |
Actors and comedians |
|
5136 |
Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists |
Eligible technical occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport
|
NOC |
Occupation |
|
5211 |
Library and public archive technicians |
|
5212 |
Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries |
|
5221 |
Photographers |
|
5222 |
Film and video camera operators |
|
5223 |
Graphic arts technicians |
|
5224 |
Broadcast technicians |
|
5225 |
Audio and video recording technicians |
|
5226 |
Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, and the performing arts |
|
5227 |
Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography, and the performing arts |
|
5231 |
Announcers and other broadcasters |
|
5232 |
Other performers (e.g., circus performers, magicians, models, puppeteers, and other performers) |
|
5241 |
Graphic designers and illustrators |
|
5242 |
Interior designers and interior decorators |
|
5243 |
Theatre, fashion, exhibit, and other creative designers |
|
5244 |
Artisans and craftspersons |
|
5245 |
Patternmakers – textile, leather, and fur products |
|
5251 |
Athletes |
|
5252 |
Coaches |
|
5253 |
Sports officials and referees |
|
5254 |
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness |
Self Employed Program Selection Criteria
Candidates are assessed against the points assessment under various factors (education, experience, age, language & adaptability). The pass mark is 35 points out of 100.
Education (maximum 25 points)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required for foreign education to claim points under this factor.
|
Master’s Degree or Ph.D. and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
25 |
|
Two or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level and at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
22 |
|
Three-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship and at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
22 |
|
University degree of two years or more at the bachelor’s level and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
20 |
|
Two-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
20 |
|
One-year university degree at the bachelor’s level and at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
15 |
|
One-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship and at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
15 |
|
One-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship and at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study |
12 |
|
High School (Higher Secondary) |
5 |
Experience (maximum 35 points)
Relevant experience must have been obtained in the period that begins five years before an applicant signs his/her application and ends when a decision is made on the application.
|
2 Years |
20 |
|
3 Years |
25 |
|
4 Years |
30 |
|
5 Years or More |
35 |
Age (maximum 10 points)
The applicant will be awarded points for this factor at the time when the visa office receives the application.
|
Age |
Points |
Age |
Points |
|
17 Years |
2 |
50 Years |
8 |
|
18 Years |
4 |
51 Years |
6 |
|
19 Years |
6 |
52 Years |
4 |
|
20 Years |
8 |
53 Years |
2 |
|
21-49 Years |
10 |
54+ Years |
0 |
Language (maximum 24 points)
The applicant will be awarded points for this factor at the time when the visa office receives the application.
-
-
- IELTS(General Training)
- CELPIP(General)
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
-
|
Proficiency Level |
Description |
|
High |
You can communicate effectively in most social and work situations |
|
Moderate |
You can communicate comfortably in familiar social and work situations |
|
Basic |
You can communicate in predictable contexts and on familiar topics, but with some difficulty |
|
No |
You do not meet the above criteria for basic proficiency |
Adaptability (maximum 6 points)
|
Spouse or common-law partner’s level of education
|
3-5 |
|
Previous work in Canada The applicant or the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has completed a minimum of one year of full-time work in Canada on a valid work permit. |
5 |
|
A previous study in Canada The applicant or the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has completed a program of full-time study of at least two years duration at a post-secondary institution in Canada. Applicant must have done this after 17 years of age and with a valid study permit. |
5 |
|
Relatives in Canada The applicant or the accompanying spouse or common-law partner has a relative (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, child of a parent, sibling, child of a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or grandchild of a parent, niece, or nephew) who is residing in Canada and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. |
5 |
Summary of the Self Employed Program
Factors that are scored include your age (and the age of your spouse) because younger candidates are preferred as they can contribute to the economy for a longer period of time. However, this doesn’t mean that older candidates cannot apply, it will simply mean that you receive less or no points under this category.
The number of years of experience that you are bringing to the field is important and the more years the better. In a field such as athletics, having been an athlete on an internationally competitive level also counts toward experience. This can be applied to other self-employment streams where you have achieved something or earned a globally recognized award for that profession. Another aspect of this is the nature and duration of your respective professional training which can include practical skills gained while working in that field.
Your education level (tertiary or other training programs) is important for proving you are qualified in the field you have chosen to pursue, especially if you are younger and perhaps lack significant experience. In terms of language skills, you would do well to gain proficiency in both French and English, which are major languages spoken throughout Canada.
The last aspect to be aware of is adaptability which looks at the likelihood that you will be successful in terms of cultural immersion. This is very important because ultimately Canada is a diverse multicultural country made up of a lot of international ex-pat communities but together, they work cohesively to run a strong economy and further a rich cultural history. Criteria for this have to do with how long you may have already worked in Canada, your spouse or partner’s education level, whether or not you have studied in Canada, and what family connections you have in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Employed Program
- What is a self-employed person in Canada?
A self-employed person is someone who works on their own. They do not work for a business or company or have someone who oversees their daily tasks. Self-employed persons work when they want as well as for whom they want and may have multiple clients at any given time.
- How do I become self-employed in Canada?
The process of registering your business whether self-employed or not depends on the province or territory you’re in as well as the type of business model you have chosen such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or incorporation. If, for example, you have chosen to register your business as a corporation, the registration process may be a bit more complex than other business models.
You will need to:
-
- file articles of incorporation;
- get a federal business number and corporation income tax account;
- register as an extra-territorial corporation; and
- apply for permits and licenses applicable to your specific business needs.
- Do you need a work permit to be self-employed in Canada?
In order to start a business in Canada, you will need a business visa. There are various options, including the most popular federal business program, the Start-up Visa, as well as various provincial entrepreneur visas. If you only intend to come to Canada for six months or less, you can apply for a business visitor visa.
- Can you be self-employed on an open work permit?
Yes. You can operate your business anywhere in Canada if you have an open work permit; however, it is important to keep in mind that it may make gaining permanent residency status difficult.
- How do you prove income if you are self-employed in Canada?
There are 3 types of documents that you can use as proof of income:
-
- Annual tax returns or 1099 forms from your freelance employers;
- Bank statements showing incoming payments from clients or sales; and
- Profit and loss statements (keeps track of your revenue, costs, and business-related expenses over a set period of time).
- Do you need a business license to be self-employed in Canada?
All self-employed business owners in Canada are required by law to register their business. It is important to check provincial requirements as these could differ substantially. Registering your business also comes with added benefits such as:
-
- Enhances your brand image and reputation;
- Protects your assets;
- Tax benefits; and
- Ensure compliance with Canadian law.
- Does self-employment count as work experience for Canada PR (permanent residency)?
There are some options to consider if gaining PR status in Canada is your end goal as a self-employed person. For example, the Federal Skilled Worker Program managed by the Express Entry Program allows applicants who are self-employed to qualify. The Start-up is another option for entrepreneurs to consider. There are also a number of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that offer entrepreneur programs, however, in general, do not qualify for Express Entry points.
How Can Chugo Immigration Services Help?
- Generally, self-employed people are not directly employed by an employer and therefore, it becomes a big challenge (in terms of documentation) to demonstrate that they meet the minimum experience requirements of the self-employed program. We help self-employed people in gathering the documentation as per their profile.
- The self-employed program seems to be quite easy, but preparing a good application is a big challenge. The onus is on the applicant to prove that they meet the program criteria and will be able to create their own employment in Canada. We prepare the application based on our client’s profiles and comprehensive research to prove how they will settle themselves in the Canadian job market.
- We have only outlined a broad understanding of the type of work that is relevant under each category but if you have any queries as to whether or not your title falls under one of these, you can sign up so that we can do an assessment for you, giving you the best advice about which program is right for you.
Optimize your chances of success to work in Canada!
What are your options for Canadian Immigration? You can consider any of the following pathways to Canadian Immigration:
-
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Humanitarian and Compassionate
- Study to Immigrate
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
- How to Become a Canadian Citizen: Applying for Canadian Citizenship
- Family Sponsorship
- Spousal Sponsorship
- Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Workers Program
- Caregivers
- Canada Business Immigration Programs
- Refugee and Asylum
- Visa rejections/Appeals
Chugo Immigration Service is authorized to offer Canadian Immigration and Citizenship services under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Principal Consultant, Pius Chukwuma Ekwulugo RCIC, is a member in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and has helped many foreigners to start a new life in Canada. We will help you too!
For effective and diligent legal help regarding Canadian Immigration matters, we partner with Weekes Law Office.
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?
Are you looking for an immigration pathway to Canada? If you do not know where to look and how to start, we invite you to book an eligibility consultation with us. We will prepare an individualized assessment report for you and guide you on your immigration journey to Canada.
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