Self Employed Visa Canada – Types of Programs, Eligibility Factors and Selection Criteria

If you are planning to settle in one of the provinces or territories of Canada and you are a professional athlete, farmer, or artisan, you can apply through a self-employment program. A self-employed program is for persons who work for themselves.

Why should one go with a self-employment program?

Self-employment programs are a lucrative option because it is not mandatory to prove the networth, in many cases. However, individuals must acquire sufficient funds for immigration purposes under the visa procedure requirements. It implies that an individual has the freedom to choose to set the business on his own terms, contributing to the Canadian economy without any pressure. Besides that, you only need two years of work experience in your chosen field, such as culture, athletics or farming.

There are various types of programs specified under the self-employment visa category, such as:

Federal Self Employment Program

If you wish to apply through the Federal Self Employment Program, bear in mind that it evaluates the immigration applications using a point-based grading system. In addition, you are required to possess two years of relevant work experience in your field, and produce as proof that you have gained such an experience through self-employment.

Provincial Nominee Programs for Self Employment Workers

If you want to settle in a certain province, you can apply through the Provincial Nominee Program’s Self-Employed stream. Each province and territory has its own set of qualifying standards and selection criteria. But immigration procedures and requirements like years of experience and proof of settlement funds may be needed by all such programs.

Quebec Self Employment Program

If you wish to settle in Quebec through a self-employment program, you have to apply through the Quebec Self Employment Program. You must demonstrate your ability in the industry to be accepted into this program. Also, you must have a minimum net worth of $100,000 to be eligible for this program.

How to determine your eligibility?

The factors that evaluate your eligibility are:

• Relevant work experience
• One should be willing to be able to be self-employed in Canada
• Meet the program’s selection criteria
• Fulfill the medical and other conditions

Who are considered cultural artisans under the Self-employment program? 

The following individuals fall under this category:

• Bakers
• Designers
• Musicians
• Journalists
• Writers
• Painters
• Dancers

Who are considered athletes under the Self-employed program?

The following individuals fall within this category:

• Program leaders
• Referee
• Athlete
• Sports Coach

What is considered a relevant work experience? 

The relevant job experience of a self-employed individual is defined as having at least two years of experience gained within the last five years. If you have more than 3 years of job experience, you can get additional points.

For cultural activities

• Two years of self-employment in cultural activities.
• Two years of experience participating in world-class cultural activities.
• Combination of both the points mentioned above.

For athletics

• Two years of self-employment in athletics.
• Two years of experience participating in world-class athletics.
• Combination of both the points mentioned above.

For farmers

• Two years of farm management experience.

Selection Criteria 

What is the procedure for applying to this program?

Step 1: Fill out the generic application form.

Step 2: Gather all supporting papers and confirm that all essential information and documents are filled out.

Step 3: Fill out and submit your application, as well as pay your application cost.

Post the application submission, you will be required to submit the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), biometrics, and a variety of other documents, which will vary depending on your application type, such as medical results, police verification, and language proficiency test results, among others.