How to Demonstrate Your Professional Experience as a Self-Employed Individual or Business Owner to Immigrate to Canada

If You Are Self-Employed or a Business Owner Considering Moving to Canada Demonstrating your work experience is a key step in the immigration process, whether you're applying for a work permit or permanent residency. Below, we outline the documentation you need to present to support your professional experience.

1. Official Registration of Your Professional Activity

The first step is proving that your professional activity is officially registered with the government of your home country.

• Self-Employed: In countries like Mexico, this could mean being registered as an individual with business activities (persona física con actividades empresariales). In Argentina, a common term for this is monotributista.

• Business Owners: If you own a business, it must be formally established, such as a corporation, limited liability company, or another type of corporate entity depending on your country’s laws. Having your company’s incorporation document (acta constitutiva) is essential.

2. Proof of Income and Payments Received

To validate your professional experience, you need clear evidence of payments received, whether from clients (if self-employed) or from your business (if you’re an owner).

• Invoices: If you’re self-employed, make sure to issue invoices for every service provided. These should include:

  • Your name or business name

  • The client’s name

  • Detailed descriptions of the services provided

  • The amount charged

• Payroll or Dividends: If you own a business, show evidence of receiving income from it, which could include:

  • A registered salary on the company payroll

  • Dividends, i.e., a portion of profits distributed to owners

It’s crucial that these transactions are traceable and conducted through bank accounts. Avoid cash transactions, as they cannot be easily verified.

3. Avoid Documentation Inconsistencies

The Canadian government does not conduct interviews or accept simple reference letters as proof of work experience. Your documentation must be well-organized and directly tied to you as the principal applicant.

Avoid confusion:

• If you issue invoices through a company that is not in your name (e.g., your partner’s business), it will be difficult to prove your specific work experience. It may appear that the services were provided by your partner’s business rather than yourself.

Key examples of clarity:

• Your name must appear on payroll slips.

• Your name must appear on the personal bank account where dividends are deposited.

• Your business bank account should have the same name as the one listed in the incorporation document.

• Your name or business name must appear on invoices issued to clients.

4. Adjust Your Processes Over Time

If you currently rely on cash payments or have disorganized records, start making changes immediately. A consistent history of income, invoices, and bank records will be critical for proving your professional track record.

Conclusion

Preparing all the necessary documentation in advance will help you submit a strong application to the Canadian government.

If you need assistance planning your immigration strategy, book an appointment with Rita Benkhalti, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Let us help you navigate the process with confidence!