Self-Employed
Program Description:
Self-employed Persons can come to Canada as a permanent resident if they have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and are willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life in Canada. The work experience for a self-employed person must be for at least two years in the last 5 years.
Program Status:
Key Program Highlights
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.
Program Eligibility Requirements
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.
Selection factors | Points |
Factor 1: Business experience | Maximum 35 points |
Factor 2: Age | Maximum 10 points |
Factor 3: Education | Maximum 25 points |
Factor 4: Ability in English or French | Maximum 24 points |
Factor 5: Adaptability | Maximum 6 points |
Total | Maximum 100 points |
Pass Mark | 35 points |
Program Specific Data Analysis
Data Source: Notice – Supplementary Information 2020-2023 Immigration Levels Plan – Canada.ca.
Key Candidates for the Program
- Key Candidates for the program are self-employed persons in cultural activities or athletics
Step by Step Process
Determine your Eligibility and Gather your Documents
Check that you meet the eligibility requirement. After that get all the necessary documents ready such as language test, passport or travel document, proof of funds, educational credentials, evidence of relevant work experience, etc.
Get your Application Package and Documents Checklist
Before you apply, you need to get the application package and documents checklist. The application package for a self-employed person includes an instruction guide and a document checklist. Read the instructions carefully.
Fill Out your Application Form
Fill out the required forms entirely on a computer, validate the forms, print out all the forms and the barcode page, date, and sign.
Pay your Application Fees and Submit your Application
The estimated application fee per adult is $2,075. This includes a processing fee of $1575 and the right of permanent residence fee of $500.
Apply Now!
HOW TO APPLY
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.
Number of family members | Funds required in Canadian dollars |
1 | $12,960 |
2 | $16,135 |
3 | $19,836 |
4 | $24,083 |
5 | $27,315 |
6 | $30,806 |
7 | $34,299 |
For each additional family member | $3,492 |
- 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. See the break down below:
Fees | Canadian dollar |
Application Processing fee ($1575) and right of permanent residence fee ($500) | $2,075 |
Application without right of permanent residence fee | $1,575 |
Spouse or partner Processing fee ($825) and right of permanent residence fee ($500) | $1,325 |
Spouse or partner without right of permanent residence fee | $825 |
Include a dependant child | $225 (per child) |
Data Source: Fee list
Mail your completed application by mailing your complete application. See mailing instructions.
Biometrics
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.
Processing time
The processing time for a self-employed application is 23 months.
Latest Program Updates
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.
Historical Program Data
Data Source: Canada – Admissions of Permanent Residents by Province/Territory of Intended Destination and Immigration Category, January – November 2020. Open Data.
- References
- IRCC Website on Self-Employed Person Program.
- References
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