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Self-Employed Persons Program
CanadaCanada•North America
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Self-Employed Persons Program

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

10 years

Estimated Cost

CAD $2,495

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Program for self-employed individuals with relevant experience to start or buy businesses in Canada. Point-based assessment with 35-point pass mark.

Canada's Self-Employed Persons Program offers permanent residence to individuals with at least two years of experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management who intend to be self-employed in Canada. Selection uses a 35-point grid covering age, education, experience, language, and adaptability.

The program leads directly to permanent residence, with dependents included and spouses able to work without restriction. Fees total CAD 2,495 (CAD 1,895 processing + CAD 600 Right of Permanent Residence). Intake has been paused since April 2024; only pre-existing applications are being processed.

This visa is ideal for artists, athletes, musicians, filmmakers, and coaches with a strong track record who want to live and work independently in Canada without a job offer.

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Cost Breakdown

Processing feeCAD $1,895
Right of Permanent Residence FeeCAD $600
TotalCAD $2,495

Stay & Extensions

Status typePermanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics

Must have at least two years of experience (self-employed or world-class participation) within the five-year period prior to application

Must meet the minimum passing score (35 points) on the selection criteria (Age, Education, Experience, Language, Adaptability)

Must demonstrate the intention and ability to make a significant contribution to Canada's cultural or athletic life

Must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family for at least one year

Must meet health and security requirements

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

2+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)

Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

Schedule 6A: Business Immigrants – Self-Employed Persons (IMM 0008 Schedule 6A)

Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)

Proof of relevant experience (contracts, portfolios, awards, etc.)

Business plan demonstrating ability to be self-employed in Canada

Proof of funds (bank statements, assets)

Language test results

Educational credentials

Police certificates and medical exam results

Application Process

1

Verify experience

Confirm at least 2 years self-employment or business experience

2

Gather documentation

Collect business records, financial statements, and experience proof

3

Prove settlement funds

Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada

4

Create account

Set up IRCC online account

5

Complete application

Submit self-employed persons program application

6

Provide business plan

Detail business idea, market analysis, and financial projections

7

Pay application fee

Pay CAD $2,495 (CAD $1,895 processing fee + CAD $600 Right of Permanent Residence Fee)

8

Biometrics

Provide fingerprints and photograph

9

Police and medical

Obtain criminal record check and medical exam

10

Receive decision

IRCC reviews and renders final decision

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 4500
Applying for Permanent Residence – Business Class Applicants: Quebec Selected Self-Employed and Federal Self-Employed Persons
Fill online
IMM 0008 SCH6A
Schedule 6A: Business Immigrants – Self-Employed Persons
Fill online

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