A self-employed person is a foreign national who has relevant experience and has the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution in Canada to one of the following:
- • cultural activities
- • athletics
- • the purchase and management of a farm
(for applicants before March 10, 2018)
Relevant Experience
Applicants must demonstrate that they have at least two years of relevant experience during the period beginning five years before the date of the permanent resident application and ending on the day a determination is made on the application, as outlined in the definition.
- • Self-employed experience in cultural activities or athletics will capture those traditionally applying in this category, for example, music teachers, painters, illustrators, filmmakers, freelance journalists. Beyond that, the category is intended to capture those people who work behind the scenes as a self-employed person, for example, choreographers, set designers, coaches and trainers.
- • Participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics intends to capture performers. This describes those who perform in the arts, and in the world of sport. “World-class” identifies persons who are known internationally. It also identifies persons who may not be known internationally but performs at the highest levels in their discipline.
Intent and Ability to be Self-Employed in Canada
A self-employed applicant must demonstrate the intention and ability to create his/her own employment in Canada through cultural activities, athletics or the purchase and management of a farm.
A person’s financial assets may be a measure of intent and ability to establish economically in Canada.
Applicants must have sufficient funds to create an employment opportunity for themselves and support themselves and their family members. This includes the ability to be self-supporting until the self-employment has been created.
Intention and Ability to Make a Significant Contribution to Specific Economic Activities.
Assessing Eligibility
If an officer is satisfied that an applicant meets the regulatory definition of a self-employed person, the officer will assess the applicant against the point system for the Self-Employed Persons Class. Based on the information and documents provided in the application, officers will award the applicant points against the following five selection factors:
- • experience
- • age
- • education
- • official language proficiency
- • adaptability
For more detailed information about this program and to find out if you are eligible, please contact our office to discuss your options and further assistance.
