SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS PROGRAM

​

The Self-Employed Persons Program allows applicants with relevant experience in culture or athletics to immigrate to Canada, provided that they make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada. At Vibe Immigration, we can help our clients assess whether they meet the applicable eligibility requirements and represent them if they apply for permanent residence under this class.

​

The federal self-employed person class for permanent residence is limited to certain areas of economic activity: cultural activities, athletics, or the purchase and management of a farm.

​

To qualify, individuals must:

• have relevant experience;

• have the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution to the specified areas of economic activity.

• meet the selection criteria for self-employed people; and

• meet medical, security and other conditions.

​

They must also demonstrate that they can contribute to the Canadian economy, which is assessed based on qualities such as their experience, education, age, language abilities, and adaptability.

​

Relevant experience, under the Self-Employed Persons Program, includes two years of experience within the last five years in any of the following areas of economic activity:

​

• Taking part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level;

• Being self-employed in cultural activities or athletics; or

• Having experience in managing a farm.

​

This category is quite broad, and includes occupations such as music teachers, painters, illustrators, film makers and freelance journalists. Beyond that, the category is intended to capture those people who work behind the scenes, such as choreographers, set designers, coaches and trainers. Those who are self-employed at a world class level, such as athletes and performers, can also be included.

​

PROVINCIAL NOMINEE INVESTOR PROGRAMS

​

The Provincial Nominee Program is a joint-program involving the provinces of Canada and the federal government, permitting provinces to design their own immigration programs and actively manage immigrant selection in accordance with provincial plans and priorities.

​

Applicants to all provincial nominee programs must meet federal admissibility criteria in order to enter Canada.

​

Applicants seeking a provincial nomination from any one of the participating provinces must first ensure they meet the program criteria specific to that province, and make their applications in two parts: first to the provincial program administration and then to the federal government department responsible for immigrant selection.

​

Each province may run multiple programs at different times during the year based on their own needs and goals. Program requirements vary widely and are subject to change at any time. To find out more about various provincial programs and to assess your qualifications, please contact us.

​

START-UP VISA PROGRAM

​

The Start-Up Visa Program focuses on entrepreneurs who want to immigrate to Canada. Specifically, those who can build businesses and create jobs for Canadians and Permanent Residents and also compete on a global scale. The start-up visa allows applicants to obtain their Permanent Residency. 

​

To be eligible for a Start-Up Visa you must:

• Have a Letter of Support from a designated angel investor group (must secure at least $75,000 in support from this group) or venture capital fund (must secure at least $200,000 from this group) or business incubator (no initial investment from this group required)

• Have a business that meets the ownership requirements, including:​

  • Up to 5 people can apply for a Start-Up Visa

  • Each of those applicants must have at least 10% of voting rights or more in that particular Start-up

  • The designated angel investor group or venture capital fund or business incubator and the applicants must jointly hold more than 50% of the voting right

• ​​Meet the Canadian language benchmark (CLB) 5 in all four categories (reading, writing, listening and speaking) in either English or French; and

• Must meet the low-income threshold as set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and provide for the cost of living before earning any income.