Contract Work in Canada: How to Freelance as a Newcomer

Some of these gigs are short-term, some have lasted months, and some have turned into long-term collaborations that I never would have predicted when we first started working together (like this one with Moving2Canada!).

For me, freelancing has always been appealing because of the freedom it offers. I get to choose projects that interest me, work with collaborators I like, and build a schedule that allows me to focus on work I care about.

But freelancing also comes with real challenges.

There are times when so many projects come along that I have to turn some down! Then there are slower periods when I wonder if anyone will ever hire me for anything ever again. Freelancing means constantly pitching myself – I’m running what is essentially a small business.

Still, freelancing is far from unusual in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, about 2.65 million Canadians are self-employed, representing roughly 13 percent of the workforce. Immigrants play a significant role in that ecosystem. Canada is home to more than 800,000 self-employed immigrants, and immigrants make up about one-third of business owners who employ staff.

If you’re thinking about freelancing in Canada, here are seven lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. Always be networking.

Networking is the key to success as a freelancer. Most freelance work doesn’t come from job boards – it comes from referrals, introductions, and people who already know you and your work.

When I first started freelancing, I quickly realized that a huge portion of my time wasn’t spent doing the work itself. Instead, I was meeting people. I went to industry events, scheduled coffee meetings, followed up with people on LinkedIn, and sent a lot of emails introducing myself and pitching ideas.

In those early years, I easily spent half my time networking – and this has paid off in the long run, as now I have a loyal base of clients who reach out to me for projects.

Even today, networking is still part of my career. I regularly attend events, connect with collaborators, and stay in touch with past clients. Freelancing isn’t just about the work you do. It’s also about the relationships that lead to the next project.

2. Have a way to show off your work.

You need to have a quick, easy way to show off your skills. In practical terms, that usually means having a portfolio, a website, or some kind of digital presence where your projects are visible.

When I meet someone new and they ask about my work, I’m usually able to point them toward examples. Sometimes that’s a podcast trailer I produced, a web project I collaborated on, or writing I’ve published online.

People are busy, so try to create something that can be reviewed quickly. For example, I prefer to send people a 3-minute trailer or a short sizzle reel of my audio/video work, rather than an entire project. Most decision makers can spare three minutes, but very few will take 45 minutes to listen to a full podcast episode I’ve produced.

Social proof can also help increase your credibility. Testimonials from past clients, references from collaborators, public reviews, and a strong LinkedIn profile can all help establish trustworthiness. When someone Googles your name, they should be able to quickly see evidence that you actually do the work you say you do.

3. Your schedule will fluctuate.

One of the hardest things about freelancing is the unpredictability. Some months are extremely busy. I’ve had stretches where I was juggling multiple contracts at once and working long days just to keep everything moving forward. Then there are other periods when things slow down and it gets a whole lot lonelier.

This can feel stressful at first, especially if you’re used to the stability of a traditional job. Over time, though, you start to see the pattern. Freelancing tends to move in cycles. Busy periods are followed by quieter ones, and those quieter months can be useful. They give you time to rest, work on outreach, update your portfolio, and explore new ideas.

This also typically means being more careful with your finances. During a busy period, try to save some of your income so you have a little bit of financial padding to support you if you go through a slower period.

4. Get ready for admin and accounting.

One thing that surprises many new freelancers is how much of the job involves administration. When you work for yourself, you’re responsible for things like sending invoices, tracking expenses, organizing contracts, and preparing for tax season. None of this work is particularly glamorous, but it’s essential if you want to run a sustainable freelance business.

If you earn more than CAD $30,000 through your contract work, you also need to register for a GST/HST number (and a QST number if you live in Quebec). This is an easy process, but it means you then need to charge taxes on your invoices and pay your GST and other taxes to the government. Follow this guide to determine if this applies to you.

My pro-tip? Pay for an accountant during tax season. Taxes and GST/HST can be complicated if you’re running your own business. Shelling out for an accountant will save you time and help ensure you’re taking advantage of any tax benefits for self-employed people.

5. Make sure you get paid.

Freelancers everywhere have heard horror stories about projects that were completed but never paid. In my experience, most clients are honest and professional. Still, it’s important to protect yourself by setting clear expectations before starting work. Follow these best practices:

• Always agree on payment terms early and put the details in writing
• Keep records of conversations and agreements – a verbal conversation is not enough
• For larger projects: ask for a deposit upfront, consider milestone payments

Don’t be afraid to follow up if a client is behind on their payments.

6. There’s support in the communities around you.

Freelancing can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you’re new to a country. One thing that helped me early on was connecting with people in my field and attending events where freelancers and entrepreneurs gathered. Those spaces made it easier to meet collaborators, exchange advice, and learn how the industry worked locally.

Newcomer groups can be especially helpful here. Many cities in Canada have organizations that support immigrant entrepreneurs and freelancers. Check out our complete guide on networking in Canada for more tips on connecting with newcomers in your area.

7. Prepare for the mental challenges.

Freelancing offers freedom, but it also requires resilience. There will be times when projects fall through or clients disappear. There will be moments when you question whether the whole system is working (for me, these moments tend to happen in the deep winter, when the temperatures are freezing and the sun sets at 4pm…).

There are many ways you can take care of your mental health:

• Stay connected to family and friends
• Find a mentor in your field
• Stay active & eat healthy
• Visit a mental health professional

In my late twenties, I saw a therapist weekly for two years. I look back on that as one of the smartest decisions of my life – she helped me understand my psychology in ways that continue to benefit my resilience at work.

Whether you see a therapist, join a sports league, or connect with a friend who’s great at listening – just make sure that you take care of your mental health. For more resources, check out our guide on mental health resources for newcomers.

Persistence is the name of the game: You’ve got this.

Freelancing in Canada can open a lot of doors. It allows you to build your own path, choose projects that matter to you, and develop a wide network of collaborators. But it also requires persistence.

If you’re willing to put in the work and put up with the hard months and the challenging projects, it can be an incredible way to live your life.

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