Self-Employed

For an applicant to qualify as an immigrant under the self-employed program, they must meet a self-employed person’s definition. A self-employed person is a permanent resident admitted to Canada because of their relevant experience in being self-employed. The applicant must intend and be able to become self-employed in Canada in the arts or athletics.

Data Source: Canada – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Province/Territory of Intended Destination and Immigration Category, January 2015 – October 2020 PR-ImmCat IRCC Open Data.

Data Source: Notice – Supplementary Information 2020-2023 Immigration Levels Plan – Canada.ca.

Key Candidates for the program are self-employed persons in cultural activities or athletics

You must meet specific eligibility to immigrate as a self-employed person:

To be successful, an applicant must get a minimum of 35 points out of a maximum of 100 points based on the five selection criteria and point system.

Certain steps must be completed before you apply. These are listed below:

• Meet the language requirement:

English and French are the official languages in Canada. Applicants for the self-employed program are required to take a language test to prove their language skills. Language Test results are valid for 2 years.

 Acceptable English language test:

• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). Note: Register for the CELPIP-General test.
• International English Language Testing System ( IELTS). Book your test at the British Council IELTS Online Application. Note: Register for the IELTS English General Training Test.

    Acceptable French Language Test:

• Test d’evaluation de français (TEF)
• Test de connaissance du français (TCF)

   Link to Language requirement.

• Educational Credential Assessments (ECA) for immigration purposes. This is done to verify that your education is valid and equivalent to a Canadian one. An ECA report will be issued after evaluating your transcripts and professional qualifications.

Different designated organizations can help evaluate your credentials.

List of designated organizations for ECA:

• World Education Services
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada.
• Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
• International Credential Services

• Proof of Funds: Every applicant under the self-employed program must provide evidence of funds to support themselves and any family member. The number of funds you need will depend on the size of your family. This minimum amount is updated yearly. Proof of funds is the evidence that shows candidates have enough funds to settle in Canada. Find below a breakdown of the minimum funds you must have to immigrate to Canada.

• Follow this link to view the most up to date funds required.

Examples of acceptable proof of funds include official Bank statements, investment certificates, gift deeds, etc. The money must be readily available to you when you submit your application and receive your visa.

After completing the above steps, it is time to apply for your permanent residence visa under the self-employed person program.

The application is paper-based.

• Get your application package and documents checklist and read the instructions carefully.
• Fill out your application forms entirely on a computer, validate the forms, print out all the forms, including the barcode page, date, and sign the forms.
• Pay your application fees. The estimated cost per Adult is $2,075.

The estimated cost per Adult is $2,075. See the break down below:

     Data Source: Fee list

Mail your completed application by mailing your complete application. See mailing instructions.

Applicants may be required to give their biometrics for permanent residence applications. You must give your fingerprints and photos.  Visit this link to learn more about how to give your Biometrics. Estimated Cost – $85 Individual, $170 Family.

The processing time for a self-employed application is 23 months.

Self-employed person whose application for permanent residence was approved must use ArriveCAN to submit their travel and contact information, quarantine plan, and COVID-19 symptoms self-assessment before checking in at the airport or crossing the border. Learn more about arriving in Canada.