The Self-Employed Persons Program is available to new immigrants through CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada). With a wide range of occupational streams, this is a program designed to bring new immigrants to Canada who plan to be self-employed. Amongst the many admissibility requirements, there are some fundamental pre-requisites that will pertain to all applicants:
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The application guidelines and immigration criteria for self-employed persons make reference to immigrants who will make a “significant contribution” in their particular field of endeavour. As such, CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) does not formally define the term “significant contribution.” However, immigration officers will use personal judgment to assess the merits of each immigrant application. For instance, a “significant contribution” to athletics or culture may be considered significant, even if it’s somewhat less than a nationally recognized standard.
Canada's Start-up Visa Program is a unique immigration program specifically for self-employed. It has been designed for entrepreneurs who wish to immigrate to Canada and build a business that creates jobs for Canadians. To participate in the program, CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) requires an applicant to meet certain conditions: a Letter of Support from a designated funder; ownership verification for a qualifying business; required levels of Language Benchmark in English or French; and adequate funds to live in Canada before realizing any income.
The province of Québec has special immigration rules, regulations, and procedures. Immigrants applying in Québec may be eligible for one of the following immigration programs:
A self-employed person is a foreign national with appropriate experience in a field of endeavour, and with the intention of being self-employed once settled in Canada. Applicants should be able to make a meaningful contribution to Canada’s economy. Citizenship and Immigration Canada assesses applicants according to criteria that includes:
Beyond specific admissibility requirements, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has categorized occupations that would qualify for application under the Self-Employed Persons Program.
