Canada•North America48 months
2,495 CAD
Indefinite
No
Not Required
Allowed
Available
Not Required
Program for self-employed individuals with relevant experience to start or buy businesses in Canada. Point-based assessment with 35-point pass mark.
Canada's Self-Employed Persons Program offers permanent residence to individuals with at least two years of experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management who intend to be self-employed in Canada. Selection uses a 35-point grid covering age, education, experience, language, and adaptability.
The program leads directly to permanent residence, with dependents included and spouses able to work without restriction. Fees total CAD 2,495 (CAD 1,895 processing + CAD 600 Right of Permanent Residence). Intake has been paused since April 2024; only pre-existing applications are being processed.
This visa is ideal for artists, athletes, musicians, filmmakers, and coaches with a strong track record who want to live and work independently in Canada without a job offer.
Processing fee | 1,895 CAD |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee | 600 CAD |
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Must have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics
Must have at least two years of experience (self-employed or world-class participation) within the five-year period prior to application
Must meet the minimum passing score (35 points) on the selection criteria (Age, Education, Experience, Language, Adaptability)
Must demonstrate the intention and ability to make a significant contribution to Canada's cultural or athletic life
Must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family for at least one year
Must meet health and security requirements
Education
none or higher
Experience
2+ years
Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
Schedule 6A: Business Immigrants – Self-Employed Persons (IMM 0008 Schedule 6A)
Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
Supplementary Information - Your travels (IMM 5562)
Proof of relevant experience (contracts, portfolios, awards, etc.)
Business plan demonstrating ability to be self-employed in Canada
Proof of funds (bank statements, assets)
Language test results
Educational credentials
Police certificates and medical exam results
| IMM 4500 Applying for Permanent Residence – Business Class Applicants: Quebec Selected Self-Employed and Federal Self-Employed Persons | Fill online |
| IMM 0008 SCH6A Schedule 6A: Business Immigrants – Self-Employed Persons | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Verify experience: Confirm at least 2 years self-employment or business experience; Gather documenta… | canada.ca |
| Criminal Policy | Applicants must provide police certificates for all countries where they have lived for 6 months or … | canada.ca |
| Dependent Visa | Dependents allowed, spouse can work | canada.ca |
| Fee Breakdown | Processing fee: 1895 CAD; Right of Permanent Residence Fee: 600 CAD | canada.ca |
| Fee Breakdown · Processing fee · amount | 1895 | canada.ca |
| Fee Breakdown · Right of Permanent Residence Fee · amount | 600 | canada.ca |
| Fees | CAD 2,495 (CAD 1,895 processing fee + CAD 600 Right of Permanent Residence Fee) | canada.ca |
| Forms | Application for Permanent Residence - Self-Employed Persons | canada.ca |
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