Business Plans for Self-Employed Visas

To be eligible for the Self-Employed program in Canada the follow requirements must be met:

• Relevant Experience: You must have at least two years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. This experience can be demonstrated through self-employment or participation at a world-class level. The experience must fall within the five-year period preceding your application.

• Ability to Be Self-employed: You must be willing and capable of becoming self-employed in Canada. This means that you have the skills, experience, and intent to establish and manage your own cultural or athletic business.

• Selection Criteria: Your application will be assessed based on various selection criteria, including your experience, education, age, language abilities, and adaptability.

• Medical and Security Checks: You and your family members must undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet the health requirements. Additionally, you will need to provide police certificates to demonstrate good character and meet the security requirements.

• Financial Sufficiency: You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada. This ensures that you can establish and maintain your business and cover living expenses.

To qualify as a self-employed person, you must meet the program eligibility requirements, as discussed above, and get a minimum of 35 points out of 100 on five distinct selection criteria, including:

• Education: Points are awarded based on your level of education, with higher points for advanced degrees or diplomas.

• Experience: Points are awarded based on the number of years of relevant experience as a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics.

• Age: Points are awarded based on your age at the time of application, with higher points for individuals in the age range of 21-49.

• Language Abilities: Points are awarded based on your proficiency in English and/or French, which are assessed through designated language tests.

• Adaptability: Points can be earned based on factors such as your spouse's education, previous work or study experience in Canada, or having relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

You can demonstrate your experience through documentation such as contracts, awards, publications, or proof of performances or exhibitions. These should showcase your involvement and achievements in cultural activities or athletics.

There are no specific educational requirements for the Self-employed Persons Program. However, having relevant education or training in your field can enhance your application and contribute to your overall eligibility.

Language abilities in English or French are important for the program. You will need to demonstrate your proficiency through language tests like the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program).

The program requires applicants to demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family members after arriving in Canada. The specific amount varies depending on the family size and should cover living expenses.

Yes, you can include your family members, such as your spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children in your application for permanent residency through the Self-Employed Persons Program.

One of the most notable benefits of the Self-Employed Persons Program is that it offers a direct and viable pathway to permanent residency in Canada. By successfully meeting the program's eligibility criteria and obtaining permanent residency status, individuals can enjoy the advantages of long-term settlement, including the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. Permanent residency provides individuals with stability, access to healthcare and social benefits, and the opportunity to eventually become eligible for Canadian citizenship. The Self-employed Persons Program not only allows individuals to pursue their self-employment goals in Canada but also offers the invaluable prospect of establishing a permanent and prosperous future in the country.