Hello all, I am a freelance fashion photographer, Mumbai based. I am aged 30 and have a common law partner. Working since 4 years, completed a 1 year photography diploma from Vancouver in 2012. We are applying for the Express Entry with myself as Primary Applicant. My Job Code in NOC is 5221, Skill Set B.
I had the following queries before I proceed and begin the process -
1. It says for skilled trades one has to show full time working "hours" (1560 hours in a year). However, in freelance photography, work can't be clocked precisely based on hours because it is not a fixed routine job. It really depends on project to project. I of course have a body of work that is published and my own portfolio, apart from invoices sent to clients etc. - Though your NOC falls under skill type B, it will not fall under Federal Skilled Trades, instead it comes under Federal Skilled Workers (self employed). In this regard, I was not able to find IRCC (CIC) guidelines on the same, but I have the following extract from OINP Application Guide for Express Entry.
Self-employment (for FSWP applicants only)
If you are or have been self-employed, provide copies of all the following documentation for periods of self-employment, if available:
Business/company registration documents;
Proof of business conducted with clients (i.e., invoices, bills, and client references);
Balance sheets;
Income tax returns;
T4A Statements (if self-employed in Canada); AND
Proof of license to practice if you are a private practitioner in a regulated occupation.
2. Does a photography diploma equal "certificate of qualification issued by Canadian province or authority (skilled trades)? I read that photography is not a regulated profession in Canada, so I am confused. If my diploma works then I get 50 points for that. - Photography is not a regulated profession, you do not need a license to continue in your occupation. The basic requirements for the same are listed below
- A bachelor's degree in visual arts with specialization in photography
OR
- Completion of specialized training in photography in high school, college or specialized training schools
OR
- Extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of a photographer is required.
- Experience in, or knowledge of computerized photography or digital imaging may be required.
- Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.
3. Where can I get fingerprinting done in Mumbai, for FBI Clearance (as I lived in the US for more than 6 months around 2007-2008). Most of the google results are for Delhi or Bangalore. - You can contact the fingerprinting department of International Forensic Sciences (IFS), Pune. They may charge around INR 3500 (not sure). You can check with them
http://www.forensic.co.in/fbi_fingerprint_card-_visa_immigration_clearence_expert_india/
http://www.fbifingerprinting.in/
4. I have completed a 3 year diploma in fashion design and technology in 2003-2006, right after passing 12th standard. Should I send this diploma and my 12th standard certificate to WES for ECA? My photography diploma is from Canada so that is exempt from ECA. However as I am now a fashion photographer, technically only photography diploma stays relevant to my current job. But the 3 year fashion design diploma is still a qualification which involves fashion so I am wondering if it will be helpful/better to include this? - Education and occupation/NOC does not matter for Express Entry as along as the NOC is under skill type 0, A or B, they are independent of each other. If you get this diploma assessed as 3 years, you can use this and your Canadian photography diploma to claim points for 'two or more degrees/diploma where one is at least three years' which will give you more points for education.
Thanks to everyone in advance, looking forward to your guidance.