Self-Employed Persons Program

The Self-Employed Persons Program is a federal permanent residence pathway that allows foreign nationals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics to immigrate to Canada based on their ability to become self-employed and make a significant contribution to the country's cultural or athletic life. The program targets individuals with at least two years of relevant experience -- either through self-employment in cultural activities or athletics, or through participation at the world-class level. The program has been paused for new applications since April 30, 2024, and IRCC has indicated intake will remain restricted through the end of 2026 while existing applications continue to be processed.

The program covers a focused range of occupations in Canada's cultural and athletic sectors:

• Authors and writers
• Creative and performing artists, musicians
• Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists
• Creative designers and craftspeople
• Film and motion picture technical support roles
• Competitive athletes at a national or international level

The program does not cover general freelancers, tech workers, or professionals outside cultural and athletic fields.

Applicants must score at least 35 points out of 100 on a selection grid assessing:

• Experience (max 35 points) -- At least 2 years of relevant self-employment or world-class participation within the past 5 years (experience window runs through to the date a decision is made)
• Education (max 25 points) -- No specific minimum credential required, but higher education earns more points
• Language ability (max 24 points) -- English via IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General; French via TEF Canada or TCF Canada
• Age (max 10 points) -- Maximum points for ages 21-49; zero points at 16 or under, or 54 and over
• Adaptability (max 6 points) -- Including up to 5 points if spouse/partner has a post-secondary credential

Meeting the pass mark does not guarantee approval -- the visa officer retains discretion to assess whether the applicant can become economically established and make a significant contribution.

There is no regulated minimum net worth or income requirement. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and any dependants for at least one year and to finance their self-employment activity. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, property valuations, and business financial statements.

Applications are submitted online through the IRCC Permanent Residence portal. Required forms include IMM 0008, IMM 5669, IMM 5406, IMM 5562, IMM 5784, and Schedule 6A. After submission, IRCC performs a completeness check, then a visa officer assesses the application against the selection criteria. The officer may request an interview. Medical examinations are conducted by IRCC-approved Panel Physicians. Upon approval, the applicant receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document.

Note: New applications are not currently being accepted. Only existing backlog applications are being processed.

Before April 30, 2026:

• Principal applicant: CAD $1,810 processing + CAD $575 RPRF = CAD $2,385
• Spouse/partner: CAD $950 processing + CAD $575 RPRF = CAD $1,525
• Dependent child: CAD $260 processing
• Biometrics: CAD $85 per person (max CAD $170 per family)

From April 30, 2026:

• Principal applicant: CAD $1,895 processing + CAD $600 RPRF = CAD $2,495
• Spouse/partner and dependent child fees also increasing

Spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be included. Each must undergo a medical examination and provide police certificates (for those aged 18+). Family members receive permanent resident status simultaneously with the principal applicant. There is no separate language test or selection criteria assessment for dependants.

Permanent residents may apply for Canadian citizenship after accumulating 1,095 days (3 years) of physical presence in Canada within the 5 years preceding the citizenship application.

• "World-class" participation means the applicant is internationally recognized and performs at the highest levels in their discipline
• Processing times had exceeded 4 years prior to the April 2024 pause due to a backlog of over 43,200 cases
• Under the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the combined Federal Business category was allocated 500 annual admissions
• The 2026 Express Entry reforms introduced five new category-based selection categories (medical doctors, researchers, senior managers, transport workers, military recruits) -- none overlap with cultural or athletic self-employment
• IRCC indicated more information about a new pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs will be communicated in 2026
• Quebec-destined applicants must also provide a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)