Qualifying Period Federal Self-employed Immigration Canada

Salome is a professional dancer from Colombia. Although she is only 26 years old, she has toured several countries as a performing artist. However, Salome intends to expand her horizons by moving to Canada. She wants to immigrate under the Federal Self-employed program but wonders what the qualifying period to consider her work experience is. Nonetheless, Salome is very excited about her decision.

NOTE: On April 30, 2024, the government of Canada stopped accepting applications under the Federal Self-employed Class. This option is currently not available.

You could immigrate to Canada as a self-employed person under one of the following options:

• Self-employed in cultural activities
• Professional athletes and coaches

The minimum requirements for self-employed immigration

If you intend to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed artist or athlete, you need to meet the minimum requirements. Namely,

• Two years of work experience in the qualifying period
• Having the intent and ability to continue your self-employment activities in Canada
• Make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy via your self-employment in Canada.

In this article, I focus on the qualifying period for work experience.

What is the qualifying period for self-employed immigration?

The qualifying period begins five years before the submission of the application. However, it only ends when an immigration officer decides on the case. In other words, the beginning of it is clear. However, the end of the qualifying period depends on the processing time.

An example of the qualifying period

Let’s say you submit your application on Jan 1, 2021. Thus, you need to go back five years to pinpoint the start date of the qualifying period. Therefore, in this example, the start date is Jan 1, 2016 (i.e. Jan 1, 2021, minus five years). As mentioned earlier, the end date depends on the processing time. For example, if the officer decides on the application on Feb 5, 2022, this is the end date of the qualifying period.

Meet the work experience before submitting your self-employed immigration

Since the processing time of the applications is not clear, it is in your best interest to meet the work experience test before applying. Consequently, send your package only if you meet the work experience in the controllable part of the qualifying period. To be more specific in the five years before the submission of the application! Of course, you also need to meet other criteria.

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Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada

Disclaimer:
This article provides information of a general nature only. Considering the fluid nature of the immigration world, it may no longer be current. Of course, the item does not give legal advice. Therefore, do not rely on it as legal advice or immigration advice. Consequently, no one could hold us accountable for the content of these articles. Of course, if you have specific legal questions, you must consult a lawyer. Alternatively, if you are looking for immigration advice, book an appointment.

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