The Canada Self-Employed Program provides a path for individuals with relevant experience and entrepreneurial ambitions to immigrate to Canada and establish themselves as self-employed business owners. This program is designed for individuals seeking greater control over their careers and the freedom to pursue their own ventures.

Canada’s Self-Employed Program: Immigrating as an Entrepreneur

The Self-Employed Persons Program offers a pathway to permanent residency in Canada for individuals with expertise and experience in cultural activities or athletics. The program aims to attract individuals who can make significant contributions to Canada’s cultural or athletic landscape.

Eligibility Criteria:

●     Relevant experience: Possess at least two years of experience in cultural activities or athletics within the past five years.

●     Self-employment commitment: Demonstrate the intention and ability to establish and operate a self-employed business in Canada.

●     Selection criteria: Meet a point-based system assessing factors such as education, language skills, and business plan potential.

●     Clearance requirements: Pass medical, security, and other background checks 

●     Professional athletes and coaches with a proven track record.

●     Renowned artists, performers, and cultural practitioners.

 

●     Individuals with significant experience in cultural administration, education, or development.

Experience for Self-Employed Persons Program Eligibility for the Self-Employed Persons Program requires demonstrably relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics within the past five years. This experience can be gained through self-employment or participation at a world-class level.

  • Minimum: Two one-year periods of relevant experience, either through self-employment or world-class competition.
  • Options:
    • Cultural activities: Self-employment in cultural activities, competing at a world-class level in cultural activities, or a combination of both.
    • Athletics: Self-employment in athletics, competing at a world-class level in athletics, or a combination of both.
  • Additional points: Applications with three, four, or five years of experience receive higher scores.
  • Points system: The program uses a points-based system to assess applicants.
  • Maximum score: 100 points.
  • Pass mark: Currently set at 35 points.
Education Level Minimum Years of Education Points Awarded
Highest level of education attainable (e.g., Master's or PhD) 17 years of full-time (or equivalent) education 25
Two bachelor's degrees or the equivalent 15 years of full-time (or equivalent) education 22
Three-year diploma or certificate from outside a university 15 years of full-time (or equivalent) education 22
Two-year bachelor's degree or the equivalent 14 years of full-time (or equivalent) education 20
Two-year diploma or certificate from outside a university 14 years of full-time (or equivalent) education 20
One-year bachelor's degree or the equivalent 13 years of full-time (or equivalent) education 15
One-year diploma or certificate from outside a university 13 years of full-time (or equivalent) education 15
One-year diploma or certificate from outside a university 12 years of full-time (or equivalent) education 12
High school diploma 5 years of full-time (or equivalent) education 5
Relevant Experience Points Awarded Description
5 years or more 35 Extensive and demonstrably relevant experience in your field.
4 years 30 Substantial experience showcasing your expertise and contributions.
3 years 25 Moderate experience demonstrating your capabilities and potential.
2 years 20 Minimum qualifying experience with potential for further development.
Age Range Points Awarded Description
21-49 years old 10 Prime working age with established career experience and potential for long-term contribution.
20 or 50 years old 8 Approaching prime working age with significant experience and potential for continued contribution.
19 or 51 years old 6 Emerging into prime working age with growing experience and potential for impact.
18 or 52 years old 4 Entering professional years with developing experience and potential for future growth.
17 or 53 years old 2 Early stages of professional development with foundational experience and potential for future contributions.
Younger than 17 or older than 53 0 Falls outside the program's target age range for established professionals.

First Official Language (English or French)

CLB Level Listening Speaking Writing Reading Maximum Points
8 or higher 4 pts (Master's proficiency) 4 pts (Master's proficiency) 4 pts (Master's proficiency) 4 pts (Master's proficiency) 16 pts
6 or 7 2 pts (Advanced Intermediate proficiency) 2 pts (Advanced Intermediate proficiency) 2 pts (Advanced Intermediate proficiency) 2 pts (Advanced Intermediate proficiency) 8 pts
4 or 5 1 pt (Intermediate proficiency) 1 pt (Intermediate proficiency) 1 pt (Intermediate proficiency) 1 pt (Intermediate proficiency) 4 pts
3 or below 0 pts 0 pts 0 pts 0 pts 0 pts

Second Official Language (English or French, whichever you haven’t tested in)

CLB Level Listening Speaking Writing Reading Maximum Points
8 or higher 4 pts (Master's proficiency) 4 pts (Master's proficiency) 4 pts (Master's proficiency) 4 pts (Master's proficiency) 16 pts
6 or 7 2 pts (Advanced Intermediate proficiency) 2 pts (Advanced Intermediate proficiency) 2 pts (Advanced Intermediate proficiency) 2 pts (Advanced Intermediate proficiency) 8 pts
4 or 5 1 pt (Intermediate proficiency) 1 pt (Intermediate proficiency) 1 pt (Intermediate proficiency) 1 pt (Intermediate proficiency) 4 pts
3 or below 0 pts 0 pts 0 pts 0 pts 0 pts

Adaptability Points in the Self-Employed Persons Program

Factor Description Points Awarded Spouse/Partner's Education Level
Spouse/Partner's Education Level - Master's Degree or PhD Demonstrates high adaptability through extensive education and potential contribution. 5
- Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Suggests strong adaptability with diverse skills and knowledge. 4
- Diploma or Certificate (outside university) Indicates basic adaptability through additional qualifications. 3
Canadian Work Experience - One year or more (self or spouse/partner) Shows direct experience navigating the Canadian environment and gaining relevant connections. 5
Canadian Education - Two-year program (diploma or degree) Suggests familiarity with Canadian systems and potential for integrating smoothly. 5
Relatives in Canada - Close family member (permanent resident or citizen) Provides established support network and eases transition to Canadian life. 5

Important Information for Self-Employed Persons Program Applicants:

Biometrics:

  • Submitting fingerprints and a photograph may be required during your application process.
  • Visit our Biometrics page for detailed information and instructions: [link to Biometrics page]

Medical Examinations:

  • Authorized doctors conduct medical examinations for this program.
  • Refer to our dedicated Medical Exams guide for further information: [link to Medical Exams guide]

Application Fees:

  • Program fees include:
    • $1,625 for the Business Immigration Application Fee
    • $515 for the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
  • Pay both fees ($2,140) online: [link to payment page]
  • Spouse/partner fees:
    • $850 application fee
    • $515 RPRF
    • Additional $230 per dependent child
  • Application fees are non-refundable once processing begins.
  • RPRF is refundable if you withdraw your application, decline immigration, or are denied entry.

Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program:

  • This program is not for individuals intending to reside in Quebec.
  • The province offers its own equivalent program: Self-Employed Workers Program.
  • Eligibility requirements differ significantly from the federal program.
  • Learn more about the Quebec program, application process, and processing times: [link to Quebec program page]

Processing Times:

  • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not provide a target processing standard for this program.
  • Visit the processing times page for current estimates: [Check processing times – Canada.ca]