Self Employed

The Act

Section(s): 11(1), 12(2), 14(1), 14(2), 14(2) (a), 14(2) (b)

The Regulations

Section(s): 88, 89, 100, 101, 102, 103(3), 105, (repealed, SOR/2008-202, s. 6), 107, 108(1), 108(1)(a), 108(4)

The Self-Employed Program was specifically designed to attract foreign nationals who possess abilities to become self employed in Canada.

The individuals who may qualify for this program are those who have one of the following two experiences:

  • Relevant experience that will significantly contribute to the Canadian cultural or the athletic weave.
  • Experience in farm management and the ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.

Definitions:

Relevant Experience

Section 88 (1) of the Immigration and Refugees Protection Regulations defines relevant Experience with regards to a Self Employed person as:

The relevant experience with respect to cultural activities must meet one of the following definitions:

  • Two 1-year periods in self-employment in cultural activities.
  • Two 1-year periods in participation at a world-class level in cultural activities
  • A combination of one-year period of experience described in (1), above, and a one-year period of experience described in (2), above.

The relevant experience with respect to athletics activities must meet one of the following definitions:

  • Two 1year periods of experience in self-employment in athletics.
  • Two 1year periods of experience in participation at a world-class level in athletics.
  • A combination of a one-year period of experience described in (1), above, and a one-year period of experience described in (2), above.

Specified economic activities, in respect of

  • A self-employed person means cultural activities, athletics or the purchase and management of a farm.
  • A self-employed person selected by a province has the meaning provided by the laws of the province.

For you to qualify under the Self Employed Program you must first meet the definition and then accumulate the minimum of 35 points under the following five selection criteria:

  • Education
  • Work Experience
  • Age
  • Proficiency in English and/or French
  • Adaptability
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