Canada Immigration Self Employed

In order to be approved as a Self Employed Immigrant, the applicant must first meet the regulatory definition, and then comply with the selection criteria for that category of the immigrant. Most applicants are selected or refused because they meet, or fail to meet, the definition.

Who is a Self Employed Immigrant

The following aspects of the regulatory definition should be factored into assessment of a Self Employed Immigrant:

Selection

Applicants are accessed on a point system. Eight factors are taken into consideration. Self Employed applicants are required to achieve 35 points out of possible total of 100, in order to qualify. Applicants are accessed on the following factors: 

Features of the Self Employed Program

There is no minimum investment level for a self employed person. The capital required depends on the character of the business. The applicant must have a sufficient amount to create an employment for himself and support his/her family. The applicant must show that he/she has been able to support himself and family through his talents and would be likely to continue to do so in Canada. This includes the ability to be self supporting until his employment will be created. 

One year of work experience (or equivalent) is required, previous self employment is not a pre requisite. A person's experience or past success in business may be strong indicators of ability to establish a business in Canada. Hands on experience in management may also be an excellent measure of ability.

A professional may quality as a self employed person if he/she intends to practice his/her profession in Canada as a business.  Registration or licensing may be necessary to demonstrate an ability to operate a professional practice in Canada. The application would not be approved until the applicant has complied with the registration or licensing requirements in effect in the area of destination.

There is no specific determination of significant contribution for a self employed person. The business should contribute in ongoing fashion to the economy or the cultural and artistic life of one of Canada's communities, provinces or territories.