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Apr 20, 2023
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Hi everyone,
I’m seeking guidance on whether my self-employment experience gives score for foreign work experience or canadian work experience for Express Entry.
Here’s my situation:
  • I have 2 years of software development experience in my home country.
  • After moving to Canada, I worked part-time during my studies as a self-employed contractor(software development) for a U.S.-based employer with no Canadian offices.
  • Upon completing my studies, I began working full-time as a self-employed contractor(software development) for the same company.
  • For the first 7 months in Open work permit, I was paid directly as an independent contractor.
  • Then I incorporated a business in Ontario, and for the upcoming months, I received payments through my corporation.
  • All work was performed remotely.
  • I completed 1 full year of full-time self-employment (30–40 hours/week) under NOC 21231(Software Engineer).
  • After completing this, I secured a full-time Canadian job in the same field and have completed 1 year of work experience here.
  • Combining all this, I will have about 3 years of foreign skilled work experience and 1 year of Candian work experience, which I believe will increase my CRS points significantly.
I have documentation including:
  • Contracts, invoices, and payment proofs
  • CRA tax filings (T2125 and T2 returns)
  • Ontario incorporation documents
  • Client reference letters confirming duties, duration, and hours
  • Employer reference letter for my Canadian job
I’ve read that self-employment can be claimed for Foreign Work Experience if well documented, but I have also seen conflicting advice.
Could anyone please advise on:
  • Whether this combined experience (home country + part-time during studies + full-time self-employment with a US employer having no Canadian presence) be used to claim point for foreign work experience?
  • What kind of documentation others have used successfully to prove self-employment?
  • Any tips to avoid red flags and strengthen my application?

Thanks in advance for your help!