Self-Employed Canada Program

The Self-Employed Canada Program offers a pathway to permanent residence for talented self-employed professionals in cultural and athletic fields. It is designed for individuals with proven experience who are ready to make a significant contribution to Canada’s artistic, cultural, or sports landscape.

To qualify, you must achieve at least 35 points out of 100 based on the following five factors:

1. Relevant Experience

You must have at least 2 years of full-time, directly related self-employment experience within the past five years. Points in this category range from 20 to 35 depending on the duration of your experience. Eligible occupations include:

Cultural Occupations: Writers, authors, musicians, painters, visual artists, sculptors, those in motion pictures, craftspeople, creative designers, etc.
Athletic Occupations: Coaches, athletes, referees, sports officials, and instructors or leaders in sports, fitness, and recreation.

2. Age

Up to 10 points can be earned if you are between 21 and 49 years of age. Applicants aged 16 or under, and 54 or above, score 0 points in this category.

3. Education

Education points range from 5 to 25, based on your highest level of education. For example:

Master’s/Ph.D. (min. 17 years full-time): 25 points
Two or more University degrees (min. 15 years): 22 points
Three years of Trade Certification/Diploma/Apprenticeship (min. 15 years): 22 points
Two or more years of a University degree (min. 14 years): 20 points
One-year University degree (min. 13 years): 15 points
One-year Trade Certification/Diploma/Apprenticeship (min. 13 years): 15 points
One-year Trade Certification/Diploma/Apprenticeship (min. 12 years): 12 points
High School: 5 points

4. Language Proficiency

You must take an approved language test (such as IELTS, CELPIP-G for English or TEF Canada/TCF Canada for French). Based on your ability to listen, speak, read, and write, you can earn up to 24 points.

5. Adaptability

This factor can earn you up to 6 points. Elements that help include:

Spouse’s or common-law partner’s level of education (3 to 5 points)
Previous Canadian work experience (5 points)
Previous Canadian education (5 points)
Close relatives in Canada (citizens or permanent residents – 5 points)

If your cumulative score meets or exceeds 35 points—and you meet the eligible occupation criteria—you may qualify under the Self-Employed Canada Program.

Application Fees and Biometrics

For the Principal Applicant:
Business Immigration Application Fee: CAD $1,625 plus Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $515.

For a Spouse/Partner:
Application Fee: CAD $850 plus RPRF: CAD $515.

For Each Dependent Child:
Additional Fee: CAD $230.

Note: The application fees for the principal applicant and spouse/partner are non-refundable once processing starts, but the RPRF may be refunded if you withdraw your application, choose not to travel to Canada, or if your application is rejected.

Biometrics:
Per Person: CAD $85.00.
For a Family (2 or more people): Maximum fee is CAD $170.00.

Recent IRCC updates have helped streamline this process while ensuring self-employed individuals in cultural and athletic fields have a fair chance to contribute to Canada’s vibrant society.