The Self-employed Person Program allows people with professional cultural or athletic work experience to live, create and run their own businesses in Canada. To immigrate via this pathway, you must show that you and your business have the ability to contribute significantly to Canada’s economy. Therefore, you’ll find the rest of this full of useful information to help you determine your eligibility and how you can apply to the program.
Eligibility requirements for the Self-employed Persons Program
In addition to proving your willingness and ability to be self-employed, you must also have:
At least two years of relevant work experience in cultural or athletic fields
Your work experience is relevant if you’ve been self-employed in athletic or cultural fields for at least 2 years; or participated at a global level in athletics or cultural activities for a minimum of 2 years. This experience must be obtained within the 5 years prior to your application. Some of the occupations that fall under Canada’s athletic and cultural fields include:
- Librarians
- Authors and writers
- Editors and journalists
- Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness
- Singers
- Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists
- Dancers
- Sports officials and referees
- Comedians and actors
- Interior designers and interior decorators
- Photographers
- Athletes and coaches
- Designers
Note that Canada stopped accepting applications for farmers under the Self-employed Person program in March 2018.
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Sufficient funds to support your needs and those of your dependents
The Self-Employed Person Program has no set minimum net worth criterion. You, however, must show that you have the money to cater for yourself and any dependents you immigrate with. You must also be able to finance the self-employment activity that led to your selection.
Satisfy selection criteria for age, education, language, etc.
Canada uses a points-based system to evaluate immigration applications. This includes those from the Self-employed Persons Program. Candidates currently need to have a minimum of 35 points and a maximum of 100 points to qualify. The selection criteria and their awarded points include:
- Education (25 points) – The lowest available score is 5 (for high school), while the highest is 25 (for a Ph.D. with a minimum of 17 years of study).
- Work experience (35 points) – You get the highest points if you have a minimum of 5 years.
- Age (10 points) – Ages 21 to 49, get all 10 points.
- Adaptability (6 points) – Points are based on your spouse/partner’s educational level, your work or study history in Canada, and the presence of Canadian relatives.
- Language abilities (24 points) – The higher your language proficiency, the higher your points
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How to apply
If you meet these requirements, the next step is to visit the government website and create a permanent resident application account. Pay the $2,225 CAD ($2140 for application and $85 for biometrics) fees, fill out all the provided documents, and upload any documents required. They’ll include a language test (IELTS), medical examination, proof of funds, police clearance, and other documents.
Upon submission of your application, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada) will review your application and make a final decision. If your application is successful, you will receive your permanent residency visa. The visa will include your COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) and your entry visa.
How much does immigrating to Canada via the Self-employed Person Program cost?
The application processing fee for one person is $2,140 CAD. It includes a $1625 CAD processing fee and a $515 CAD right of permanent residence fee. If you’re immigrating with your spouse or partner, it’ll cost an extra $1365 CAD for their application fee. The application fee for a dependent child is $230 CAD per child. In addition to that, there’s the biometric fee of $85 CAD per person. For a family of 2 or more, it’s $170 CAD, maximum. A group of 3 or more people (music groups, business partners, etc.) will pay $255 CAD.
Generally speaking, there’s no definite way to find the exact cost of immigrating to Canada. The reason for this is the involvement of 3rd parties in many parts of the application process. For instance, the costs of language tests, Education Credential Assessment, medical exams, and courier services will differ by service provider.
Pros and cons of the Self-employed Person Program
With the absence of a minimum settlement fund requirement, immigrating to Canada via this program has comparatively lower costs. You just have to show that you have enough to take care of yourself and set up your business in Canada. There’s also the benefit of easy access to a ready market for your services to consider.
However, with a processing time of 41 months, the Self-employed Person Program can take a lot of time. The specificity of the skills required to be eligible for the program might pose a hurdle for some applicants. Interestingly, that might just be a blessing in disguise as it lowers the competition and increases your chances of getting selected.
Conclusion
Migrating to Canada via the Self-employed Person Program is a great way to experience and contribute to the country’s economy, culture, and lifestyle. If you’re eligible for this pathway, you can easily immigrate to Canada and become your own boss as it requires no sponsorship or job offer.