Piano teacher looking to immigrate

[Freddie20]

Hello everyone!

I am trying to find the best way to immigrate to Toronto as I have family here. Any advice will be so appreciated!
I have a master's degree in Piano Performance/Pedagogy(teaching). I am also certified in Suzuki Piano for books 1-5. I have been teaching a full studio of Suzuki and traditional piano students for the past 7 years.
I am not sure that the Self-Employed route will work as I have not built up enough money from my teaching to have more than $10,000. I have been in school while teaching so I have not been able to save much $. If my family loaned me the $10,000, I would somehow have to demonstrate that it came from my teaching business which doesn't seem possible.

It is difficult to get a work permit because I need to be an employee of a Canadian entity and my line of work is basically all independent contracting. I rent the space that I use to teach rather than be hired by the establishment. I have a job offer in Toronto to take over a studio of students at a store so I want to act fast. I also got my medical evaluation back in April so I want to get this taken care of before it expires next April. Could I be exempt from an LMIA and get a work permit as a self employed person?
Thanks so much for any advice on this!

 

[scylla]

Could I be exempt from an LMIA and get a work permit as a self employed person?

There is no such thing as a self employed temporary work permit. If you want a work permit, you need to secure a job offer in Canada and that employer needs to provide you with an approved LMIA.

 

[Freddie20]

Could the International Mobility Workers Unit help me to be exempt from an LMIA? Or is there no way around needing to be hired? I am hoping to establish PR eventually, if possible.
Thanks so much for your quick reply!

 

[scylla]

Could the International Mobility Workers Unit help me to be exempt from an LMIA? Or is there no way around needing to be hired? I am hoping to establish PR eventually, if possible.
Thanks so much for your quick reply!

This issue you face is that you don't actually have an employer offering you a full time job. Rather - there is studio space you want to rent and then accept students as a self employed worker. To have any possibility of qualifying under the International Mobility Workers program, you need an actual offer of employment from an employer.

 

[Freddie20]

Ok, I understand. Would I be a candidate for the Express entry/skilled workers program?

 

[scylla]

Ok, I understand. Would I be a candidate for the Express entry/skilled workers program?

Information about this program can be found here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/apply.asp

 

[sonero9]

I think musicians are classified in level A.