Self-employed

The Self-Employed Program allows you to immigrate to Canada permanently with relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities, with the intention of contributing to Canada's cultural and athletic life. Eligible occupations include NOC 51 and NOC 52.

An individual must be self-employed in an eligible profession or involved in an eligible profession worldwide, or both.

The minimum experience requirement for both categories is two one-year periods of full-time work within the last 5 years from the date of application. However, each additional year of experience can help you earn more points to qualify you among the best candidates.

A candidate in this category must demonstrate that he/she will continue his/her cultural/athletic activities to support himself/herself in Canada and make an economic contribution to the activity.

The intention to establish the activity in Canada can be demonstrated by business plans, partners, exploratory visits and funds to support such activities.

In addition, other selection criteria such as your education, age, English and/or French language skills and adaptability as well as medical examination and police clearances are also evaluated when making the final decision on your application.

Start-up visa

The Start-Up Visa Program allows you to immigrate to Canada as an entrepreneur with the skills and potential to create businesses in Canada that can contribute to the economy by creating jobs for Canadians, while being innovative and globally competitive.

The program's eligibility criteria are quite stringent in terms of the voting rights attached to the company's shares. This program also requires that you provide a letter of support from a designated angel investor or venture capital fund or business incubator with your application, in addition to a certificate of commitment sent directly to CICC by the designated organization.

A minimum language requirement of CLB 5 in English or French is required in addition to proof of sufficient settlement funds.

Up to 5 candidates may apply under the same company, each holding at least 10% of the voting rights and jointly more than 50% of the voting rights with the designated organization.

If an essential candidate is rejected, all other candidates are also rejected.

The Government of Canada does not provide financial support to new immigrants on start-up visas and, as such, proof of sufficient funds is required to process your application.

Canadian Business Immigration Program

Entrepreneurs and self-employed people can apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Canadian Business Immigration Program. However, they are expected to establish or invest in a business primarily in Canada that benefits the Canadian economy and Canadian citizens.

The sub-categories available in this program are:

Investors

Contractors

Independent individuals

PNP business programs

Owner-operator work permit

An owner-operator work permit is an immigration route for entrepreneurs and their families. However, to be eligible for the program, the entrepreneur must be a sole proprietor or hold at least a 50.1% interest in a Canadian company.

Another important criterion for this category is the benefit the company can offer the Canadian economy in terms of job creation or skills transfer to Canadians. However, a positive EIMT is still required to apply for an owner-operator work permit.

Owner-operator work permits are processed by the federal program much more quickly, and can be issued for up to 2 years.

EIMT applications

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker.

A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position. It will also show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive EIMT is sometimes called a confirmation letter.

Once an employer obtains the EIMT, the worker can apply for a work permit.

If the employer needs an EIMT, he must request one.

To apply for a work permit, the worker must provide the following information:

A copy of EDSC's Labour Market Impact Study (LMIS) (provided by the employer), a job offer letter signed by the employee and a copy of an employment contract signed by both the employer and the employee. Proof of eligibility for employment (for example: a valid Canadian provincial or territorial trade certificate, educational requirements or previous work experience described in a curriculum vitae)

The expressed aim is to avoid misunderstandings between employer and employee during interviews by providing copies in advance so there are no surprises later down the road.

Start your business in Canada

The C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit allows entrepreneurs and self-employed people to apply for a work permit with the intention of entering Canada temporarily. This work permit is exempt from the EIMT. It takes into account the economic, social and cultural benefits your company can bring to Canada and its citizens.

The C11 work permit does not grant permanent resident status to the applicant. This work permit allows you to set up your business in Canada, and then you can apply for permanent residency after meeting the eligibility criteria for successfully running a business in Canada for at least 12 months, as prescribed by the CICC, among others.