A self-employed worker is someone who works for themselves instead of being an employee of a company. In Canada, self-employed individuals can work in various industries, including arts, sports, IT, consulting, and more.
1. Who is Considered Self-Employed?
A self-employed person:
✔ Works independently and does not have a fixed employer.
✔ Provides services or sells products to different clients.
✔ Manages their own business, finances, and taxes.
Examples:
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Freelancers (writers, designers, developers).
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Consultants (business, finance, legal).
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Artists and athletes.
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Small business owners.
2. Self-Employed Immigration Program
Canada offers the Self-Employed Persons Program for individuals with experience in:
✅ Cultural activities (musicians, actors, designers, filmmakers).
✅ Athletics (coaches, professional athletes, sports organizers).
📌 Requirements:
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At least two years of experience in self-employment or world-class participation in cultural or athletic activities.
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Intent and ability to contribute to Canada’s cultural or sports scene.
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Financial stability to support yourself and your business.
📌 Benefits:
✔ Get permanent residence in Canada.
✔ No need for a job offer or sponsorship.
✔ Freedom to work on your own projects and business.
3. Business Setup for Self-Employed Workers
If you want to start a business in Canada, you may need to:
🔹 Register your business (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).
🔹 Get a business number (BN) for tax purposes.
🔹 Apply for necessary permits or licenses depending on your industry.
🔹 Open a business bank account and manage your finances properly.
4. Taxes for Self-Employed Workers
Self-employed workers must:
💰 File an annual tax return and report their income.
💰 Pay Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions and other self-employment taxes.
💰 Keep track of business expenses (office rent, equipment, travel) to claim deductions.