Canadian Self Employed Visa Guide 2023

Canadian Self Employed Visa: If you want to work as a self-employed person in Canada, you will most likely need a Canada self-employed visa, which is an immigration visa for Canada.

Anyone with cultural or athletic experience who wants to work for themselves can apply to Canada’s self-employed program.

NOTE: As of March 2018, the Canadian government is not accepting applications for agriculture under the self-employed section.

However, having one of these professions is insufficient for your self-employed visa application to be accepted. You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient experience in those two fields to contribute significantly to Canada.

Continue reading to learn who is eligible for the self-employed Canadian visa, what the requirements are, and how to apply.

Who is Eligible for the Canada Self-Employed Visa?

If you meet the following requirements, you can apply for a self-employed visa in Canada:

You have sufficient experience and skills

To work as a self-employed person in Canada, you must have both the necessary experience and skills.

A self-employed person must have at least two years of experience. You must have gained this experience within the last five years before applying.

Because the Canada self-employed visa is based on a point system, more experience equates to more points.

You must have the following qualifications:

• Two years of self-employment in cultural/athletic activities.
• Two years of world-class participation in cultural activities/athletics.
• one year of experience in (A) plus one year of experience in (B).

You have to meet the point-based selection criteria

The visa officers who process your self-employed Canadian visa application evaluate you using a point system. The maximum number of points is 100, and a minimum of 35 points is required.

They look at you:

• Experience (35 points)

If you have at least 5 years of experience, you will receive the most points.

• Education (25 points)

You get the most points if you have a Master’s or Ph.D. and have studied for at least 17 years full-time.

• Age (10 points)

If you are between the ages of 21 and 49, you will receive the most points. They want people who can contribute to Canadian culture and athletics for a longer period of time.

• Language abilities (24 points)

They will evaluate your ability to write, speak, read, and listen in English or French. You can select your native language as your first official language. You can take a language test administered by a recognized organization, such as IELTS or CELPIP for English or TEF Canada, or TFC Canada for French.

• Adaptability (6 points)

Adaptability points are awarded based on the following factors: your spouse’s educational level; whether you previously worked/studied in Canada; and whether you have relatives in Canada. They consider this to determine how well you would potentially integrate into Canadian culture.

How to apply for a Canada self-employed visa?

Check your eligibility

Essentially, you must check whether you are eligible for the visa based on an online questionnaire on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you are, they will send you an application package to your email address. The application package includes a guide, application forms, and a list of documents you need. Follow the instructions in the guide.

Fill out the forms and compile the document file

You must complete all of the forms included in the package. Then, if you’re applying online, upload them to your profile.

If you are submitting an application on paper, please print and sign it. Then, collect all of the necessary documents and attach them to the application. You must mail the completed application to an address that will be provided to you.

You must also pay the processing fees and include a copy of your receipt with your application.

Documents include:

• The standard documents required for all Canadian visa applications.
• Certificates, diplomas, and transcripts are examples of proof of educational status.
• You must provide proof that you passed the language test.
• Evidence of relevant work experience.
• Evidence of adaptability.
• Copies of travel documents/passports are required. They must display the name, birth date, photo, expiry date, or changes in name, birth date, expiry date, and so on.
• Clearances from the police.
• Certificates of birth.
• Marriage, divorce, or annulment certificate (if married more than once, provide documents for each). (If appropriate)
• Certificate of death for a former spouse or common-law partner. (If appropriate)
• If you have a common-law partner, you must provide a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409 – original) and proof that you have lived together for at least 12 months (shared apartment lease, shared bills, shared address on documents.)
• Birth certificates, adoption papers, and proof of custody are examples of information about your child. (If appropriate).
• National identification cards or a family or household registry/book (If applicable).
• Clearances and certificates from the police. They should be from every country/territory where you’ve lived for at least six months.
• Photographs of Canadian visas.
• Receipts for Canadian Visa fees.
• If you are a Quebec-selected applicant:
• Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)

Check to see if any documents, forms, or fees are missing. If you are, your visa officers will return your application and ask you to correct any errors or attach any missing documents.

You have to provide your biometric information

Applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide biometric information. This includes fingerprints as well as photographs.

After submitting the application, you provide the biometric information.

When the officers handling your visa application receive your completed application, they will notify you. They will then notify you when you must send them your biometric information.

When you first submitted your application, you should have paid your biometrics fee.

Your biometric information can be provided at a Canada visa application center in your country. If you live in the United States, you can do this at an application support center.

If Your Canada Self-employment Visa Application is Accepted

If you obtain a self-employment visa for Canada, an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be waiting for you when you arrive.

You must have your passport and other travel documents, a valid permanent resident visa, your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and proof that you can financially support yourself and your family with you.

The officer will ask you questions to determine whether you are still eligible for the self-employment visa. If you provide insufficient or false information, you may be denied entry into the country.

Frequently Asked Questions