Self Employed  class

In order to be approved as a Self-Employed Immigrant, the applicant must first meet the regulatory definition, and then comply with the selection criteria for that category of the immigrant. Most applicants are selected or refused because they meet, or fail to meet, the definition.

Who is a Self-Employed Immigrant?

The following aspects of the regulatory definition should be factored into assessment of a Self-Employed Immigrant:

Selection

Applicants are accessed on a point system. Eight factors are taken into consideration. Like, the Independent Class applicants, Self-Employed applicants are required to achieve 70 points out of possible total of 127, in order to qualify. This includes a bonus of 30 points if the applicant will be able to become successfully established in his or her occupation or business in Canada. Applicants are accessed on the following factors: 

Features of the Self-Employed Program

There is no minimum investment level for a self-employed person. The capital required depends on the character of the business. The applicant must have a sufficient amount to create an employment for himself and support his/her family. The applicant must show that he/she has been able to support himself and family through his talents and would be likely to continue to do so in Canada. This includes the ability to be self-supporting until his employment will be created.

One year of work experience (or equivalent) is required, previous self-employment is not a pre-requisite. A person's experience or past success in business may be strong indicators of ability to establish a business in Canada. Hands on experience in management may also be an excellent measure of ability.

A professional may quality as a self-employed person if he/she intends to practice his/her profession in Canada as a business.  Registration or licensing may be necessary to demonstrate an ability to operate a professional practice in Canada. The application would not be approved until the applicant has complied with the registration or licensing requirements in effect in the area of destination.

There is no specific determination of significant contribution for a self-employed person. The business should contribute in ongoing fashion to the economy or the cultural and artistic life of one of Canada's communities, provinces or territories.

Subcategory Self-Employed Programm  

T he Entrepreneur program was developed to encourage the entry of experienced businesspersons to Canada who are able to make a substantial investment and thereby create employment and contribute to the economic well being of Canada.  In order to be approved as an Entrepreneur, the applicant must first meet the regulatory definition of an Entrepreneur and then comply with the selection criteria for that category of immigrant.

Who is an Entrepreneur Immigrant?

The following aspects of the regulatory definition should be factored into assessment of an Entrepreneur Immigrant:

Selection   

Entrepreneurs are assessed on seven factors:

Applicants must achieve a total of 25 points or more out of a maximum of 87 in order to qualify as an Entrepreneur, unlike the Independent Class applicants, which have to achieve 70 points.

To operate a business in Canada you would require an employment authorization.  We would not recommend going ahead with the purchase of a business until such time as you have been approved for your immigrant visas.  We have been involved in cases where people have purchased businesses and then been refused - it can be a real problem.
         
Generally business applicants are subjected to more review and greater scrutiny so the processing time is often longer and you receive a conditional immigrant visa subject to fairly stringent terms and conditions which if not fulfilled can result in your removal from Canada.  In many cases we recommend to entrepreneur clients that they apply as skilled workers if they are qualified rather than business applicants.

Features of the Entrepreneur Program

There are conditions applied to an Entrepreneur's Canadian Immigrant Visa. An entrepreneur must establish or buy a business in Canada. There is no set amount to invest, but it should be sufficient to establish the business within two years, while supporting the entrepreneur and his family. The entrepreneur is expected to participate actively in managing the business. The business must contribute to the Canadian economy and create one or more jobs in Canada in addition to the jobs created for the entrepreneur and his family. The entrepreneur is admitted on the condition that these requirements are met within two years of landing, and is expected to meet regularly with an immigration officer to monitor compliance with the terms and conditions.

All business applicants must also prove that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependents for at least six months after they arrive in Canada. You should research the cost of living in the region of Canada where you intend to live. You should bring as much money as possible to make your initial establishment easier. You will be required to show proof of your funds. As a guide, a business applicant is usually expected to have at least $10,000, plus $2,000 for each dependent.

For more information please contact our offices at: office@go-to-canada.com