Self-employment is a common way for people to earn a living, and it is also a viable option for those looking to immigrate to Canada. However, providing evidence of self-employment can be a bit tricky as traditional forms of proof, such as pay stubs or W-2 forms, may not apply.
Additionally, self-employed individuals may not have a formal employment contract, making it more difficult to provide evidence of their work experience. Despite these challenges, it is still possible for self-employed individuals to immigrate via a self-employed visa in Canada.
The key is to understand the types of evidence that can be used to prove self-employment and present that evidence clearly and concisely. Let’s also cover some tips and best practices for presenting this evidence in the most effective way possible.
You must provide documentation showing you have been self-employed for at least one year before your application. The documents required are given below.
Business Registration Documents
Below are some business registration documents that can be provided as evidence of self-employment.
- An article of incorporation is a document issued by the government and shows that your business is registered as a corporation.
- You can show a business licence issued by the government that allows you to operate your business legally in the area where it is located.
- GST/HST registration of your business.
- Provide a business name registration to show that you have registered your business name with the appropriate government agency.
Financial Statements
You can use the following as proof of your financial statement.
- Income tax returns should show your business income and expenses for the past two or three years and should be filed and assessed by the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Financial statements from a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) should include a balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows and should be for the past two or three years. They should be signed and dated by a CPA.
- Business bank statements should include your income and expenses for the past two or three years and be from a Canadian financial institution.
Apart from these, you can provide a business plan outlining your company’s goals, strategies, and projected financial performance. These can also help provide evidence of self-employment.
Business Records
Business records such as
- Invoices that show your business has provided goods or services to customers and has been paid for them
- Contract agreements with customers or suppliers
- Purchase orders for goods or services from suppliers
- Delivery receipts that show your business has received goods or services from suppliers
- Employee records to show that you have hired employees for your business
- Website and social media pages to show that your business has an online presence and actively promotes its products or services
Apart from these documents, you can also provide a letter from a business associate or a client that confirms your self-employment status. Note that your documentation should clearly show that you are actively engaged in your business and that your business is generating income with a stable financial situation. We hope the above information will help you provide the right evidence of self-employment. Now, you can easily apply for your Canada visa application online with the help of immigration consultants.
