Self-Employed Immigration

Canadian Business Immigration: an overview

Canada has several business immigration programs designed to attract individuals who can make a significant contribution to the economy. These programs aim to promote economic development by attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals with available venture capital, business acumen, and entrepreneurial skills.

In addition to stimulating economic growth, these programs also aim to create new commercial opportunities in Canada and improve access to international markets by welcoming immigrants who are familiar with those markets and their unique requirements and customs.

If you are interested in business immigration and believe it aligns with your experience and goals, there are various pathways to choose from. Depending on your intended province of residence, you may opt to apply through a specific provincial program, such as the Quebec business immigration programs, or through the federal government.

Canadian Immigration Programs for Self-Employed Persons

It’s important to note that each immigration program may have its own specific requirements, timelines, and application process. Applicants must thoroughly research and understand the criteria of the program they are interested in and ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements before applying. Seeking professional immigration advice and assistance is also recommended to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Federal Self-Employed Persons Program:

This program requires applicants to demonstrate relevant experience in agricultural, artistic, or athletic fields and show the ability to be successfully self-employed in Canada and make a significant contribution to their respective fields. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide evidence of their experience and potential to become self-employed in Canada.

Quebec Self-Employed Category:

This category is part of the Quebec immigration program and allows qualified individuals to obtain Canadian permanent residence by establishing themselves in the Province of Quebec and practicing a trade or profession for their own account. Applicants must meet the criteria set by the Quebec government, including demonstrating their ability to be self-employed and contribute to the Quebec economy.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

Provinces and territories in Canada operate the PNP, which allows them to nominate immigration candidates who can support their local economies. Some provinces and territories offer streams specifically designed for self-employed persons. These streams may have their own set of requirements and criteria that applicants must meet, including demonstrating relevant experience and potential to be self-employed in the province or territory.

Eligibility Requirements for Self-employed Immigration to Canada

Qualifying as a Self-employed person

To qualify as a self-employed person for immigration to Canada, you must meet certain criteria. Meeting these eligibility requirements is crucial to be considered for self-employed immigration to Canada. It’s important to carefully review and fulfill all the criteria to increase your chances of a successful application. Seeking guidance from a qualified immigration professional can provide you with invaluable assistance throughout the process.

Here’s what you need to know:

Relevant Experience:

You must have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. This includes at least two years of experience during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day the decision is made on your application. You can earn additional points if you have 3, 4, or 5 years of experience. The relevant experience can be one of the following:

For Cultural Activities:

Two one-year periods of being self-employed in cultural activities
Two one-year periods of participating at a world-class level in cultural activities
A combination of a one-year period of being self-employed and a one-year period of participating at a world-class level in cultural activities

For Athletics:

Two one-year periods of being self-employed in athletics
Two one-year periods of participating at a world-class level in athletics
A combination of a one-year period of being self-employed and a one-year period of participating at a world-class level in athletics
Selection Criteria: Your application will be assessed based on various selection criteria, including your experience, education, age, language abilities, and adaptability.
Medical, Security Checks, and Other Requirements: You and your family members must undergo a medical exam and obtain police certificates. You must also demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family in Canada after your arrival.

What are the selection criteria to qualify for the Canadian Business Program?

To qualify for the Canadian Business Program, whether as an entrepreneur or a self-employed individual, you must first meet the qualifications outlined earlier. Once you meet the initial requirements, your application will be assessed based on five selection criteria and a point system. The five selection criteria are:

1
Age
2
Education
3
Language proficiency in English and French
4
Experience
5
Adaptability

The maximum score for the assessment is 100, and you must obtain a minimum of 35 points to qualify for immigration to Canada. Please note that the pass mark of 35 may change periodically, so it’s important to confirm the current pass mark when your application is being processed.

The selection process is based on the documents you provide and an assessment of your score under each selection criterion. As part of the immigration process, you may be required to attend an interview. During the interview, a visa officer may ask you to explain any unclear or inconsistent information, as well as any gaps or shortcomings in your submitted documents. If there are any discrepancies between your assessment of qualifications and the officer’s assessment, the officer’s assessment will take precedence.

It’s important to thoroughly prepare for your application, ensuring that you meet the selection criteria and provide accurate and complete documentation to increase your chances of qualifying for the Canadian Business Program.

Questions and Answers about Canadian Business Immigration

FAQ’s

What type of documentation should I submit if I am applying under Canadian Business Immigration?

When applying under Canadian Business Immigration, it is essential to provide the necessary documentation to Immigration Canada for the success of your application. This includes diligently completing all forms in full and providing identity documents such as your passport or birth certificate. If married, you will need to provide your marriage certificate. Additionally, you will need to submit education documentation and documents proving your business and/or managerial experience, such as business registration and resume. Lastly, you must provide evidence of your net worth.

If I get an approved application under Canadian Business Immigration, am I required to live in a particular province or territory?

No, you are not required to live in a particular province or territory if your application under Canadian Business Immigration is approved. Once you receive permanent residency in Canada, you are allowed to live, work, or engage in business anywhere in the country, regardless of where you initially applied or where you intended to live.

How do I prove to Immigration that I've lawfully attained all of my net worth?

When applying under Canadian Business Immigration, you must provide sufficient evidence of the origin of your net worth and how it has been lawfully accumulated. This should be properly documented through reliable, third-party evidence such as pay stubs, purchase or sales agreements, taxation documents, statements from stockbrokers, business valuations, and more. It is important to prove that your net worth has been attained legally, including if it was through a gift or inheritance.

What are the eligibility requirements for self-employed persons?

To be classified as a self-employed person under Canadian Business Immigration, you must meet the eligibility requirements set out by Immigration Canada. This includes having relevant experience in cultural activities or being self-employed in cultural activities, intending to be self-employed in Canada, meeting the selection criteria for self-employed persons, which includes experience and education, and meeting the medical, security, and other conditions.

How much should my net worth be estimated if I am applying as an investor immigrant?

If you are applying under the Investor category of Canadian Business Immigration, your personal net worth must be $10 million CAD or more. It is important to note that your net worth must have been attained through lawful business or investment activities.

How do I qualify as an entrepreneur?

To qualify as an Entrepreneur in the Canadian Business Immigration, you must have a secure commitment from a designated Canadian angel investor group and/or a venture capital fund to invest in your business idea. You can contact organizations such as Canada’s Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, the National Angel Capital Organization, or the Canadian Acceleration and Business Incubation Association to seek their investment. Additionally, you must demonstrate language ability in English or French and have sufficient funds to support yourself while establishing your business in Canada.

We Can Help You!

Help You With Your Humanitarian and Compassionate Application

Should you have any further questions or feel confused or unclear with regard to business immigration in Canada, it is important to talk and ask any questions you may have and discuss your concerns. By talking to immigration professionals about your concerns, this will ease your worries and assist with the application process.

Many immigration applications are difficult to pursue on your own, and it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to apply. Here at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped our clients apply under Canadian Business Immigration.

If you believe that you may be eligible to apply under this specific class, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.

Title
C11 Work Permit
Immigration Canada and Self-Employed Persons

Tags
business acumen, Business Immigration, business immigration programs, Canadian Business Immigration, Canadian Immigration, Canadian Permanent Residence, commercial opportunities, documentation, economic development, eligibility requirements, entrepreneurial skills, entrepreneurs, Federal Self-Employed Persons Program, immigration professional, international markets, interview, investors, point system, Provincial Nominee Program, provincial program, Quebec Self-Employed Category, relevant experience, selection criteria, Self-Employed Immigration, self-employed individuals, venture capital, visa officer

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