Immigrate To Canada As A Musician

Canada is a captivating country with its welcoming nature and multicultural society as the government encourages the coexistence of various cultures. As such, the country boasts of a collection of several civilizations existing side by side and in harmony. The Canadian immigration system has also created a pathway to immigrate to Canada as a musician.

Musicians are highly in demand all across Canada and you may likely obtain a Canadian Permanent Residency Visa with or without a job offer. Therefore, if you believe so much in your talents and wish to achieve your dreams, then you can immigrate to Canada as a musician. With the increase in demand for artists and musicians, you should give it a try!

Additionally, the Canadian government always welcomes people from different musical backgrounds in a bid to boost the cultural activities in the country. As a musician from anywhere across the globe, you can apply for the self-employed PR Program if you have the required skills, experience, and interests. In this article, we’ll take you through all the details you need to immigrate to Canada as a musician. Let’s get started!

Eligibility Criteria

For the self-employed PR Program, there are three main pillars for assessment. These include:

1. Required experience.
2. Intention and ability to relocate to Canada under this program.
3. Remarkable contribution.

Now, let’s discuss these 3 pillars one after the other. Scroll down!

1. Experience

Generally, the Canadian government expects you to have had a minimum of one year of continuous full-time employment within the last ten years. Which is equivalent to 1,560 hours overall, or 30 hours or more per week. However, the selectors may seek much more experience depending on your age.

Listed below are the factors required to go through the experience test.

1. Two years (can be 12 months apart with continuous activities) of self-employment in the cultural sector or
2. Two years (can be 12 months apart with continuous activities) of participation in the cultural sector at the highest level or
3. One year of independent work and one year of top-notch cultural experiences.

2. Intention And Ability

You must prove that you’re capable and have the intention to keep working for yourself in Canada. In cultural domains, self-employment alone is allowed. In addition, you should consider the following examples to demonstrate your ability and intentions.

1. You must present evidence of your former successful self-employment.
2. You will also provide proof of your net worth.
3. As well as a detailed business plan and settlement strategy.
4. Enough investment plans to be made in Canada.
5. Furthermore, you’ll sign contracts with Canadian organizations for potential future cooperation.
6. You must also take part in Canadian cultural associations.

3. Remarkable Contributions 

You may need to convince the immigration officer of the positive impact that your cultural activities in Canada will have on the country’s economy. However, the expected contribution will be based on the nature of your position and the location you choose. Therefore, you must provide a detailed settlement and business strategy to show your contributions.

The immigration authorities hardly use this exam as a justification to reject an application. The essence of this test is to screen out pointless applications. Nonetheless, you must provide the immigration officer with evidence that you satisfy this requirement as well.

The Application Process To Immigrate To Canada As A Musician 

There are now two important steps involved in this process, they include:

1. The applicant will need to send a set of documents to the Canadian Central Intake Office (CIO). If it’s approved by the CIO, it will be sent to an overseas Visa Office.
2. The application is usually processed by the foreign visa office. Meanwhile, the applicant and their family (spouse and children) have the opportunity to enter Canada as permanent residents if their application is approved.

One Federal immigration strategy is the self-employed category. It follows that the applicant intends to settle somewhere else in Canada other than Quebec.

Required Qualifications To Immigrate To Canada As A Musician

1. You will need to obtain musical training from a university, college, or through private instruction.
2. Members of orchestras and other professional classical musicians and Musicians must obtain a university degree in music.
3. You must also show your musical talent and ability, as demonstrated during an audition.
4. Lastly, you will need to obtain membership in a guild or union related to the occupation or type of performance.

How To Immigrate To Canada As A Musician Through The Express Entry System 

If you want to immigrate to Canada as a musician, you may apply through the Express Entry system. Meanwhile, the first step in your Canadian immigration process is to calculate your Immigration points for Express Entry by using the Canadian Comprehensive Ranking System. Below are the aspects for which CRS Points are awarded (amongst other things). Read on!

• Age
• Qualifications
• English language proficiency 
• French language proficiency 
• Your partner’s skills
• Work experience

After submitting your application, you will receive an ITA (Invitation to apply) from Canadian Immigration as a result of your Express Entry application. You will only be granted 60 days to lodge a formal application. Therefore, you must ensure that you do not lodge an Express Entry application ‘claiming’ to have certain points without first having all of your points verified through different testing, education equivalence certificates, and skilled worker assessments.

Once you are invited to apply for your Canada Visa you cannot go back and have these things verified retrospectively. You must have done them before you claim any points for them. However, since your express entry profile is only valid for one year, you will have to present the best possible case right from the start.

Before you lodge your express entry we will help you through the process of having your qualifications and certificates verified as required by immigration.

Conclusion

Canada is so welcoming and full of numerous opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled, and even self-employed artists like musicians. So, if your dream is to advance in your musical career, you may need to immigrate to Canada as a musician. And when it’s about the Musician category, it’s possibly one of the most inspiring journeys for an individual. Good luck!