Self-Employment for Foreign Work Experience - This Counts, Right?

[MooseNBooze]

I know that self-employment in Canada does not count towards calculating years of work experience (source: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/mi/express-entry.asp).

But I have yet to find any definitive answer to whether self-employment experience counts if such experience is outside Canada. Anyone have any idea? Has anyone successfully claimed points for foreign self-employment? If so, what documents did you include? What about the hours per week thing?

 

[Asivad Anac]

You can count self employment towards foreign work experience.

Check 'Proof of work experience' here ---> http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/perm/express/intake-complete.asp

 

[MooseNBooze]

Thank you, Asivad, for the link. I saw that earlier. I guess my situation is a bit thorny, where I don't have a business of my own but rather provide services as an in-house consultant for a sort of a monthly retainer (I have my own office space and all), with additional payments based on clients and matters served. In essence, I walk the thin line between self-employment and being an employee. Legal arguments can be made for either. For simplicity's sake, I think I will not call it self-employed (although I checked that box in my EE profile) and just upload LOR from office manager, copy of contract, paystubs, and a brief LOE about the issue. Do you think that will be fine, considering I checked the "self-employed" box earlier? Of course, I understand that you're not liable for any advice you give. I just wanted to pick your thoughts.

 

[Asivad Anac]

Shouldn't be a problem if the reference letter mentions that you received salary for working x hours/week at that organization in addition to job responsibilities and other required details. If you're not going the 'self employment' route, ensure that the reference letter identifies you as an employee not as a contractor. That'll help avoid other documentation requirements pertaining to self employment. What this also means is that you shouldn't be submitting contract, pay stubs ot LOE to explain this situation. Just treat it as regular employment. That is, if you aren't going the self employment route.