Use a working holiday visa as a self-employed visa

[PeteLeroy87]

Hi,

Quick question, I've been trying to come for more than a year now but it's been hard to find any job since Covid hit. I'm an editor/assistant camera/camera operator, self-employed, working in the filmmaking industry. Do you think I can somehow switch my open work permit to a self employed working permit?

I'm kind of lost and depressed since my letter of introduction expire in less than two months, any help would be welcome.

 

[Naturgrl]

There is no self employment work permit. It is a self employment visa for permanent migration and takes at least 2 years to process.

Immigrate as a self-employed person: About the process - Canada.ca

 

[PeteLeroy87]

Thanks for the answer, Naturgrl. I don't know where else to ask about this but do you have any advice considering my situation? I already have a working holiday visa but no matter what job offer I submit my application I never get any answer (linkedin/indeed/craigslist and so on). It took me a year to get that visa and not I'm stuck in France not able to even use it because of Covid restrictions (must have a job offer to activate my visa). I'm really hopeless..

 

[Naturgrl]

There are many on working holiday visas with an letter of introductin but need a job offer to enter. Unfortunately without being in Canada, lockdowns and unemployment, it will be next to impossible to get a job offer. Also starting within the week, travelers will have to quarantine in government hotels at a cost of around $2000. Sorry I don't have better news for you. My suggestion is to raise a webform on your file and ask if they will be extending letters of introduction.

IRCC Webform (cic.gc.ca)

 

[PeteLeroy87]

Thanks again for the honest answer. I'll try and extend my letter again (already did twice) then! Have a nice day.