Canada•North America

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Self-Employed Persons Program

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

10 years

Estimated Cost

CA$2,495 CAD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

8% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$50,000

Quality of Life

172/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

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.

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Cost Breakdown

Processing feeCA$1,895 CAD

Right of Permanent Residence FeeCA$600 CAD

TotalCA$2,495 CAD

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Permanent / indefinite

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

2+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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

Application Process

Verify experience: Confirm at least 2 years self-employment or business experience

Gather documentation: Collect business records, financial statements, and experience proof

Prove settlement funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada

Create account: Set up IRCC online account

Complete application: Submit self-employed persons program application

Provide business plan: Detail business idea, market analysis, and financial projections

Pay application fee: Pay CAD $2,495 (CAD $1,895 processing fee + CAD $600 Right of Permanent Residence Fee)

Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photograph

Police and medical: Obtain criminal record check and medical exam

Receive decision: IRCC reviews and renders final decision

Application Forms

Go to application portal

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

Verified Claims (30)

Last verified May 31, 2026

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

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Canada

Cost of Living

8% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$50,000

Quality of Life

172/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

Program for self-employed individuals with relevant experience to start or buy businesses in Canada. Point-based assessment with 35-point pass mark.

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.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

2+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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

Application Process