Canada Self Employed Visa – The Ultimate Guide
Are you a self-employed person? Do you want to move to Canada? There is a unique direct pathway for Canada Self Employed Visa for the selected applicants who can fulfill their migration dream.
The Canadian government offers the Federal Self Employed Program as one of its immigration initiatives to draw self-employed people and have something to give the cultural or sports environment of the nation. With the help of this programme, independent contractors with suitable expertise in the arts or sports can become permanent residents of Canada.
Applicants must have at least two years of relevant self-employment experience in the previous five years in the fields of culture or sports to be eligible for the Self-Employed Persons Program. Along with meeting the program’s eligibility requirements, they must also have the desire and capacity to work for themselves in the country.
Candidates must have either been world-class athletes or self-employed cultural practitioners or have significantly impacted the nation’s cultural or athletic communities. Musicians, artists, authors, coaches, and athletes are among the eligible professions.
In addition to satisfying the requirements, candidates are evaluated based on their education, age, language skills, experience, and flexibility. They receive points for each of these things, and to be qualified for the programme, you need to achieve a specific minimum score.
Successful candidates will be granted permanent resident status in the country, which entitles them to various advantages such as access to social services, healthcare, and education. After fulfilling the residency requirements, permanent residents may also be qualified to apply for Canadian citizenship.
What is a Canada Self Employed Visa?
The Federal Self Employed Program is a part of Canada’s business immigration streams. Candidates for the Self-Employed Persons Program must possess the knowledge, desire, and capacity to “significantly contribute” to Canadian sports or culture. This program enables qualified applicants to obtain permanent residency in Canada. This program establishes a fantastic PR pathway while maintaining very reasonable eligibility requirements.
What is Self-Employed visa funds requirements?
There is no minimum net worth requirement for eligible candidates under this program, unlike other business immigration streams where you must have a net worth and invest in a business. applicants must, however, show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves, their dependents, and the business in Canada that would be the basis of their selection (Except the province of Quebec).
Who is qualified under Self Employed Visa?
To qualify under this program, you must meet the Government of Canada’s definition of a self-employed person to qualify for assessment.Â
What is the definition of a Self-Employed Person?
Self-employed persons are immigrants admitted to Canada because they have relevant experience working for themself. The persons must intend and be able to become self-employed in the country in the arts or athletics.
Federal Self Employed Program Eligibility
To be considered for Canada Self Employed Visa, interested candidates must satisfy the eligibility requirements and achieve at least a passing grade under the program’s selection criteria. You must:
- have relevant experience
- meet the program’s selection criteria
- be willing and able to be self-employed in the nation, and
- complete medical, security and other conditions
What is a Relevant experience for a self-employed person?
If you have participated in world-class cultural or sports activities or have been a self-employed person in cultural or athletic activities, your experience is relevant. The applicant must have at least two years of relevant experience. It must have happened between the five years before you submit your application and the day IRCC decides about it. You can get additional points if you have 3, 4, or 5 years of experience.
What type of experience is required for an applicant under this program?
At a minimum, your experience must be in athletics or cultural activities Canada immigration:
- Two one-year periods being a self-employed person in cultural or athletics activities, or
- Two one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural or athletics activities,
- Alternatively, a mixture of the one-year periods stated in (a) and one year stated in (b).
What are self employed NOC codes?
There is nothing in the Canadian Immigration regulation that restricts this program exclusively to some NOC sub-groups, even though IRCC maintain that only individuals who qualify under NOCs 51 and 52 do so.
What are self-employed visa occupation list?
The sub-major groups of NOC TEER Codes 51 and 52 designated for a Canada Self Employed Visa program are:
51- Professional occupations in Art and Culture
This sub-major group comprises professional occupations in art and culture, including librarians, archivists, conservators, and curators; writing, translating and related communications professionals; and creative and performing artists.
What are the NOC TEER codes of PROFESSIONAL ccupations in art and culture?
TEER Category | NOC Code | Class title |
1 | 51100 | Librarians |
1 | 51101 | Conservators and curators |
1 | 51102 | Archivists |
1 | 51110 | Editors |
1 | 51111 | Authors and writers (except technical) |
1 | 51112 | Technical writers |
1 | 51113 | Journalists |
1 | 51114 | Translators, terminologists and interpreters |
1 | 51120 | Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations |
1 | 51121 | Conductors, composers and arrangers |
1 | 51122 | Musicians and singers |
52 - Technical occupations in Art, Culture, and Sport
This sub-major group comprises technical occupations in art and culture, including technical occupations in libraries and public archives; technical occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, and the performing arts; and graphic and interior designers.
What are the NOC TEER codes of TECHNICAL occupations in art, culture, and sport?
TEER Category | NOC Code | Class title |
2 | 52100 | Library and public archive technicians |
2 | 52110 | Film and video camera operators |
2 | 52111 | Graphic arts technicians |
2 | 52112 | Broadcast technicians |
2 | 52113 | Audio and video recording technicians |
2 | 52114 | Announcers and other broadcasters |
2 | 52119 | Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, and the performing arts |
2 | 52120 | Graphic designers and illustrators |
2 | 52121 | Interior designers and interior decorators |
Canada Self Employed Visa Requirments
Every applicant will receive a set number of points for each factor, and the Canada Self Employed Visa is scored points-based. You must fit the definition of a self-employed person and receive at least 35 points after being graded by the IRCC using five selection criteria and a point system to be eligible to become a self-employed Canadian immigrant. Your score can go as high as 100.
The pass mark is 35 points, although it may change by IRCC. The IRCC uses the following selection criteria to assess you.
Relevant Experience (within 5 years of application) | Maximum 35 Points |
Five years of relevant experience | 35 |
Four years of relevant experience | 30 |
Three years of relevant experience | 25 |
Two years of relevant experience | 20 |
Education | Maximum 25 Points |
Master’s degree or Ph.D. | 25 |
Two or more bachelor’s degrees or a three-year diploma | 22 |
Bachelor’s Degree of minimum two years or two-year diploma | 20 |
One year Bachelor’s Degree or 1-year diploma (+13 years of studies) | 15 |
One year post-secondary + 12 years full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 12 |
Secondary school education | 5 |
Age | Points |
16 or under | 0 |
17 | 2 |
18 | 4 |
19 | 6 |
20 | 8 |
21–49 | 10 |
50 | 8 |
51 | 6 |
52 | 4 |
53 | 2 |
54+ | 0 |
Official Languages | Maximum 24 Points |
High Proficiency, CLB 8+ | 16 pts for First Language and 8 pts for Second Language |
Moderate Proficiency, CLB 6-7 | 8 pts for First and Second Language |
Basic Proficiency, CLB 4-5 | 2 pts for First and Second Language |
Adaptability | Maximum 6 Points |
Spouse’s or common-law partner’s education | 3-5 |
Minimum one year’s full-time work on a work permit in Canada (applicant or spouse) | 5 |
Minimum two years of full-time post-secondary studies in Canada with a valid study permit (applicant or spouse) | 5 |
Family Member in Canada | 5 |
In addition, you must also show that you have enough money to support your business, yourself and your family after you get to the country.
How To Apply For Self Employment Visa
Step 1 – Gather the required self employed documents for PR
After meeting the eligibility requirements under the points assessment, you must prepare the required documents as per the Document Checklist (IMM5784).Â
Step 2 – Fill out the application forms
Fill out all the required application forms in the Document Checklist with accurate details and information.Â
Step 3 – Pay the self employment visa fees
In most cases, your Canada self employed visa fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), biometrics, and third-party fees. You must use the IRCC’s online fee tool to pay your fees and keep the payment receipt.
Step 4 – Submit the application online.
The online digital forms must be completed (for yourself and any family members 18 or older). The forms do not require your signature; upload them to your online application. You will electronically sign for the entire application, including those from your family members, as the main applicant. Ensure the following before submitting your application:Â
- Answer all questionsÂ
- Include your processing fee receiptÂ
- Upload all application forms and the supporting documentsÂ
- Electronically sign your application (As it appears on your passport, type your full name.)Â
IRCC will reject your application if it is not complete. Any mistakes must be corrected before you can submit them again.
Step 5 – Application Review & Approval
The immigration office will assess the application after it is submitted and request it if additional documentation is required. After review, you will receive Canadian Permanent Residency under the Canada Self Employed Visa if your application qualifies under Canadian regulations.
Step 6- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
You will be granted a permanent resident if IRCC approves your application. Your entry visa and confirmation of permanent residency (COPR) are included in this permit. Your COPR will include a picture and information about you that should match the details on your passport. You should contact your IRCC office if there is an error on your COPR. When you enter the country, you must have your COPR.
Canada Self Employed Visa FAQs
No, but knowledge of English or French adds to your total points. To succeed in this program, you must get a minimum of 35 points out of 100.
Although the application processing times vary, this stream typically takes two to three years to process. The good news is that while you wait for the results of your application for a permanent residency visa, you can apply for a work permit to enable you to enter Canada earlier and launch your business.
Once you are a permanent resident of Canada, there are no more criteria for you or your business.
People can immigrate to Canada permanently through the Canada self Employment Visa program. They must be willing and able to significantly contribute to Canada’s cultural or sports life if you are interested in this program. You must also have relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities.
If you are self-employed, you will need to provide documents such as the following:
- Articles of incorporation or other evidence of business ownership
- Annual Income Tax Return, including poof of self-employed income & Pay Stubs
- Bank Statements
- Profit/Loss Statements
- Documentation from third parties confirming your services (including payment details)
- A reference letter
Since these are genuine legal documents accepted by the IRCC, they are the most credible and simple way to demonstrate your income for the previous year.
Yes, both the federal and provincial/territorial governments welcome business immigrants and offer various services to support immigrants in starting a business and settle in Canada.
You can claim your job offer for 50 or 200 points if you run your own business in Canada, are employed, and have been employed for at least 12 months. However, you cannot claim the portion relating to work experience. You can utilize it to enter the FSW (Federal Skilled Worker) pool of Express Entry and obtain job offer points from your own business. Still, you cannot enter the CEC (Canadian Experience Class) based on working for your own business. The CEC does not count any time spent working for self-employment when determining the amount of qualified job experience under the CEC.
Work experience can include time spent on the payroll in Canada for a company that you do not own more than 50% of. Your employment experience inside Canada does not count after you own more than 50% of the company or are working for someone or a corporation on a contract basis rather than as an employee (i.e., not on payroll).
The only self-employed employment experience that can be claimed for Express Entry is self-employment abroad. As a self-employed individual working outside Canada, you can claim up to three years of overseas job experience.
If you are interested in Canada self Employment Visa, you may obtain a work visa under International Mobility Program, C11 code. People who are not permanent residents or citizens must obtain a work permit to enable them to work in Canada.
No. Quebec has its program and requirements. You can find more detailed information on Quebec’s official immigration website. Â
The officer responsible for your case will consider such factors as:
- Your self-employment experience in cultural or athletics activities
- Your management experience in arts and culture activities
- Your financial assets to measure your intent and ability to establish yourself as a self-employed person in Canada
The candidates assess for experience, intent, and ability, and there is a reasonable expectation that they would work for themselves in the arts and culture activities. So, it’s on them to build a solid application and demonstrate their intention to become permanent residents.
- A job offer from a Canadian employer is not required.
- Relatively quick processing time to work permit and permanent residence.
- No need to purchase or establish a business before they arrive in Canada
- If successful, they will be granted Permanent Residence Visa (PR Visa).
- No conditions on immigrant status while getting their PR Visa.
Here are a few of the best self-employed jobs you should consider if you’re looking for a change in your work prospects. Â
- Become a Freelancer Â
- Interior Design
- Organize Events Â
- Tutoring
- Work in Real Estate
- Catering Services
- Technology Repair
- Virtual Assistants
How Can We Help You To Get A Self-Employed Visa?
When it comes to business immigration, there are various business and immigration rules and regulations applied. Given the interplay between them and the complicated procedural framework, the pathway to permanent residency requires detailed planning and engagement. So, it’s better to have a skilled and experienced team on your side to help you finally get your temporary or permanent residency. Our objective is to maximize alignment between your business and immigration goals.Â
As you found in this article, many considerations exist when applying for a self-employed category PR. Canada looks for entrepreneurs as much as it needs skilled workers. The business immigration pathway might be more challenging than skilled worker immigration if you lack the proper guidance and assistance. Our RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) and his professional team are experts in the Business Visa Application process. We have extensive business experience and can guide you in creating a solid business plan that boosts your application’s approval chances.Â
At Arnika Visa, if you want to apply for a self emploed visa, we can assist you from filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents; we take care of it all. We provide comprehensive guidance at every step to ensure you make the right decision to maximize your chances of obtaining a PR and, finally, submit your PR application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Here are the details of our professional services offering you:   Â
- Business advisory services: We have provided business advisory services to help business owners for many years. We are experts at analyzing entrepreneurs, startups, and small to medium-sized companies. Our activities consist of four major areas: infrastructure, real estate, land development, and alternative investments. Our expertise ranges from concept development and financing to execution. We assist business owners and management teams through active mentoring, coaching, and writing reports focused on the options, challenges, and issues facing your business and detailing alternative suggestions as possible solutions to move forward. Our business advisory services program is valuable; you can rely on our expertise to help you stay focused and on track. Some areas in which we help our clients include Business Planning, Management, Operations, Staffing, Financing, Expansion, New Ventures, Marketing, Product(s), and Services.
- PR Guidance: We know the Canadian PR application details and how to increase your chance of visa approval. So, we guide you professionally from the first step until you enter the country. Our highly knowledgeable RCIC provides one-on-one consultations during your TRV application preparation. Plus, you will receive End-to-End customized and personalized guidance and support at all stages of the PR process and ongoing email and phone support (Q&A answered) on document preparation by the RCIC’s expert team (Terms & Conditions apply under the communication policy section of your retainer agreement).
- Private Secure Cloud-Based Online Data Collection and Document Sharing and Management: Clients can see online the secured case we present for their application. They can review the forms and supporting documents before submitting their application to the IRCC.
- Financial Plan: We draft your financial plan per your available funds and all financial resources to address the visa refusal reason based on the insufficient financial resources for your visit to the nation. The financial plan should be consistent with your temporary stay, given your current financial situation, which does show that you are financially established in your country of residence.
- Supporting Documents: Our RCIC has read all IRCC application packages or forms, IRCC offices outside Canada’s instruction guide, and a federal court decision on PR refusal claims, so he is well-informed about all essential documents before applying for a Canadian PR. We provide you with a Detailed Personalized Documents Checklist and Guidance, which is way beyond the IRCC office requirements around the globe, including consulting on required and optional supporting documents and drafting and finalizing all supporting documents by the RCIC’s expert team.
- RCIC’s Tailored Submission Letter: Our RCIC (Mr. Reza Eslami, R710241) will draft you a Tailored Submission Letter addressing the IRCC’s Office to support your PR application.
- Immigration Package Preparation and Submission: We prepare the complete Immigration Application, including the Immigration Forms Completion and application Submission and authorized representation, to the IRCC on your behalf. Regarding self-employed PR, our expert teams ensure that all necessary & supporting documents are prepared on time and to a high-quality standard when guiding entrepreneurs toward PR approval.
- The Port of Entry Support: Before granting permission for a foreign individual to enter the country, border services officials (CBSA officers) must ensure you have met all admissibility requirements. If needed (Border Services officers’ questions), Our RCIC provides you with the Port of Entry Support upon arrival.
These days, TRV applications are more than just filling out the forms and showing enough funds to cover your expenses. Accordingly, preparing a solid application from the beginning will place a step forward and strong precedent even to prevent an application from being judicially reviewed (JR).
The IRCC officers know when the applications are well-prepared, which means they would follow through all the stages, including Judicial Review (JR) at the Federal Court, so they would think twice before making a Canada Visa refusal decision. It has been widespread that ghost consultants file TRV applications, although it is illegal since they have no license to do so. By doing so, you miss the second chance to be accepted at the Federal Court level, as the TRV application wasn’t prepared in a way to address all legal IRCC officers’ concerns. Thus, Arnika Visa recommends seeking legal guidance from an Expert RCIC to have a better chance of successful TRV applications.Â
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If money isn’t a problem, what is the best and most assured way to obtain PR in Canada? Canada self-employed visa program or another Canada investor program? Thank you kindly!
Hi, one of the best and most reliable pathways to immigrate to Canada for permanent residency is the Alberta Startup Visa (if you have graduated in the last ten years) and, otherwise, I recommend the Entrepreneur Immigration Canada PNP (Canada’s provincial business immigration program), Reza Eslami.
Hi, I recently discovered that a long-time Canadian friend in Alberta is leaving his job to start a new business I own and run in my home country. He asked if I’d be interested in helping him get things up and running as a 50/50 partner. Hi is looking at a $100,000 to $150,000 investment and a full-time job. Is there any opportunity for me to immigrate to Canada and get PR and citizenship? Is it better to buy a franchise in Canada or start a business in Canada? The Self-employed visa Immigration stream could be better for this scenario than the C11 Work permit or ICT work permit, but I would like your feedback before making up my mind. Thank you!
Exploring a business visitor visa is a wise approach for initial exploration. Collaborate with your friend, assess the business landscape, and consult immigration professionals to understand your options for permanent residency and citizenship in Canada. This strategic planning will enhance your chances for a successful and fulfilling immigration journey. Best wishes!
Hi, I’m a 51-year-old Pakistani citizen who has been doing business for over 22 years. I am currently running businesses in South Africa and France. I’m interested in establishing a business in Canada for a self employed visa or PNP.
How can you help me? Thanks
As an RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, R710241), we can provide legal assistance for your Canadian business aspirations. We will evaluate your eligibility for the Canadian business Immigration stream, guide you through the application process, and ensure compliance with immigration laws. Our expertise includes evaluating your business experience and creating a tailored strategy to enhance your chances of success in establishing a business in Canada. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation and create a customized plan to achieve your goals.
I have imported used automobiles, tires, and parts from Japan and sold them in Southern Africa and the UAE for 30 years. I’m interested in opening a dealership in Canada. Does it qualify for a self-employment visa application? How can you help me with it? Thanks
Your extensive experience in the automotive industry can be valuable for a self-employed visa application. We can provide comprehensive support, from preparing the necessary documentation to navigating the application process, ensuring all required documents are prepared, and highlighting the significant economic benefits your business could bring to Canada. Let’s schedule a consultation to discuss your plans and develop a strategy for a successful business visa application.
We are looking forward to assisting you!
I got an email from Immigration Canada concerning my investor visa application that I gave out misinformation about a compensated representative that I did not indicate in my application. I cannot travel to Canada with my current Canada startup visa work permit, which was revoked. Please advise me on what I can do.
Seek clarification from IRCC (Immigration Canada) on the reasons for revocation. Collect all relevant documents. Consider legal representation for guidance. Addressing this promptly and accurately is crucial.
I am the franchise owner and operation manager of one of the technical weekly newspapers in India. In addition to that, I have been active in two registered companies and institutions in my professional field for the past thirty years. As a professional novelist, authoring numerous books and publishing them by multiple private and public and private publishers for at least the past decade, I have made a living only through my writing income. In addition to my writing job, I have created a website where I posted first-hand historical documents. That site is also profitable, and I aim to make it bilingual soon. I am considering establishing a similar company in Canada according. Please guide me on the best way of self-employed immigration to Canada with my conditions. Thanks
Consider applying for a British Columbia or another province entrepreneur immigration stream. Your extensive experience as a franchise owner, author, and website creator aligns well with the requirements. Develop a comprehensive business plan for your proposed company. Consult with a Canadian immigration lawyer or consultant for personalized guidance on the application process.