What is the Canada Self-Employed Persons Program?

The Self-Employed Persons Program is a federal immigration stream designed for individuals who have relevant experience in:

• Cultural or artistic fields (e.g., musicians, painters, writers, actors, filmmakers, dancers);

• Athletics (e.g., professional athletes, coaches, referees);

• Farm management and agricultural entrepreneurship.

This program targets individuals who can create their own employment in Canada and make a significant contribution to the country’s cultural, artistic, or athletic life—or the farm economy.

Who Should Apply?

You may be a suitable candidate for the Self-Employed Program if:

• You have at least 2 years of relevant self-employment experience in cultural or athletic activities, or farm management;

• You are willing and able to establish yourself in Canada as a self-employed person;

• You are confident in your ability to support yourself and your family financially through your self-employment.

Whether you are an internationally recognized artist, a skilled coach, or someone with experience managing agricultural land, this pathway could lead to permanent residency in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify under the Self-Employed Persons Program, applicants must:

1. Have Relevant Experience

You must have at least 2 years of experience in the past 5 years in one of the following:

• Cultural activities: Participation at a world-class level or self-employment in the cultural field.

• Athletics: Participation at a world-class level or self-employment in the field of sports.

• Farm management: Experience owning or managing a farm (although farm management applications are now rarely accepted under the federal program).

2. Intend and Be Able to Be Self-Employed in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention and capability to establish a viable self-employed career in Canada. This could involve freelance work, operating a small cultural studio, training athletes, or launching creative projects.

3. Meet the Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed on a points-based system. You must score at least 35 out of 100 points based on the following selection factors:

• Experience (maximum 35 points)

• Education (maximum 25 points)

• Age (maximum 10 points)

• Language Proficiency (maximum 24 points)

• Adaptability (maximum 6 points)

4. Medical, Security, and Financial Requirements

• You and your family members must pass medical examinations.

• You must obtain police certificates as part of background checks.

• You must show you have sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your dependents upon arrival.

What Is Considered “Significant Contribution”?

You don’t need to be a global celebrity or a gold-medal Olympian to be eligible. However, your work must demonstrate potential to enrich Canadian life in a meaningful way.

Examples of significant contribution include:

• Establishing a dance or music academy;

• Opening an art gallery or photography studio;

• Working as a freelance writer, filmmaker, or stage director;

• Coaching local athletic teams or running training camps;

• Providing farm-based goods or services to rural communities.

Application Process

1. Gather Supporting Documents
   Prepare your documents, including:

   • Proof of self-employment experience

   • Education credentials

   • Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada)

   • Identity and travel documents

   • Evidence of your intended business plans in Canada

2. Submit Your Application
   Submit your paper-based application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) along with government processing fees.

3. Processing & Interview
   Applications typically take 24–36 months. In some cases, IRCC may request an interview to assess your experience and business intentions.

4. Receive a Decision
   If approved, you and your family will receive permanent resident visas.

Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program

Please note: Quebec operates its own self-employed immigration stream with distinct requirements. If you intend to settle in Quebec, you must apply under Quebec’s Self-Employed Worker Program, which generally requires:

• Creating your own job by practicing a profession or trade;

• A minimum net worth (typically CAD $100,000 or more);

• A deposit or start-up capital investment with a financial institution in Quebec.

We offer tailored legal assistance for both federal and Quebec self-employed streams.

Why Choose Us?

At International Immigration Law Firm, we’ve helped numerous self-employed clients—from musicians to sports coaches—successfully immigrate to Canada. Our legal team offers:

• Assessment of your eligibility and qualifications;

• Guidance on document preparation and business planning;

• Help in maximizing your selection score;

• End-to-end application support, including legal representation.

Whether you’re applying as an artist, athlete, or independent entrepreneur, we ensure your unique background is presented in the best possible light.

Start Your Journey as a Self-Employed Immigrant Today

Canada welcomes individuals who can contribute their talents and skills to enrich its cultural, artistic, and economic life. If you’re ready to bring your expertise to Canada and gain permanent residence, we’re here to help every step of the way.