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Self-Employed Application 2018

Runroad

Full Member
Dec 14, 2018
39
71
Hi all,

Based on my conversations with some of you, I guess the quota for 2019 has already been reached - that’s why nobody is moving.

Probably things will move again in 2020. This is just my guess. Good luck everyone - just play the waiting game. They only take in 500-700 applicants in this category and from what I’ve read before, there’s a few thousands (about 2000-3000 if I can remember) who apply yearly. That’s a lot of work for them to do and decide which cases are genuine, etc. When I applied, I also gave myself a 3 year wait, but somehow God helped me to get it within 7 months. I can’t explain why but it also doesn’t really feel good knowing that most people are still waiting in the process. I hope you all will get the good news soon.

Don’t bother going to any consultants, unless you can’t speak English or French. The instructions to apply is clear enough, and the criteria is quite clearly defined. On a side note, some people I have read in the forums seem to refuse to accept that they do not meet the criteria, and get very emotional when they get rejected when they applied anyway. All I can say is, make sure you meet the criteria in proper before you proceed!! Don’t lie to yourself! From what I read, most people fail because they do not plan to be self employed in Canada, or do not have a realistic way of being self employed if they were to move there(having a business plan that will not work in Canada). Your business plan would probably have to be the same as what you are currently doing in your home country in order to get anyone to be convinced that it will work in Canada too. As for the consultants, most applicants do it by themselves and save several thousands of dollars doing the same thing. The consultants can claim whatever success rate they have but they can also keep quiet on their failure rates, while sucking thousands of dollars from you for nothing.

The other good news is - they said that they will raise immigration numbers on a whole so let’s hope they will raise the amount for this SE category as well. All the best people!!
 
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Benjamincubix

Full Member
Dec 10, 2019
21
7
Hi all,

Based on my conversations with some of you, I guess the quota for 2019 has already been reached - that’s why nobody is moving.

Probably things will move again in 2020. This is just my guess. Good luck everyone - just play the waiting game. They only take in 500-700 applicants in this category and from what I’ve read before, there’s a few thousands (about 2000-3000 if I can remember) who apply yearly. That’s a lot of work for them to do and decide which cases are genuine, etc. When I applied, I also gave myself a 3 year wait, but somehow God helped me to get it within 7 months. I can’t explain why but it also doesn’t really feel good knowing that most people are still waiting in the process. I hope you all will get the good news soon.

Don’t bother going to any consultants, unless you can’t speak English or French. The instructions to apply is clear enough, and the criteria is quite clearly defined. On a side note, some people I have read in the forums seem to refuse to accept that they do not meet the criteria, and get very emotional when they get rejected when they applied anyway. All I can say is, make sure you meet the criteria in proper before you proceed!! Don’t lie to yourself! From what I read, most people fail because they do not plan to be self employed in Canada, or do not have a realistic way of being self employed if they were to move there(having a business plan that will not work in Canada). Your business plan would probably have to be the same as what you are currently doing in your home country in order to get anyone to be convinced that it will work in Canada too. As for the consultants, most applicants do it by themselves and save several thousands of dollars doing the same thing. The consultants can claim whatever success rate they have but they can also keep quiet on their failure rates, while sucking thousands of dollars from you for nothing.

The other good news is - they said that they will raise immigration numbers on a whole so let’s hope they will raise the amount for this SE category as well. All the best people!!
Thanks for the detail update. I believed what you stated above are true about meeting the quota of 2019 as there is really no movement for the past 3-4 months. If any member got any update, please kindly share. Appreciate any input.
 

woti

Full Member
May 26, 2018
23
2
Hi guys,
Please help me to decide:

I l've been working as self-employed in many different fields: Literary, Musical and some work in film industry as well. I'm a Singer, Composer, Novelist, and am currently working on a film project as Director. I've been doing those work since I was 15 years old (when I started a rock band 19 years ago as Vocalist)

The question is:

Can I apply under this category with those multiple skills? or should I choose one of the following NOC above?
 

theguv

Hero Member
Dec 8, 2016
228
91
48
London UK
Category........
NOC Code......
5225
Hi guys,
Please help me to decide:

I l've been working as self-employed in many different fields: Literary, Musical and some work in film industry as well. I'm a Singer, Composer, Novelist, and am currently working on a film project as Director. I've been doing those work since I was 15 years old (when I started a rock band 19 years ago as Vocalist)

The question is:

Can I apply under this category with those multiple skills? or should I choose one of the following NOC above?
Which one have you been doing the most in terms of hours/days/weeks/months/years worked and more importantly money earned? Which one can you provide the most compelling supporting evidence for? Check the NOC code and description on that one and proceed accordingly. :)
 
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Lchinjohn

Star Member
Nov 8, 2019
91
17
Will the fact that one owns a business play a part in determining the eligibility? I mean, one who owns a business vs one who does freelance work? Will they favour business over freelance work since that will generate employment for others?
 

woti

Full Member
May 26, 2018
23
2
Which one have you been doing the most in terms of hours/days/weeks/months/years worked and more importantly money earned? Which one can you provide the most compelling supporting evidence for? Check the NOC code and description on that one and proceed accordingly. :)
Well, actually, I make money doing work as musician (Shows in pubs, etc) and as Aithor-Writer (royalties, freelancer lecturer etc). I mean, I make money and proportionally work at Music and Writing industry.
 

theguv

Hero Member
Dec 8, 2016
228
91
48
London UK
Category........
NOC Code......
5225
Well, actually, I make money doing work as musician (Shows in pubs, etc) and as Aithor-Writer (royalties, freelancer lecturer etc). I mean, I make money and proportionally work at Music and Writing industry.
I don't think that pub gigs are going to count towards "world class levels" as laid out in the visa requirements! :( if you can demonstrate that you're artistic work (music/writing etc) operate at a "world class level" then you're in with a shout going down that route, otherwise might be worth looking at express entry and trying to claim freelance work experience there as I think the overall level of recognition for your artistic work is lower than in the stand alone self employed visa route.
 
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woti

Full Member
May 26, 2018
23
2
I don't think that pub gigs are going to count towards "world class levels" as laid out in the visa requirements! :( if you can demonstrate that you're artistic work (music/writing etc) operate at a "world class level" then you're in with a shout going down that route, otherwise might be worth looking at express entry and trying to claim freelance work experience there as I think the overall level of recognition for your artistic work is lower than in the stand alone self employed visa route.
Thank you for your reply, but I think I meet the requirements once I'm self-employed in those field. You don't need to be SPECIFICALLY internationally recognized in your field, if you just prove that you are self-employed in Cultural activities for years is enough... Correct me up if I'm wrong. Find the requirements as following. see:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed/eligibility.html#experience

Relevant experience
Your experience is relevant if you have:

  • taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or
  • been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics
Definitions
Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience.

It must be during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day we make a decision on your application.
 

theguv

Hero Member
Dec 8, 2016
228
91
48
London UK
Category........
NOC Code......
5225
It's an expensive punt. you've got to weigh up their viewpoint on it. gigging pub muso (which I too have been) v touring and recording symphony 1st chair violinist? who do you think is more appealing to a visa officer? Not trying to dissuade you but when the competition could literally be WORLD CLASS, we have to stack up what we have to offer against the likelihood that someone in the running is REALLY qualified compared to us...
 

woti

Full Member
May 26, 2018
23
2
It's an expensive punt. you've got to weigh up their viewpoint on it. gigging pub muso (which I too have been) v touring and recording symphony 1st chair violinist? who do you think is more appealing to a visa officer? Not trying to dissuade you but when the competition could literally be WORLD CLASS, we have to stack up what we have to offer against the likelihood that someone in the running is REALLY qualified compared to us...
It Makes sense, but it's not just pub gigs it is my job, I charge money to do it, so I've been doing that for years, I also write book in my mother language.
I thank you so much for your "advices" but what I need from you (don't get me wrong please, I'm saying that to you in a respectful and polite way) what I need from you is not the assessment of what I do as self-employed person, but what NOC should I use in my application. Can I use both NOCs? related to Music and Literary industry? Has anyone been approved on this category putting in the application multiples NOCs and Skills? If you can answer this Question Theguv I will appreciate, you are unable to answer I also appreciate. :)

Does anyone can help?
 

theguv

Hero Member
Dec 8, 2016
228
91
48
London UK
Category........
NOC Code......
5225
I totally get it :) all I'm saying is that just think how many Canadian Citizens and existing permanent residents are already available for work as a pub/bar musician, why would they invite a foreign one in when they have so many home grown ones? they're after people who have not just supported themselves as a freelance worker but have done so at a very, very high level in their field.

What writings have you published? How large was the print run? Multiple languages or native only? If your work(s) are only at a local/national level then they're not likely to tick the "World Class" box.

It's one thing to "technically" fit the requirements, it's another to fit them to such an extent that a visa officer looks at your application and says "this is the best person in this field who's applied..."

That said, if you have been supporting yourself as a freelancer for 2+ years then technically you fall under this category; if your roles fall under the NOC codes then pick the one you can demonstrate and support the most and apply under that one. My only concern is that pesky "World Class Level" distinction in regards to artistic careers. It's such a narrow field (music/literature) that only the best of the best on the international scene are likely to float to the top of the pile...

So yes, you do qualify as a SE person but in my humble (not legally trained) opinion, it's highly unlikely that this route will work for you... Of course I could be wrong and you could sail in and I could refused! :D

Either way, good luck my friend.
 
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woti

Full Member
May 26, 2018
23
2
I totally get it :) all I'm saying is that just think how many Canadian Citizens and existing permanent residents are already available for work as a pub/bar musician, why would they invite a foreign one in when they have so many home grown ones? they're after people who have not just supported themselves as a freelance worker but have done so at a very, very high level in their field.

What writings have you published? How large was the print run? Multiple languages or native only? If your work(s) are only at a local/national level then they're not likely to tick the "World Class" box.

It's one thing to "technically" fit the requirements, it's another to fit them to such an extent that a visa officer looks at your application and says "this is the best person in this field who's applied..."

That said, if you have been supporting yourself as a freelancer for 2+ years then technically you fall under this category; if your roles fall under the NOC codes then pick the one you can demonstrate and support the most and apply under that one. My only concern is that pesky "World Class Level" distinction in regards to artistic careers. It's such a narrow field (music/literature) that only the best of the best on the international scene are likely to float to the top of the pile...

So yes, you do qualify as a SE person but in my humble (not legally trained) opinion, it's highly unlikely that this route will work for you... Of course I could be wrong and you could sail in and I could refused! :D

Either way, good luck my friend.
Yeah... You're right, I'm gonna study more this category. I'll decide if I apply or not, and for sure whatever my decision will be, I'll consider what you've said.
Thank you one more time friend. ;) and good luck on your process, I'll pray for you to be successful.
 

SMani

Hero Member
Aug 17, 2014
325
21
Chennai
Category........
Visa Office......
New Delhi
NOC Code......
2171
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
Oct 4th 2016
IELTS Request
Band - 7
LANDED..........
Hopefully 2017
Hi.. My wife is willing to apply under NOC 5244 - Hand Embroider ,,, As a self employed person.. Federal Self employed program.

She has a 3 year business degree evaluated by WES, and also IELTS band 6.. She has enough funds for POF and also other assets like land and property which will be more than 100k Cad.

She has been working hard for the past 4 years and has lots of job orders from local tailoring units (Vendors).. She gets paid on per hours basis for the work involved and has proof of job orders , receipts or payment vouchers for the same,

Please Advice if she is eligible to apply

PS ,, I have previously applied for migration but was found not eligible .. Now I want my wife to try
 

woti

Full Member
May 26, 2018
23
2
Hi.. My wife is willing to apply under NOC 5244 - Hand Embroider ,,, As a self employed person.. Federal Self employed program.

She has a business degree evaluated by WES, and also IELTS.. She has enough funds for POF and also other assets like land and property which will be more than 100k Cad.

She has been working hard for the past 4 years and has lots of job orders from local tailoring units (Vendors).. She gets paid on per hours basis for the work involved and has proof of job orders , receipts or payment vouchers for the same,

Please Advice if she is eligible to apply

PS ,, I have previously applied for migration but was found not eligible .. Now I want my wife to try
First of all, did you apply to immigrate as SE as well?

About your wife she can check on:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed/eligibility.html#experience

And see if she qualifies.
 

SMani

Hero Member
Aug 17, 2014
325
21
Chennai
Category........
Visa Office......
New Delhi
NOC Code......
2171
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
Oct 4th 2016
IELTS Request
Band - 7
LANDED..........
Hopefully 2017
First of all, did you apply to immigrate as SE as well?

About your wife she can check on:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed/eligibility.html#experience

Employment requirements
Skills are often learned through apprenticeship with a master craftsperson.
Training programs are offered by artisan guilds, colleges and private studios.
Creative ability and talent, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, and knowledge of safe handling of material, tools and equipment are required.
A college diploma in fine craft techniques may be required.

5244 - Artisans and craftspersons
This unit group includes those who use manual and artistic skills to design and make ornamental objects, pottery, stained glass, jewellery, rugs, blankets, other handicrafts and artistic floral arrangements. Makers of musical instruments are also included in this unit group. Most craftspersons are self-employed. Artistic floral arrangers are usually employed in florist shops and floral departments of retail establishments, or may be self-employed. Craft instructors are also included in this unit group and are employed by artisan guilds, colleges, private studios and recreational organizations.