Along with investors and entrepreneurs, this class includes self-employed persons, and any others who apply on their own at Canadian embassies, high commissions, or consulates. A point system is used to assess applicants in this class. If you meet the definition of a self-employed immigrant or have a firm job offer from a Canadian employer, or relatives in Canada who are willing to help you resettle, you will get more points. The factors assessed and the total number of points required depend on the category within the independent class.
- Investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed — Canada welcomes qualified immigrants with the ability, experience, and money to set up or invest in a business. Investors and entrepreneurs are people who have the ability and intend to operate commercial ventures which will create or maintain jobs for Canadians. These businesses must also contribute to Canada’s economic development. A self-employed person is someone who intends and has the ability to establish a business that will create employment for that person, and will contribute significantly to the economy or the cultural and artistic life of Canada.
- Other independents — The point system, which is based mostly on Canada’s labour market needs, is used to assess other independent applicants. Points are given for such things as education, specific job skills, job experience, occupation, arranged employment, age, and ability to communicate in one or both of Canada’s official languages. Arranged employment means you have a firm job offer from an employer in Canada that has been validated by a Canada Employment Centre. Applicants applying under the independent criteria who wish to go to Quebec should submit their application to the nearest Quebec Immigration office abroad. The address of this office can be obtained from any Canadian embassy or consulate.