Immigrate to Canada as Self-Employed
45% of Canada’s workforce will be generating self-employed income by 2020
Self-Employed
Experience being self-employed for at least two years in arts, culture or sports
If you have …
Education
Some education, although not mandatory
Languages
At least basic knowledge of Canadian official languages, English and/or French
you may qualify to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed immigrant
learn more about self-employed workers program
Goals of the self-employed program
The Government of Canada is highly interested in attracting self-employed persons from around the world. The main criterion is that these persons must have the intention and ability to create their own employment as artists, farmers, interpreters or athletes among others, and are expected to contribute to the culture and athletic life of Canada.
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As a result, self-employed persons, such as music teachers, painters, illustrators, film-makers, freelance journalists, choreographers, set designers, coaches and trainers, theatrical or musical directors, impresarios are welcomed to come to Canada as self-employed persons.
Decision Making
There are many factors that the decision-making immigration officer is considering while reviewing your immigration case/application. Among these factors are your self-employed experience and your chances to adapt to Canadian business and social life, while establishing your own employment.
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The decision-making officer has significant discretion over the self-employed applications, even if your eligibility assessment is somewhat discouraging. The decision-making officer will have to review your background holistically in order to decide whether your case is persuasive enough and whether your case demonstrates enough intent to settle in Canada as self-employed.
Eligible Occupations
Eligible occupations include 33 groups under the major group for professional occupations in art and culture as well as the major group for technical occupations in art, culture recreation and sports. Please see the complete list of all eligible occupation below.
Our Role & Support
Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants at Moirai Reach Immigration Consulting will work meticulously to build up your case and prove your capacities as a self-employed immigrant, increasing the probability of success of your case.
Complete list of eligible occupations for self-employed immigration
All/Professional occupations in art and culture/Technical occupations in art culture recreation and sport/
Librarians, archivists, conservators and curators
- Librarians
- Conservators and curators
- Archivists
Writing, translating and related communications professionals
- Authors and writers
- Editors
- Journalists
- Translators, terminologists and interpreters
Creative and performing artists
- Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
- Conductors, composers and arrangers
- Musicians and singers
- Dancers
- Actors and comedians
- Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
Technical occupations in libraries, public archives, museums and art galleries
- Library and public archive technicians
- Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries
Photographers, graphic arts technicians and technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
- Photographers
- Film and video camera operators
- Graphic arts technicians
- Broadcast technicians
- Audio and video recording technicians
- Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
- Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
Announcers and other performers
- Announcers and other broadcasters
- Other performers, n.e.c.
Creative designers and craftspersons
- Graphic designers and illustrators
- Interior designers and interior decorators
- Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
- Artisans and craftspersons
- Patternmakers – textile, leather and fur products
Athletes, coaches, referees and related occupations
- Athletes
- Coaches
- Sports officials and referees
- Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
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