Canada•North AmericaSelf-Employed Persons Program
At a Glance
Processing Time
~1522 days
Application Fee
1,575 CAD
Stay Duration
Indefinite
Renewable
No
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Program for self-employed individuals with relevant experience to start or buy businesses in Canada. Point-based assessment with 35-point pass mark.
The Self-Employed Persons Program targets individuals with self-employment experience who intend to establish themselves in Canada as self-employed. This includes entrepreneurs, business owners, artists, and specialized professionals who will create jobs for themselves.
Annual Visa Allocation
5,000 visas per year
The quota is shared with the Start-up Visa program under the 'Federal Business' category in the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan. New application intake is paused as of April 30, 2024, until the end of 2026 to manage existing backlogs.
No lottery system
Check Your Eligibility
Take our quick assessment to see how well you match this visa and get personalized tips
Requirements
Financial
Investment Required
25,000 CAD
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Education
None or higher
Professional
Experience
2+ years
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Proof of self-employment
Business licenses, tax returns, financial statements (2 years)
Passport
Valid identification
Proof of settlement funds
Bank statements, investment accounts showing CAD $25,000+
Business plan
Detailed plan for Canadian business
Police certificate
Criminal record clearance
Medical exam
From approved IRCC physician
Language ability
Demonstrated ability to communicate (not formally tested)
OptionalEducation credentials
School certificates and diplomas
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Direct path to permanent residency
- Can bring spouse and dependent children
- Flexible business types accepted
- No job offer required
- Rewards self-employment experience
Considerations
- Requires significant settlement funds (CAD $25,000+)
- Long processing time (12-18 months)
- Competitive points system
- Must establish viable business plan
- Police and medical checks required
- Point pass mark may change
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 CAD $25,000+ available to establish business
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 $1,575 application 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
Application for Permanent Residence - Self-Employed Persons
Form ID: IMM 4500
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