Self-Employment

Overview

Self-Employed Persons Program

Canada's Self-Employed Persons Program is a unique federal business immigration pathway designed for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and intend to be self-employed in Canada.

This program targets individuals who can make a significant contribution to Canada's cultural or athletic life at the national level. It is not intended for general entrepreneurs or self-employed professionals; rather, it is specifically for those in artistic, cultural, recreational, and athletic fields.

The program recognizes that artists, athletes, and cultural professionals often work on a self-employed basis and that their contributions enrich Canadian society. Successful applicants receive permanent residence for themselves and their accompanying family members.

At Grandview Immigration, we help self-employed individuals in cultural and athletic fields assess their eligibility and prepare comprehensive applications that demonstrate their potential contributions to Canada.

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Self-Employed Persons Program, you must meet specific criteria related to your experience, your intent to be self-employed in Canada, and the overall selection criteria. The program uses a points-based selection system that is separate from Express Entry.

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Relevant Experience: At least two years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level. Experience must be acquired within the five years before applying.
• Intent to Be Self-Employed: A genuine intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada in your field of cultural or athletic activity.
• Selection Criteria: A minimum of 35 points out of 100 on the selection grid, which evaluates experience, education, age, language proficiency, and adaptability.
• Medical, Security, and Financial Requirements: You and your family must pass medical and security checks and demonstrate sufficient financial resources.

It is important to note that this program evaluates candidates differently from other immigration streams. The focus is on the quality and significance of your cultural or athletic achievements and your potential to contribute to Canada, rather than conventional employment factors.

Experience

What Counts as Relevant Experience

Relevant experience for the Self-Employed Persons Program is defined very specifically. Understanding what qualifies — and what does not — is essential before committing to this pathway.

Relevant experience includes at least two years of one of the following:

• Self-employment in cultural activities or athletics — You have been self-employed (not as an employee) in a cultural or athletic activity at a world-class level
• Participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics — You have participated in cultural activities or athletics at an internationally recognized level of excellence
• A combination of one year of self-employment and one year of world-class participation

Cultural activities broadly include fields such as music, theatre, dance, visual arts, creative writing, film and television, fashion, design, and crafts. Roles include performers, creators, authors, painters, sculptors, filmmakers, musicians, composers, and other artistic professionals.

Athletics include activities performed by athletes, coaches, referees, trainers, and sports officials at a national or international competitive level.

Our team can help you assess whether your experience meets the program's definition and advise on how to document and present your achievements effectively in your application.