Self-employed persons are required to have either:
• relevant experience that will make a significant contribution to the cultural* or athletic life of Canada or
• Experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.
Other requirements could include:
• Must have at least 2 years of relevant experience (within 5 years of starting the application) and show that you intend to become self employed in Canada
• Obtain a minimum of 35 points in a selection grid designed to determine whether you will be able to become economically established in Canada. The following are the selection grid criteria:
EDUCATION (Maximum 25 points)-based on level of education from high school diploma onwards
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE (Maximum 35 points)-the work experience must be within 5 years of application
Two years of business experience=20 points
Three years of business experience=25 points
Four years of business experience=30 points
Five years of business experience=35 points
ADAPTABILITY (Maximum 6 points)-based on:
- Whether you have visited Canada in within the 5 year period prior to making an application to explore business possibilities (6 points)
- Whether you have participated in a provincial-federal business immigration venture (6 points)
AGE (Maximum 6 points)-assessed from age 16 & under to age 54 & up
ABILITY IN ENGLISH and/or FRENCH (Maximum 24 points)-based on first or second language proficiency in the areas of speaking, reading, writing and listening
• Plan to be self-employed in Canada in cultural or athletic activities, or purchase and manage a farm (farmers require personal net worth of $300,000).
* “Cultural activities” include occupations generally considered to be part of Canada’s artistic and cultural field. Examples include authors and writers, creative and performing artists, musicians, painters, sculptors and other visual artists, technical support and occupations in motion pictures, creative designers and craftspeople, etc.
Complete the free eligibility assessment to see if this category is suitable for you!