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You may be self-employed and still be eligible for Canadian immigration streams. Most economic immigration streams require proof of at least a year’s worth of work.
Immigration,Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the national occupational Classification (NOC) system to evaluate if the work experience of a candidate meets the criteria of the program they are applying for.
If you wish to apply to a skilled worker program, you may be able to count your overseas self-employed work experience towards the eligibility criteria of the program you are applying to. IRCC accepts various forms of evidence you were self-employed, such as articles of incorporation, evidence of self-employment income, and documentation from third parties indicating the service provided and payment details.
If you would like to pursue immigration to Canada via a dedicated self-employed program, there are also many options available to you.
The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program
The The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program
allows eligible self-employed foreign nationals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics to establish themselves in Canada as permanent residents. Candidates for the program must have the experience, intention and ability to make a “significant contribution” to Canada’s cultural life or sports.
To be eligible for the program, candidates need at least two years of working experience of self-employed working experience or participation in a world-class level in cultural or athletics as defined by IRCC.
Eligibility is determined by a minimum cut off score of 35 on a points grid that assesses language ability, education, age, experience, and adaptability.
Quebec’s Self-Employed Worker Immigration Program
The Quebec’s Self-Employed Worker Program grants eligible individuals the opportunities to get permanent residence if they can effectively establish themselves as an independent tradesperson or professional in the province.
In addition to meeting the requirements for the program, the Quebec government says the self-employed worker must:
- Choose the means of work performance;
- Organize the work;
- Provide the required tools and equipment;
- Carry out most of the specialized duties; and
- Collect the profits and support the loss risks resulting from the work.
In order to be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of age. In addition, self-employed workers in Montreal must register a start-up deposit of $50,000 or more at a local financial institution, while candidates based outside Montreal must deposit at least $25,000.
All candidates must have a passing score under the Quebec Economic Class selection grid for the program. Candidates are awarded up to 99 points (112 if accompanied by a spouse or common-law partner) for factors including education, professional experience, language proficiency in English and French, family in Quebec, age, financial self-sufficiency, amount of deposit and financial resources.