Self-Employed Visa
You must demonstrate that you have the intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada.
Awards and Accreditations
To qualify for the Canada Self-Employed visa category, you must prove that you have 2 years’ relevant self-employment experience in cultural activities or athletics in the 5-years immediately preceding your application (see below for occupation list).
Canada Self-Employed Visa Crieria
You must demonstrate that you have the intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada. This is the most important element of this program and one that applicants completely overlook. A person’s financial assets may be a measure of intent and ability to establish self-employment in Canada.
Applicants are also assessed based on their education, experience, age, language ability, adaptability and ability to become established in Canada.
Significant Contribution
Applicants must not only meet the tests of experience, the regulatory definition of a self-employed worker, the tests of intention and ability to become self-employed, they must also meet the test of significant contribution to Canada. This test ensures that frivolous or weak applications will be refused.
Advantages of the Canada Self-Employed Immigration Program
- A job offer is not required.
- No conditions on your status.
- No need to purchase or establish a business before arrival in Canada
- If successful, you will be granted Canadian Permanent Residence.
- Reatively quick processing time to permanent residence – 18 to 22 months.
Eligible Occupations for a Canada Self-Employed Visa
If you have 2 years self-employed experience in one of the occupations below you may qualify for Canadian permanent residence:
Cultural Activities
Actors & Comedians
Announcers & Broadcasters
Archivists
Artisans & Craftsperson’s
Authors & Writers
Audio & Video Recording Technicians
Broadcast Technicians
Conductors, Composers & Arrangers
Conservators & Curators
Dancers
Editors
Fashion, Theatre, Exhibit & Creative Designers
Film & Video Camera Operators
Graphic Arts Technicians
Graphic Designers & Illustrators
Interior Designers & Decorators
Journalists
Librarians
Library & Public Archive Technicians
Motion Pictures & Broadcasting – Support Occupations
Motion Pictures & Broadcasting – Technical Occupations
Musicians & Singers
Museum & Art Galleries – Technical Occupations
Painters, Sculptors & Other Visual Artists
Patternmakers – Textile, Leather & Fur Products
Performing Artists
Photographers
Producers, Directors & Choreographers
Translators & Interpreters
Athletic Activities
Athletes
Coaches
Instructors in Recreation, Sports and Fitness
Sports Officials & Referees
I Want More Information!
If you have 2 years self-employed experience in one of the occupation groups listed above we would like to hear from you. We will prepare your case to the highest standards, ensuring all legal tests are met.
