Self-Employed Persons Program

What is Canada's Self-Employed Persons Program?

Government Fees- $2,385

Processing time – 1 year approximately

Canada's Self-Employed Persons Program allows eligible self-employed foreign nationals with experience in cultural activities or athletics to become permanent residents. Candidates must demonstrate their experience, intention, and ability to make a "significant contribution" to Canada’s cultural or athletic life.

To be considered, applicants must meet both the eligibility requirements and achieve at least the minimum passing mark under the program’s selection criteria. There is no specific minimum net worth requirement, but applicants must show they have enough funds to settle in Canada and finance their intended work.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the Government of Canada's definition of a self-employed person, which involves having relevant experience in a cultural or athletic activity. Relevant experience includes at least two years of self-employment or participation at a world-class level in these activities, as defined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Eligible Occupations

Professional Occupations in Art and Culture

• 5111 Librarians
• 5112 Conservators and Curators
• 5113 Archivists
• 5121 Authors and Writers
• 5122 Editors
• 5123 Journalists
• 5124 Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications
• 5125 Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters
• 5131 Producers, Directors, Choreographers, and Related Occupations
• 5132 Conductors, Composers, and Arrangers
• 5133 Musicians and Singers
• 5134 Dancers
• 5135 Actors and Comedians
• 5136 Painters, Sculptors, and Other Visual Artists

Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation, and Sport

• 5211 Library and Public Archive Technicians
• 5212 Technical Occupations Related to Museums and Art Galleries
• 5221 Photographers
• 5222 Film and Video Camera Operators
• 5223 Graphic Arts Technicians
• 5224 Broadcast Technicians
• 5225 Audio and Video Recording Technicians
• 5226 Other Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, and the Performing Arts
• 5227 Support Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, and the Performing Arts
• 5231 Announcers and Other Broadcasters
• 5232 Other Performers
• 5241 Graphic Designers and Illustrators
• 5242 Interior Designers and Interior Decorators
• 5243 Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit, and Other Creative Designers
• 5244 Artisans and Craftspersons
• 5245 Patternmakers - Textile, Leather, and Fur Products
• 5251 Athletes
• 5252 Coaches
• 5253 Sports Officials and Referees
• 5254 Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport, and Fitness

Requirements

To immigrate to Canada as a self-employed person, you must:

• Have relevant experience.
• Be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada.
• Meet the program’s selection criteria.
• Satisfy medical, security, and other conditions.

Relevant Experience

Your experience is considered relevant if you have:

• Participated in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level, or
• Been self-employed in cultural activities or athletics.

Definitions

Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience. This experience must be within the five-year period before your application date and must continue until a decision is made on your application. More points are awarded for three, four, or five years of experience.

Minimum Experience Requirements

For cultural activities:

• Two one-year periods of self-employment in cultural activities, or
• Two one-year periods of participation at a world-class level in cultural activities, or
• A combination of one year of self-employment and one year of world-class participation in cultural activities.

For athletics:

• Two one-year periods of self-employment in athletics, or
• Two one-year periods of participation at a world-class level in athletics, or
• A combination of one year of self-employment and one year of world-class participation in athletics.

Selection Criteria

You will be assessed on the following selection criteria:

• Experience
• Education
• Age
• Language abilities
• Adaptability

Medical, Security Checks, and Other Requirements

You and your family members must undergo a medical exam and obtain police certificates. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada.

Contact Visa Nexa for Immigration Assistance

Need Canadian immigration assistance for the Self employed Persons Program? If you are a self employed person and planning to get Canadian Permanent Residency, Visa Nexa Inc. is here to help. We can assess your eligibility and submit your application to the Canadian government. With over 10 years of expertise, Visa Nexa in Mississauga, Ontario has been helping clients achieve their dream of becoming Canadians. Our head offices are in Delhi (VISAWALK) and Chandigarh (The Mentors). Reach out to us today and take the first step toward your new life in Canada!

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