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Express Entry guide
Self-employed? What IRCC accepts as proof of your work
Self-employed applicants can't get a letter from a boss, so IRCC asks for a different set of proof. It's stricter than many people expect.
What IRCC asks for
- Articles of incorporation or other evidence that you owned the business
- Evidence of your self-employment income
- Documents from third parties, such as clients, showing the service you provided and the payment details
IRCC says self-declared duties or affidavits aren't acceptable proof of self-employed work on their own.
The CEC catch
Self-employed time doesn't count toward the Canadian Experience Class, or toward Canadian work experience points. It can count toward some occupation categories.
Build the file early
- Ask two or three clients for a letter on their letterhead describing your work, dates, and payments
- Gather invoices and contracts for the period you claim
- Keep tax filings and bank records that show the income
Common questions
Does self-employed work count for Express Entry?
It can count toward some programs and occupation categories, but not toward the Canadian Experience Class or Canadian work experience points.
Can I use an affidavit as proof of self-employment?
IRCC says self-declared duties or affidavits aren't acceptable proof on their own. You need business ownership, income evidence, and documents from clients.
Related guides
Sources: IRCC, Express Entry program delivery instructions (completeness check and section A11.2); IRCC, Canadian Experience Class.