Yes, the whole situation is very weird. We actually had a mass refusal in Brazil this past month. More than 20 cases* in the same Self-Employed category, some people were really qualified. Everyone received generic letters, providing no details for the refusals.
In a private conversation, the officer responsible for analysing the cases said only people with the level of Pablo Picasso (!!) would be approved.
*This had never happened before.
I won't appeal. The cost is too high and it takes a long time. I have to let it go.
I'll provide below some info about myself and my process:
I presented everything I could. High score IELTS (both mine and my wife’s); my PhD degree from UK; my wife’s Masters degree; evidence of relevant experience: letters from clients and job partners, webpages prints, flyers, documents, newspapers, CD / DVD scans, publications, everything I could think of; detailed funds; business plan; detailed description of current investment (hardware, software and services I’ve purchased and use in my Self-employed activities).
More info about my process for illustration purposes:
Points granted according to requirements: 100
Work period: over 10 years (since Jan 2007 to current date).
· More than 10 years of experience in professional sound post-production (music, theatre, film, advertisement and games);
· Works (artistic and academic) presented in England, Portugal, South Korea, Brazil, Slovenia, Germany, Poland, USA and Australia;
· Clients from the UK, France, Brazil, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, USA and Mexico;
· Strong knowledge and experience in Ambisonics and audio for VR/AR, fast growing market in need of specialized workers.
Education:
Principal applicant, PhD in Sonic Arts (UK);
Wife, Masters degree.
IELTS scores:
Principal applicant: Listening 8.5 | Reading 7.5 | Writing 7.5 | Speaking 8 | Overall band score 8.0 | CEFR C1
Wife: Listening 8.5 | Reading 9 | Writing 7 | Speaking 9 | Overall band score 8.5 | CEFR C2
Family members living in Canada as permanent residents: yes
