Crumps and Misone

Hi Folks,
is there anyone out there that has any ideas/ experiences about setting up a business in Canada??
The plan is to go to Calgary on OH's work permit, then look at starting a small handyman business?? Not sure if i would be able to do this on open work permit????? Is there anyone out there that has done similar and can share some info with me - i'm a jack of all trades but no formal qualifications.

Cheers, Chris

boxerdog03

Hi

that's what we're looking to do, my OH is a joiner. From what I have gathered I don't think there is a problem doing this on an open WP, but it's something I've got to look into.

Sharon

Journeyman Electrician

Hi

I might be talking out my *ss but I think the dreaded No. 9 SIN will prohibit you from this little venture.

R I C H

Having a WP (whether open, tied to an employer or self-employed), means your SIN will be prefixed by a 9. It has no relevance to whether you're wanting to run your own business or not.

So, yes, you're talking out you ass

I've been here 2.5yrs running my own business on a WP, my wife has an open WP and is joint owner of the business.

Journeyman Electrician

RICH
If you don't mind me asking what field of work are you in.
JE

YYZlover

There are two categories as self employed. Farming and arts/culture/sports. Rich owns a livery yard so he fills the farming category. I'm in performing arts (not as artist) which is the route I'm going as self employed.

Journeyman Electrician

Thanks for that, you must agree that these categories rule out the vast majority of potential work permit applicants. i'm sure that a lot of SE construction workers would cut their arm off to come over on a SE permit. Not sure why these particular types are singled out.
JE

PMM

Hi

Because too many mom and pop corner stores/dry cleaners/restaurants were being flipped for Immigration purposes.

Surrey Expat

The self employed category is different to the WP route. Self employed applicants must have experience in their field (farm management in the case of farming) and if approved get PR right away. If the applicant does not have this experience a WP to start and run a business is another way to go, albeit more risky. The WP will expire and applicant has to apply for PR separately, if they wish to remain in Canada.

The WP route for starting a business is less restrictive than the SE route and allows for those who have a sound business idea and plan to put a proposal forward. If approved for a WP they could then apply for PR once in Canada.

YYZlover

Indeed!

If it wasn't for the fact I am a nail biter and use false nails to prevent biting I'd have no nails left. "Scary" doesn't quite cover it.

R I C H

Agreed - my business has nothing to do with farming. In fact, an equestrian baording property in BC does not qualify for any type of farm status. You need to raise crop, breed or train/sell for profit to have farm classification.

My WP wasn't contingent on having anything to do with farming/sports/arts, it was purely an application to start a business, which could have been of any type.

I applied for PR before leaving the UK, and was issued a 3yr WP after being in Canada for several months.