Applying for PR status while in US - correct application form?

[shadowbrookash]

I am an english-speaking US citizen and currently an undergraduate student. This year I'll be graduating with my Bachelor's degree. I will be applying for graduate studies in Canada (applying at UVIC and UBC) when I've graduated. I don't just plan on going to school there- I'd like to reside permanently. Since I'm sure the application times are ludicrously lengthy, I am trying to get started now.

However, trying to make sure I've selected the right application is mindboggling. The website just seems to run around in circles with conflicting information and there is NO phone number that I can find that will answer questions from international citizens.
I simply want to make sure I've got the correct application so that I don't spend $1000 just to have it returned for being incorrect (and I'm hoping you guys can help!)


Wikipedia says:
An "Outside Canada" application is intended for those who intend to resettle but have not moved yet and do not intend to move until they become a PR.

This describes my situation perfectly.

The Check Your Eligibility Quiz says I should use the Self-Employed persons application (I am self employed as the owner of an LLC and the founder of a 501c3 non-profit organization).

The Self-Employed persons application seems to be just what I need- everything on the application makes sense when filling it out. But is this the correct for for me? I just want to be 100% sure before submitting. If you can shed any light on the topic, its much appreciated!

 

[scylla]

Have you read through the following criteria for self-employed to confirm you do in fact qualify?

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/business/self-employed/apply-who.asp#definitions

Normally self-employed is a bad way to go. CIC tends to be extremely strict about who they approve through this stream and processing takes many years. I would strongly recommend you look at other immigration programs intstead. You can find the full list here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/apply.asp

 

[Rob_TO]

Here is a bit more info on the specific self-employed jobs that qualify:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=291&t=6
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/Occupations.aspx?val=5

A better route to PR could be doing your post grad studies here, then a year of work under a post grad work permit, and then applying for PR under CEC (assuming the degree/work is qualifying).

Just note the very expensive international student fees to go to school here.

 

[Ponga]

Here is a bit more info on the specific self-employed jobs that qualify:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=291&t=6
http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2011/Occupations.aspx?val=5

A better route to PR could be doing your post grad studies here, then a year of work under a post grad work permit, and then applying for PR under CEC (assuming the degree/work is qualifying).

Just note the very expensive international student fees to go to school here.

Wow! Thanks for that link Rob. I had no idea that I could have applied for PR as a musician/composer (with music on TV).