Self-Employed Immigration Program in Canada

The Self-Employed Persons Program provided a pathway to permanent residence for people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who intended and were able to become self-employed in Canada.

Before the intake pause, in order to qualify for the program, an applicant had to have at least two years of “relevant experience” within the five years before the application was submitted.

The following information reflects the program requirements in place before the intake pause. These requirements may change if IRCC reopens or redesigns the program.

➤ What Is “Relevant Experience”?

Relevant experience included:

self-employment or freelance work in cultural activities or athletics; or
participation at the world-class level in cultural activities or athletics.

Applicants were assessed in terms of their willingness and ability to make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or athletic life.

This was one of the main factors influencing the outcome of an application and, at the same time, one of the biggest challenges for applicants who were not familiar with how to properly satisfy and document this requirement.

Personal financial assets could also be considered when assessing the applicant’s intention and ability to establish economically in Canada.

There was no minimum investment level established for a self-employed person. The capital required depended on the nature of the proposed professional or business activity.

Freelancers and other self-employed professionals had to demonstrate sufficient funds to create an employment opportunity for themselves and support themselves and their family members.

As a general rule, applicants had to demonstrate that they had been able to support themselves and their families through their talents or professional activities and would likely be able to continue doing so in Canada.

This included the ability to remain financially self-sufficient until their self-employment activities were established.

At Anyvisa, we help clients prepare personalized Settlement and Business Plans as part of a comprehensive Self-Employed immigration strategy.

While the program is currently on hold, professional documentation and strategic planning may remain useful when assessing alternative immigration options or preparing for possible future opportunities.

➤ What Self-Employment Activities Qualified Under This Program?

Depending on the applicant’s professional experience, actual duties and supporting documentation, qualifying activities could include:

photographers, graphic arts technicians and technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts;
announcers and other performers;
creative designers and craftspersons;
athletes, coaches, referees and related occupations;
writing, translating and related communications professionals;
creative and performing artists; and
other qualifying professionals working in cultural activities or athletics.

An occupational title alone did not automatically establish eligibility. Applicants had to demonstrate that their actual experience, professional activities and proposed work in Canada met the applicable program requirements.

➤ Is There a Net Worth or Investment Requirement?

Under the previous program framework:

there was no minimum investment level for a self-employed person;
there was no regulated minimum net worth requirement;
the capital required depended on the nature of the proposed professional or business activity;
applicants had to have sufficient funds to create an employment opportunity for themselves; and
applicants had to demonstrate that they had been able to support themselves and their families through their talents and would likely be able to continue doing so in Canada.

Although there was no fixed minimum investment or net worth requirement, applicants still had to demonstrate that they had sufficient financial resources to establish themselves in Canada.

The appropriate amount depended on the nature of the proposed activity, the applicant’s family size, anticipated settlement costs and the expenses required to establish and maintain the applicant’s self-employment.

Any future version of the program may introduce different financial, professional or selection requirements.

Prepare for Possible Future Opportunities

New applications cannot currently be submitted under the federal Self-Employed Persons Program.

However, individuals with relevant professional experience may begin organizing documentation that could be useful when assessing other immigration pathways or responding to future program developments.

Relevant documents may include:

contracts, invoices and proof of self-employed work;
business registration and tax records;
professional reference letters;
portfolios, publications, performances or exhibitions;
awards, rankings and professional recognition;
evidence of national or international participation;
press coverage and media publications; and
financial records demonstrating income from professional activities.

Preparing these documents does not confirm eligibility for any future program. Official requirements will only be known after IRCC announces whether the Self-Employed Persons Program will reopen, be replaced or be redesigned.

The Self-Employed Persons Program is currently on hold, but IRCC is reviewing its future and exploring options for continuing to attract top global talent to Canada. Now may be the right time to discuss your immigration options, organize your documentation and prepare an appropriate strategy.

Stay tuned for further program updates and possible future opportunities. Book Your Consultation Today!

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Self-Employed Immigration Program

Current Program Status: Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program Is Being Reshaped