Canada is a multicultural society. The Canadian government encourages the existence of various cultures next to every other. Consequently, Canada enjoys a cultural mosaic or rather collection of various cultures consonant and next to every other. Therefore, the Canadian immigration system welcomes different cultures to the country. No wonder there’s an option for the immigration of artists to Canada.
Define cultural activities for artists’ immigration
The following list offers a sample of occupations that would fall under the umbrella of cultural activities. Of course, the numbers next to the classifications ask the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
- 5111 – Librarians
- 5112 – Conservators and curators
- 5113 – Archivists
- 5211 – Library and public archive technicians
- 5212 – Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries
- 5121 – Authors and writers
- 5122 – Editors
- 5123 – Journalists
- 5125 – Translators, terminologists and interpreters
- 5131 – Producers, directors, choreographers and related occupations
- 5132 – Conductors, composers and arrangers
- 5133 – Musicians and singers
- 5134 – Dancers
- 5135 – Actors and comedians
- 5136 – Painters, sculptors and other visual artists
- 5221 – Photographers
- 5222 – Film and video camera operators
- 5223 – Graphic arts technicians
- 5224 – Broadcast technicians
- 5225 – Audio and video recording technicians
- 5226 – Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
- 5227 – Support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography and the performing arts
- 5231 – Announcers and other broadcasters
- 5232 – Other performers, n.e.c.
- 5241 – Graphic designers and illustrators
- 5242 – Interior designers and interior decorators
- 5243 – Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
- 5244 – Artisans and craftspersons
- 5245 – Patternmakers – textile, leather and fur products
Needless to mention, this list is neither inclusive nor exclusive. Consequently, your job might be on the list, but yet you are doing not qualify. Another activity that doesn’t appear on the list, like Architects and Landscape architects, could be eligible, counting on their area of services. Therefore, confirm to consult knowledgeable to gauge your chances.
Who qualifies for artists’ immigration?
To be eligible under this program, you want to pass all the subsequent tests:
- Experience
- Intent and skill
- Significant contribution
Experience in cultural activities
To pass the test of experience, you want to meet one among the subsequent criteria within the qualifying period.
- A total of two years of self-employment in cultural activities, or
- A total of two years of experience in participation at a world-class level in cultural activities, or
- One year of self-employment and one year of world-class cultural activities.
When I say two years, you’ll divide it into two 12-month periods. However, each period must show continuous activities.
Self-employed means the applicant was ready to cover their expenses through their self-employed activities. Of course, by their expenses, I mean the applicant and their spouse and dependent children.
Intent and skill in cultural activities
You must show that you simply have the power and intention to continue your self-employment in Canada. Of course, only self-employment in cultural fields is suitable. To display the intent and skill, consider the following:
- Proof of a prosperous past self-employment
- Your net worth
- A comprehensive business plan and settlement plan
- Significant investment in Canada
- Signing agreements with Canadian entities in terms of future collaboration
- Joining cultural associations in Canada
Of course, this list is neither inclusive nor exclusive.
Significant contribution
It would be best if you convinced the immigration officer; you’ll contribute to the Canadian economy via your cultural activities in Canada. However, the expected contribution depends on the character of your job and therefore the destination you choose. Thus, you would like to present a comprehensive settlement and business decision to portray your contributions. Nonetheless, the immigration officers rarely ask this test to refuse an application. they typically use this test to comb out frivolous applicants. Regardless, consider presenting evidence to convince the officer you meet this criterion too.
The process for artists’ immigration
The current process consists of two significant steps.
- The applicant submits an application package to the Central Intake Office (CIO) in Canada. If CIO accepts the appliance, they’re going to forward it to a foreign Visa Office.
- The overseas Visa Office processes the appliance. If they approve the appliance, the applicant and their family (i.e. spouse and children) may enter Canada as permanent residents.
The self-employed category may be a Federal immigration method. Therefore, it means the applicant intends to settle anywhere in Canada but the province of Quebec.