07/16/2025
📌 Is Contract Work in Canada Considered Employment or Self-Employment for PR under CEC?
As an RCIC, one of the most common questions I get is:
“Mr. Narendra, I’m working as a contractor in Canada and I get paid through my corporation. Can this experience be used for Canadian PR under the CEC stream?”
🛑 Short answer: It depends — but in most cases, it is considered self-employment, which does NOT qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program (except for a limited group like certain physicians).
According to IRCC guidelines, the nature of your working relationship matters more than whether you're incorporated or receiving invoices. IRCC looks at specific factors, including:
🔹 Control: Do you decide how, when, and where to work?
🔹 Tools: Do you use your own tools and equipment?
🔹 Delegation: Can you subcontract or must you personally do the work?
🔹 Risk: Do you bear financial risk and make business decisions affecting profit/loss?
📄 Refer to IRCC’s policy here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/permanent-residence/economic-classes/experience/qualifying-work-experience.html
➡️ The onus is on the applicant or representative to provide sufficient evidence and explanation if the experience is to be considered employed and not self-employed.
🧠 If you’re unsure how to structure your application or explain your work situation properly, speak with a licensed professional. This can make or break your PR application.