Self Employed Persons
The Self-Employed Persons Program allows qualified individuals to apply for Canadian permanent residency based on their experience in cultural or athletic fields. This pathway targets those who can make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or sports life. However, as of now, IRCC has temporarily paused new application intake for this program.
Temporary Pause of the Program
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stopped accepting new applications to the Self-Employed Persons Program until January 2027. This pause is in place to help process the large number of applications received before April 30, 2024. Only applications submitted before that date are being considered during this period.
What Is Self Employed Persons Program
This program is for individuals who are self-employed in cultural or athletic activities. Candidates must have relevant experience and the ability to create employment for themselves in Canada. The goal is to enrich Canadian society through their talent and work.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have at least two years of relevant experience
- Intend to be self-employed in Canada
- Be able to support themselves and their dependents financially
- Score at least 35 points on the selection grid used for this program
There is no official minimum net worth required. However, applicants must prove they have enough money to settle and operate their business in Canada.
What Counts as Self-Employment?
Self-employment means having at least two years of relevant experience either by:
- Working as a self-employed person in cultural or athletic fields
- Competing or performing at a world-class level in cultural or athletic activities
This experience must be acquired in the five years before the date of your application.
Eligible Occupations
Many professions in arts, culture, recreation, and sports qualify under this program. These include but are not limited to:
- Librarians and archivists
- Authors, writers, editors, and journalists
- Translators, interpreters, and terminologists
- Producers, directors, and choreographers
- Musicians, singers, actors, and comedians
- Visual artists such as painters and sculptors
- Photographers and video camera operators
- Designers, graphic artists, and interior decorators
- Athletes, coaches, referees, and program leaders in sports and fitness
Applicants must show that their experience matches one or more of these occupational categories.
Selection Criteria Overview
To be considered, applicants are assessed on five main selection factors. These include experience, education, age, language proficiency, and adaptability. The maximum score is 100 points, and candidates must achieve at least 35 points to qualify. Below is a brief explanation of each factor.
Experience – Maximum 35 Points
Experience is the most heavily weighted factor. Applicants must have at least two years of recent self-employment or world-class participation in their field. More years of experience can improve a candidate’s chances and total score.
Age – Maximum 10 Points
Applicants receive points based on their age at the time of application. The program favors younger applicants, with the highest points awarded to those between 21 and 49. The score decreases for applicants over 50 or under 20.
Education – Maximum 25 Points
Higher education helps increase your score. Degrees, diplomas, or trade certifications from recognized institutions are considered. Candidates with advanced education, like a master’s or PhD, typically receive the highest points in this category.
Language Proficiency – Maximum 24 Points
Applicants are assessed on their ability to speak, understand, read, and write in either English or French. Strong language skills in one or both official languages can significantly improve your total score. IRCC accepts standardized language test results to evaluate proficiency.
Adaptability – Maximum 6 Points
Adaptability measures how well you are likely to settle in Canada. Points can be awarded if you or your spouse has previous work or study experience in Canada. Having close family members in Canada can also increase your score.
Quebec’s Self-Employed Program
Quebec runs a separate program for self-employed individuals, independent of the federal system. To qualify under Quebec’s pathway, you must have at least two years of experience in your profession within the past five years. You must also plan to create your own employment by practicing your trade or profession in Quebec.
Specific Requirements in Quebec
Applicants must have a net worth of at least $100,000, either individually or with their spouse. This amount must not include recent donations or gifts. A secondary school diploma is required, and applicants must demonstrate French language proficiency at level 7 or higher.
Additionally, a start-up deposit is required:
- $25,000 if you plan to live outside Montreal
- $50,000 if you plan to live in the Montreal metropolitan area
Applicants must also sign a self-sufficiency contract, committing to cover the basic needs of themselves and their family for the first three months after arrival. They must also complete a training session or declaration regarding Quebec’s democratic values.
Ineligible Business Activities in Quebec
Certain professions are excluded from the Quebec self-employed stream. These include businesses related to payday loans, the adult entertainment industry, or real estate investment and speculation. Applicants must avoid these sectors when outlining their professional intentions.
Current Status and Alternatives
As the federal Self-Employed Persons Program is paused, prospective applicants can explore alternative pathways. These include the Quebec Self-Employed Program, the Start-Up Visa Program, or immigration options tied to purchasing an existing business in Canada. Each alternative has different requirements but offers a route to permanent residency for entrepreneurial individuals.
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