Self-Employed Persons Program

Contribute to Canada's culture and athletics as a permanent resident.

This pathway allows you to immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis by demonstrating your intention and ability to be self-employed and make a significant contribution to the country's vibrant cultural or athletic life.

This pathway allows you to immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis by demonstrating your intention and ability to be self-employed and make a significant contribution to the country's vibrant cultural or athletic life.

 

What is the Self-Employed Persons Program?

This federal program is for artists, athletes, and professionals in related fields who can earn a living for themselves in Canada. It offers a direct route to permanent residency without the need for a job offer or a large investment. Your application is assessed on a points-based system that considers your experience, age, education, and language skills.

 

General Requirements

  • You must have at least two years of relevant experience in either self-employment or at a world-class level in a cultural activity or athletics.


  • You need to show that you have the intention and ability to create your own employment and make a meaningful contribution to Canadian culture or sports.


  • You are not required to have a minimum net worth, but you must demonstrate sufficient funds to settle and support yourself and your dependents in Canada.


  • You will be assessed on a points grid and must achieve a minimum of 35 points out of 100 to be considered for immigration.

Program intake is paused

The federal government has currently paused the intake of new applications until January 2027 to focus on processing existing applications and reducing the backlog.

No minimum net worth

Unlike some other business programs, this one does not have a set net worth requirement, making it a more accessible option for qualifying individuals.

Quebec has its own program

If you intend to reside in the province of Quebec, you must apply under the Quebec Self-Employed Program, which has different requirements, including a minimum net worth.

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Get the help you need to succeed.

Points calculation

We can assess your qualifications against the program's selection criteria to determine your total points and overall eligibility.

Strategic document preparation

Our team will guide you in gathering the specific documents needed to prove your work experience and financial capacity.

Application support

We can prepare and submit your application on your behalf, ensuring all forms are accurately completed and all requirements are met.

Business plan development

Our experts can assist you in creating a detailed business plan that demonstrates your ability to be successfully self-employed in Canada.

artist painting large canvas for Canadian cultural worker self-employed immigration

The Importance of the Points Grid

The points grid is a key component of this program's assessment. You can earn points for your age, education, and language ability, but the most points are awarded for your work experience. Five years of relevant experience, for example, awards the maximum 35 points, which alone meets the program's minimum pass mark. It is crucial to accurately calculate your points and provide strong evidence for each category.

Differences from Other Business Programs

The Self-Employed Persons Program differs significantly from other business immigration programs like the Start-up Visa or Provincial Nominee Program streams. It does not require a large capital investment or a job offer. Instead, it focuses on your personal talent and experience as a way to contribute to Canada. This makes it a more accessible and often faster option for the specific occupations it targets.

The Federal Intake Pause

The current pause on new applications is temporary and is designed to improve processing times and reduce the significant backlog that has accumulated. While the program is not accepting new applications, this is an opportune time to prepare your application materials and ensure you are ready to submit as soon as the intake reopens in 2027.

musicians performing on stage for Canadian self-employed cultural activities application
entrepreneur working on business plan for Canadian business immigration or start-up visa

Interested in a different path?

If you are a high-net-worth individual who prefers a hands-off approach to immigration, a passive investment program may be a better option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

This program is highly specific and primarily targets individuals with significant experience in cultural or athletic activities. General freelancers or consultants usually do not qualify unless they demonstrate exceptional achievement and contribution.

Through international recognition, awards, media coverage, contracts, income history, and long-term impact in the field. The standard is high and subjective.

There is no fixed amount, but applicants must prove financial self-sufficiency and a sustainable professional track record.

Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be included, with access to work and study permits.

Because approval rates are low, processing times are long, and refusal reasoning is often discretionary. Strong documentation is essential.

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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.