Canada is a country that seeks to welcome talented individuals who can contribute to its cultural and sports activities, as well as its economic development. Therefore, for those who wish to migrate to Canada as self-employed individuals, a special program is offered: the Self-Employed Persons Program.
Through this program, individuals with worldwide experience in cultural or sports fields, or those who work as self-employed in these areas, can obtain permanent residence in Canada. In this article, we will explain how you can immigrate to Canada as a self-employed individual, the application process, criteria, and scoring system.
The situation of obtaining residency in Canada through the Self-Employed Persons Program has recently become one of the popular programs. This program, which is designed for individuals managing their own businesses, also offers the opportunity to obtain work and settlement permits by attracting qualified entrepreneurs to Canada.
This program, which encompasses entrepreneurs in sports, culture, or agricultural fields, has specific criteria, and obtaining residency in Canada highlights these criteria as inclusive elements. Applicants for the Self-Employed Persons Program must be experienced or recognized individuals internationally, and these experiences must be verifiable.
Individuals wishing to obtain residency in Canada through this program must also prove that they can contribute to Canada economically. Typically, for this program, language proficiency is also emphasized alongside the candidate's contributions to society and the economy.
In this program, where the application process is thoroughly examined and detailed, it is advisable for individuals seeking residency to work with consultants.
Who are Self-Employed?
In Canada, there are 2.9 million people working as their own bosses. This number has increased from 1.2 million in 1976. Those who are self-employed make up 15% of the total employment.
The highest proportion of self-employed individuals is found in British Columbia. 33% of self-employed individuals cite independence, freedom, and being their own boss as reasons. The nature of the work is the second most common reason driving them to work for themselves.
Independence and freedom are important for self-employed individuals across all age groups, especially those aged 55 and above. The number of self-employed women is higher than men, and they mention work-life balance and flexible hours as reasons for being self-employed.
Those who wish to obtain permanent residency in Canada as self-employed individuals can apply to the Canada Self-Employed Persons Program offered by the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This program is aimed at individuals who can contribute to the Canadian economy and aspire to own a business.
The application process requires meeting criteria such as preparing a business plan, language proficiency testing, education, and work experience. The application process is detailed and consists of multiple stages. Applicants must fill out numerous documents and forms during the process. The application process takes approximately 12-18 months.
Individuals wishing to immigrate to Canada as 'self-employed' must also be self-employed in their own countries and derive their livelihoods from this work. The occupations covered by this program are defined as "cultural and sports activities."
Cultural activities include professions such as writing, editing, journalism, librarianship, archiving, conservatorship, curatorship, translation, art direction, graphic design, photography, filmmaking, music production, dancing, acting, comedy, singing, among others. Sports activities include professions such as athletes, coaches, referees, sports managers, sports organizers, among others.
'Self-employed' individuals are generally seen as those who work independently, meaning they run their own businesses. Individuals who earn income through skills, talents, or business ideas and are not dependent on an employer fall under the category of 'self-employed' individuals.
In this regard, Canada's 'self-employed' immigration programs encompass these individuals. Artists, writers, consultants, designers, entrepreneurs, and individuals working in many different fields can be considered 'self-employed.' 'Self-employed' refers to someone who runs their own business or works on their behalf. They earn their income without being tied to an employer. 'Self-employed' individuals are responsible for fulfilling obligations such as taxes, insurance, and retirement planning on their own.
The concept of 'self-employed' also encompasses jobs that require simple professional expertise or are based on personal talents. 'Self-employed' individuals who benefit from the advantages of independent work may find numerous advantages in aspects such as working hours, client relationships, marketing, and pricing under the umbrella of freedom.
However, while 'self-employed' individuals encourage many to start their own businesses, many countries also have special residency permit programs for them. Especially, the instability of income and the responsibility of arranging their own insurance are disadvantages of being 'self-employed.'
To learn more about the concept of 'self-employed,' you can schedule an appointment.
Some countries like Canada may offer tax advantages, support, or various other opportunities to self-employed individuals. Canada, under its self-employed program, also offers opportunities such as residency and work permits to individuals. Managing the self-employed business, seen as independent work and to some extent, free work, may also include the ability to manage the business well.
Which Professions Are Included in the Self-Employed Persons Program for Immigration to Canada?
In Canada's immigration programs, especially the self-employed program, granting work and residency permits has caught the attention of many entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals. While this program prioritizes certain occupation groups in Canada, individuals engaged in arts or sports activities are particularly favored.
Additionally, self-employed individuals who have proven themselves in the agricultural sector are extremely important candidates for eligibility in Canada under this program. This program enables individuals with specific skills and professions to obtain permission to find work, work, and settle in Canada.
Artists and athletes can apply to this program, especially painters, dancers, musicians, writers, theater artists, and actors have the option to apply for the program. Individuals with experience and expertise in specific arts and sports disciplines can apply to this program.
While individuals who have engaged in agricultural activities and have expertise in the agricultural sector can apply to this program, what is important in the program's objective is to have significant achievements in occupations or specific fields. In addition to these achievements, experience also plays a crucial role.
Documenting their international level of success and recognition can play a significant role in the application process. Demonstrating qualifications and experience also form part of the requirements for the self-employed persons program application process. During the application process, they must prove their potential to contribute economically to Canada upon settlement.
Individuals who generate economic potential in this way and can benefit society are considered for evaluation within the program. Once accepted into the Self-Employed Persons Program, candidates begin to earn income after settling in Canada and may have obtained permission to work and reside in Canada.
Those who wish to immigrate to Canada as self-employed individuals must have experience in cultural or sports fields.
Among those who are self-employed in the cultural field, the following can be listed:
Writers
Journalists
Publishers
Editors
Translators
Screenwriters
Composers
Musicians
Singers
Actors
Directors
Producers
Choreographers
Dancers
Artisans
Designers
Those involved in visual arts such as painting, sculpture, photography, etc.
In the field of sports, those who are self-employed can include:
Athletes
Coaches
Referees
Sports managers
Sports organizers
What is the Scoring System in the Self-Employed Program?
The Self-Employed program holds a significant position among immigration programs, and the scoring system plays an extremely important role in the assessment stage of this program. When individuals who run their own businesses apply for this program, the scoring system is used in the evaluation stage.
In the acceptance of immigration applications and the evaluation of candidates, the scoring system is utilized, and depending on this scoring, the candidate's application may be accepted or rejected. Various factors and elements are involved in the scoring system, taking into account the applicants' experience, knowledge, and skills.
Additionally, factors such as the documents and evidence provided by the candidate, the candidate's resume, education level, the field of interest, and language proficiency also play a role in the scoring stage. Language proficiency is a decisive factor in the scoring system, with English and French language proficiency being known as the most influential factor in the scoring systems of self-employed program applications.
While language proficiency is a key factor in the scoring system, experience and knowledge are also seen as important factors, especially in proving skills and experience. These proofs can be provided through work histories and reference letters. These criteria are also important in scoring. Achieving a certain level of education and success in academic life can also result in higher scores.
Generally, younger candidates tend to receive better and higher scores in the self-employed program. Older individuals may have a disadvantageous scoring situation in the scoring system. Adaptation to Canada during the application process for this program is also important, and the candidate's behavior and actions are taken into consideration.
Particularly, evaluations can be made based on the applicant's culture, society, and race. Evaluations are made based on the scores given to the applicants' situations and performances in certain categories.
Decisions regarding whether the individual will obtain Canadian permanent residency through the self-employed program and the suitability of the candidate for this program are made in the evaluations.
This decision is also made through the scoring system, and candidates must have surpassed a certain score threshold. High scores increase the chances of acceptance in the immigration process. For information about the scoring system in the self-employed program, you can visit us.
Key Criteria for Obtaining Permanent Residence Permit through the Self-Employed Program
Individuals wishing to settle permanently in Canada can apply for the self-employed program. Eligible candidates for this program can obtain permanent residency in Canada by meeting certain criteria.
However, there are specific criteria to apply for and be accepted into this program, i.e., to obtain a residence permit. The foremost criterion among these is professional experience and expertise. Applicants to the self-employed program must have experience and expertise in a specific professional field. This expertise and experience must be proven.
Applicants to the Self-Employed program generally must submit a business and work plan during the application process, which is also among the most important criteria. This business plan, which will include elements such as contributions to society and the economy, must be prepared in a qualified manner.
Furthermore, being able to demonstrate the ability to contribute to the Canadian economy is also one of the foremost requirements in this program. Candidates who have the potential to add value to society and the workforce fulfill a certain criterion to obtain a residence permit.
Another key criterion for obtaining permanent residence through the Self-Employed program is proficiency in English or French. While knowing these two languages brings significant advantages, it is also seen as an important factor in the application process. Passing language exams and meeting certain language standards is required in this regard.
What is Permanent Residence?
Permanent residence is a status that grants the right to live and work continuously in Canada. Individuals who obtain permanent residence status can benefit from many opportunities offered by Canada without being Canadian citizens.
Individuals with permanent residence status can:
Live, work, or study anywhere in Canada.
Benefit from Canada's healthcare system and social security system.
Be eligible to become Canadian citizens.
Travel outside Canada.
Individuals with permanent residence status must:
Fulfill tax obligations.
Comply with Canadian laws.
Maintain their permanent residence status.
What is Required for Permanent Residency?
Individuals wishing to apply for permanent residency under the self-employed category must meet the following conditions:
Being able to make a significant contribution to Canada in the cultural or sports field
Achieving a minimum of 35 points based on selection criteria such as education, age, language proficiency, and adaptability
Passing health and security checks
Having worked as self-employed in the cultural or sports field for at least two years or demonstrated global participation in these areas
Having the financial resources to support themselves and their families after settling in Canada
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