Archive - Self-employed? Canadian business immigration seeks cultural and athletic professionals, farmers

Though it is one of the three categories of federal business immigration, the Self-Employed Person category is the only one that does not require a monetary investment or a minimum personal net worth. It is simply a fast-track option for those who have relevant experience in an occupation in art, culture, recreation, or sport, as listed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), and have the ability to become self-employed in Canada. It is also open to people who wish to purchase and run a farm in Canada.

Often overlooked, the Self-Employed Person program is an important Canadian immigration option which seeks to attract foreign nationals who will make a significant contribution to cultural and athletic life in Canada. This program was designed to build the nation's world-class cultural and sporting talent by facilitating the immigration process for applicants through priority processing.

The list of qualifying occupations is quite extensive, going far beyond athletes, musicians, dancers, and painters. Over 30 occupations are considered, including librarians, curators, journalists, translators, producers, composers, broadcast technicians, interior designers, graphic designers, and referees, to name a few.

Additionally, this program is a fast-track Canadian immigration option for those with the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.

All applicants are assessed based on their education, experience, age, English/French language ability, and adaptability, with a minimum of 35 points required.

The key to eligibility as a Self-Employed Person, however, is the applicant's relevant experience. A minimum of two years of experience, during the past five years before the date of application is required. In terms of cultural activities or athletics, applicants must have either two one-year periods of self-employment in cultural or athletic activities; two one-year periods of participation at a world-class level in cultural or athletic activities; or a combination of one year of self-employment and one year of participation at a world-class level.

For those applying with respect to the purchase of a farm in Canada, two one-year periods of experience in farm management are required.

Like other Canadian immigration processes, applicants and their families will be required to pass medical examinations and security checks, as well as demonstrate that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves once they arrive in Canada.

Canada's Self-Employed Persons business immigration program welcomes people who have the potential to contribute to the cultural and athletic development of the country.