Often, we come across clients who are not sure if they would qualify as a Self-Employed person to apply and be eligible for immigration to Canada as a businessman, athlete, physical health trainer (personal trainer), a hairdresser or an entrepreneur. Do you find yourselves asking this question – Do I qualify as a self-employed person for immigration to Canada?
Let us begin with the simple understanding of (source - canada.ca):
Who is considered a Self-Employed person in Canada?
Definition: An immigrant admitted to Canada because they have relevant experience in working for himself or herself. The person must intend and be able to become self-employed in Canada in the arts or athletics.
Relevant experience: When applying to immigrate as a self-employed person, relevant experience means: at least two one-year periods of experience in the period from 5 years before the application date to the day a decision is made on the application. In simpler terms, this means - the candidate must 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.
Experience must be in one of these areas:
1. Self-employment in cultural activities
For cultural activities, your minimum experience needs to be:
a) 2 one-year periods being self-employed in cultural activities, or
b) 2 one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural activities, or
c) a combination of a one-year period described in (a), and a one-year period described in (b)
OR
2. Participating in cultural activities or athletics at the world-class level
For athletics:
a) 2 one-year periods being self-employed in athletics, or
b) 2 one-year periods participating at a world class level in athletics, or
c) a combination of a one-year period described in (a) above, and a one-year period described in (b) above
Now that we know who is considered a self-employed person for permanent residency for Canada, and what their relevant experience needs to be in order to qualify for business immigration to Canada under the Self-employed Program, let us explore the Selection Process:
Selection Factors:
What are the selection factors for business immigration to Canada under the Self-employed Program?
For you to qualify, you need to score a minimum of 35 points out of 100. You will be assessed on selection criteria that include:
Medical exams, security risk assessments, and sufficient settlement funds
Like most other Canadian immigration programs, the applicant and the applicant’s immediate family members must undergo medical exams and security risk assessments, as well as be able to demonstrate that they will have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family once they arrive in Canada. This most notable & significant advantage of the Self-Employed program over other business migration programs (Entrepreneur's Visa Program) is that there is no net-worth requirement.
It is important to note that the burden of proof lies on you. It is you who would need to convince the assessing officer that the documents you have provided and the points you are claiming are all genuine and true.
As part of the immigration process, you may be asked for an interview. During the interview, a visa officer will ask you to explain:
information that is unclear or inconsistent
shortcomings or gaps in the documents that you provide
If there’s a difference between your statement of your qualifications and the visa officer’s assessment, the points will be awarded based on the officer’s decision. The extent of information not being presented honestly goes beyond just an explanation. If you are found misrepresenting any information the officer may issue you a ban.
Decision on your application
The outcome of your application will be based on:
whether you meet the eligibility criteria for the program
whether you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada
the results of your medical exam and
the information on your police certificate(s)
Processing times
If all your documents are in order and you meet the eligibility criteria, it may take up to 24 months for your application to be processed. Any change in information should be submitted as it happens if that change may save you delays or disqualification.
What are the occupations under which you can apply for permanent residence for Canada under the Self-Employed program?
What else should you know before you apply?
All those applying to the Federal Self-Employed Program must intend to settle in any Canadian province or territory with the exception of Quebec, who has its own self-employed immigration program.
Let us help. How?
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.
If you are looking to establish, invest in, or acquire a business in Canada, our professional RCICs and immigration consultants will ensure that your visa documentation is submitted correctly and on time. Our consultants will also advise you on the visa options best suited to your individual profile. Contact us today to begin your application process. Immigrate to Canada today through the Self-employed program.
Comments