If you’ve ever dreamt of immigrating to Canada but thought being self-employed would be a hindrance, think again. The Canadian government has opened its doors to self-employed individuals, offering several immigration streams that cater to their unique skills and contributions. As a self-employed person, you can now take advantage of various pathways to permanent residency in the Great White North.
1. The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program
One of the primary options for self-employed individuals is the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program. This program is designed for those with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who wish to establish themselves as permanent residents in Canada. To be eligible, applicants must have at least two years of self-employed experience in cultural activities or athletics, or they must have participated at a world-class level in these fields, as defined by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Additionally, applicants are required to obtain a minimum of 35 points on a comprehensive grid that assesses factors such as language ability, education, age, work experience, and adaptability. This program not only welcomes individuals with specialized talents but also those with a genuine intention and ability to contribute to Canada’s cultural life or sports landscape.
2. Quebec’s Self-Employed Worker Immigration Program
For those considering settling in Quebec, the province offers its own self-employed worker immigration program. Eligible individuals can obtain permanent residency by establishing themselves as independent tradespersons or professionals in Quebec.
To qualify for this program, candidates must meet specific criteria, including being above 18 years of age, organizing and providing the necessary tools and equipment for their work, and taking on the majority of specialized duties. Additionally, candidates may need to register a startup deposit of either $50,000 or $25,000, depending on whether they intend to settle in Montreal or outside the city.
The selection process for this program is based on a points system, where candidates are awarded scores for factors such as education, professional experience, language proficiency in English and French, family connections in Quebec, age, financial self-sufficiency, and the amount of deposit and financial resources available.
3. Physician Self-Employment
A recent development by the Canadian government and IRCC has made it easier for physicians to immigrate to Canada. Previously, doctors faced obstacles in accessing permanent residency through Express Entry programs, as the “fee for service” model used in Canadian healthcare was not recognized under traditional employer-employee classifications.
To address this issue, the IRCC announced exemptions for physicians working under the fee-for-service model, allowing them to qualify for Canada’s permanent residency programs. This change has opened up new opportunities for many physicians to apply for permanent residency and fulfill their dream of practicing in Canada.
Temporary Work Permit: A Stepping Stone to Permanent Residency
For those looking to enter Canada as self-employed individuals, a temporary work permit can serve as an entry point to the country. This option can be especially beneficial, as many immigration programs require applicants to have work experience in Canada, which can strengthen their case for permanent residency.
Entrepreneurs who are the sole or majority owners of Canadian businesses and do not have a primary residence outside of Canada may be eligible for a work permit exemption from the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, applicants must demonstrate how their businesses will significantly benefit Canada to be considered for this exemption.
In Conclusion
With these immigration streams tailored to self-employed individuals, Canada is opening up new opportunities for talented and entrepreneurial individuals from around the world. As a self-employed person, you now have a chance to make your mark on Canada’s cultural, athletic, and economic landscape, and potentially secure permanent residency in one of the most welcoming countries on Earth.
As always, prospective immigrants are advised to thoroughly review and fulfill all the eligibility criteria outlined by the respective immigration programs. Each applicant’s case is unique, and seeking professional advice and assistance can further improve the chances of a successful immigration journey.
This news report has been compiled based on information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Quebec government, as well as recent changes in immigration policies. Please note that immigration policies and requirements may be subject to change. Readers are encouraged to verify information through official government sources before taking any action regarding immigration to Canada.
