Self-Employed (Federal) and Self-Employed (Quebec)

Self-Employed (Federal)

A Self- Employed person is an immigrant who intends and has the ability to be self-employed in Canada, in cultural activities, athletics, or in managing a farm. If you have participated at a world-class level in your field, you don’t have to have been self-employed before coming to Canada

Self-Employed persons are foreign nationals who have 2 years of relevant experience, and have the intention and ability to be self employed in Canada, and to make a significant contribution to specified economic activities (cultural activities, athletics or the purchase and management of a farm) in Canada.

Self-Employed persons must obtain an assessment of 35 points on the Self Employed Assessment Grid.

Relevant Experience means at least 2 years experience in:
-Self-employment in cultural activities or in athletics;
-Participation at a world class level in cultural activities or athletics; or
-Farm management experience.

You do not need to prove that you will hire any employees; however, you must show that the proposed business will generate enough income to support yourself and your family. Farmers, artists, sports personalities, actors, consultants, and musicians are examples of applicants who may qualify.

It is similar to the Entrepreneur category except that:

1. No investment is required;
2. No minimum net worth is required;
3. No employees are necessary;
4. The visa is unconditional, rather than conditional.

Self-Employed (Quebec)

The applicant must come to Quebec to create one’s own job by practicing an occupation of his own account. The applicant must possess a lawfully acquired minimum of CAD $100,000 along with accompanying wife or common-law spouse.

The applicant must have at least two years experience as a worker in the occupation he/she plans to pursue in Quebec.

This criteria, is more lenient than any other self-employed category for coming to Canada.

Should you need extra detailed information, we at Dennis and Zhang can provide via a consultation or inquiry.