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Self-employment

Many newcomers enter Canada through the Self-Employed Persons Program of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Individuals in this program are part of the "business class" of immigrants and expected to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada. The program includes people with experience managing farms and an interest in either purchasing or managing one in Canada.

Self-employment is an attractive option for many Canadians. Individuals can set their own hours and be their own "boss." Generally, self-employed people aren't required to produce a business plan or make a large capital investment. Responsibility for paying income and other taxes and making Canada Pension Plan contributions rests with the self-employed person.

A disadvantage of self-employment is that individuals may not be eligible for some of the benefits available to people who work for companies and organizations. An advantage of self-employment is that people can work from home or move from one workplace to another, so the overhead costs of operating the business are reduced.

Running a home business also has tax advantages. A number of expenses are considered eligible deductions, including the cost of using an automobile, heating and lighting the house, cleaning materials, purchasing office equipment, telephone services, and an Internet connection.

The following occupations are often performed by self-employed people.

  • Computer and software consultants
  • Doctors, dentists, lawyers
  • Architects and accountants
  • Real estate agents
  • Artists, illustrators, designers
  • Music teachers, coaches
  • Writers, journalists and editors
  • Photographers
  • Operators of home daycares
  • Personal trainers

For More Information

Self-employed Persons Program
A Canadian government program for immigrants who want to become self-employed in Canada and have experience that will make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of the country or in farm management. Includes a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

What are the advantages of self-employment? What are the disadvantages?
A list of the advantages and disadvantages of newcomers choosing to become self-employed. Includes links to other useful sites.

Canada Business – Services for Entrepreneurs
Information about starting a business, grants and finances, taxes and GST, regulations, licences and permits, hiring and managing staff, marketing and sales and other business topics.

SEDI: Start A Business
Social and Enterprise Development Innovations (SEDI) is a non-profit organization that helps self-employed people start new businesses. Includes an online workbook entitled Exploring Self-Employment and other resource materials for self-employed individuals.

Ontario WorkinfoNet: Self-Employment Options
A list of links to programs and information for self-employed people in Ontario.

CRA document: RC4110 Employee or Self-employed?
A Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) pamphlet that explains the distinction between being an employer and working for yourself. Available in E-text, Braille and large print.

Self-Employment
A federal program that provides financial assistance to help people create jobs for themselves by starting a business.

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