Self-Employed Persons Program
This program is for people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who intend to be self-employed in Canada and make a significant contribution in their field. Experience must be self-employment in, or world-class participation in, culture or athletics. Applicants are scored on a selection grid covering experience, education, age, language and adaptability, with a pass mark of 35 points.
Paused
Intake paused since April 30, 2024; the pause was extended until further notice in December 2025 / March 2026 updates. Applications received before the pause continue to be processed.
Status
Job offer
How you apply
Key requirements
| Age | No minimum age stated; age is one of the five selection factors (maximum 10 points) |
| Education | No minimum stated; education is one of the five selection factors (maximum 25 points) |
| Language | Language ability in English or French is scored as a selection factor (maximum 24 points); no fixed minimum benchmark was confirmed on the official eligibility page |
| Work experience | At least 2 years of relevant experience in the period starting 5 years before applying: two 1-year periods of self-employment, or world-class participation, or a combination, in cultural activities or athletics |
| Job offer | Not required |
| How you apply | Direct application when you meet the requirements |
| Points system | Self-Employed Persons selection grid (100 points, pass mark 35) |
Summary only — requirements change and details decide real cases. Always confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed/eligibility.html (this record was verified against that source on 23 Oct 2026). This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Guides for this program
Guide: Business immigration: start-up visa, self-employed, and investor routes
Entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed people who want permanent residence through a business or cultural or athletic contribution.
Not sure this is your program?
Answer a few questions and get a free eligibility assessment from a licensed consultant.
How long will it take?
Current IRCC processing-time estimates, recorded daily.