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.

Note: The “business class” of immigrants includes investor, entrepreneur, and self-employment streams. Immigration requirements and restrictions are different for each stream.

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