Six Ways to Move to Canada as a Self-employed Person

As a self-employed person, you have several paths to becoming a permanent resident of Canada. In this article, I will be showing you, six different ways to move to Canada as a self-employed person.

Six Ways to Move to Canada as a Self-employed Person

Here’s an overview of your options:

1. Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s main economic immigration program. As a self-employed applicant, you’ll apply under the Federal Skilled Worker category. You’ll need at least a year of experience, proof of funds, and a qualifying job offer. The Express Entry pool uses a points system based on factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience. Applicants with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canadian provinces and territories can nominate individuals for permanent residence through the PNP. Each has its own streams for business owners and self-employed workers. For example, Ontario’s Entrepreneur Stream requires applicants to establish or purchase a business in the province. Quebec has a Self-Employed Worker Program for those intending to settle in Quebec City or Montreal. PNPs allow you to settle in a specific province that matches your skills and business goals.

3. Start-Up Visa Program

If you have a great business idea and want funding to launch it in Canada, consider the Start-Up Visa Program. You’ll need support from a Canadian angel investor group, venture capital fund, or business incubator. Once you have your letter of support, you can apply for permanent residence. This path does come with risks, as your business idea needs to show potential for success and job creation in Canada.

4. Family Sponsorship

If you have close family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you. Your spouse, partner, children, parents, and grandparents are all eligible to sponsor you for permanent residence as a self-employed applicant. The processing time will depend on the specific relationship and current government processing times.

5. Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program targets professionals and skilled tradespersons. To qualify, you need at least one year of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation within the last 10 years. You will be assessed based on factors like your education, language skills, and job offer in Canada. If selected, you can apply for permanent residence.

6. Self-Employed Persons Program

For applicants with relevant experience as self-employed individuals in cultural activities or athletics, the Self-Employed Persons Program offers a path to permanent residence. You must demonstrate your experience, expertise, and intention to be self-employed in Canada in your field. Applicants are assessed based on several factors such as education, training, business ownership, and plans to contribute to the cultural or athletic life in Canada.

Start-Up Visa Program

The Start-Up Visa Program is ideal if you have a business idea you want to launch in Canada. To qualify, you’ll need to secure a commitment from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator to invest in and support your start-up.

Once you have that in place, you can apply for permanent residence through the Start-Up Visa Program.

The basic requirements are:

• You must have a qualifying business. This means a new business less than 5 years old in the technology, cleantech, or life sciences field. The business must be incorporated in Canada.
• You need a commitment from a designated Canadian investor group for at least $200,000 to support your new enterprise. The investor group will work with you to develop your business plan and help get your start-up off the ground.
• You must have a minimal personal investment in the business of at least $5,000. This shows your commitment to the new venture.
• Be prepared to move to Canada once your permanent residence application is approved. You’ll need to participate actively in the start-up’s day-to-day management.
• Meet language requirements. If your native tongue is English or French, you’re set. Otherwise, you’ll need to take an approved language test to prove you can function in English or French.
• Go through medical, security, and background checks. The standard requirements for all applicants.

The Start-Up Visa Program provides a direct pathway to permanent residence for ambitious entrepreneurs. If you have an innovative business idea and can secure backing from a Canadian investor, this innovative program could be your ticket to building your dream business in Canada. The land of opportunity awaits!

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Conclusion

By exploring these options, self-employed individuals have several paths to choose from to gain permanent residence in Canada, whether through their skills, experience, job offer, business venture, or family. With the right strategy and preparation, you can find a solution that matches your unique situation.