The Self-employed Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently. If you’re interested in this program, you must:
- have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and
- be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada

Eligibility

To immigrate as a self-employed person, you must:

- Have relevant experience
- be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada
- meet the program selection criteria and
- meet medical, security and other conditions

Relevant experience

Your experience is relevant if you have:

- taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or
- been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics

Definitions

Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience.

It must be during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day we make a decision on your application.

You can get more points if you have 3, 4, or 5 years of experience.

At a minimum, your experience must be:

Selection criteria

The CIC assess you on selection criteria that include your:

- experience
- education
- age
- language abilities
- adaptability

Medical, security checks and other requirements

You and your family members must have a medical exam and get police certificates.

You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you get to Canada.

Self- employed person: Selection Criteria

To qualify as a self-employed immigrant, you must:

- meet the definition of a self-employed person
- get a minimum of 35 points after the CIC grade you based on our five selection criteria and point system

Your Score

Your maximum possible score is 100. The pass mark is currently 35 points, but it may change.

The CIC select candidates based on:

- the documents that you give us
- your score under each of the selection criteria
- you meeting the definition of a self-employed person

As part of the immigration process, the CIC may ask to interview you. During the interview, a visa officer will ask you to explain:

- information that is unclear or inconsistent
- shortcomings or gaps in the documents that you provide

If there’s a difference between your statement of your qualifications and the visa officer’s assessment, the CIC will award points based on the officer’s decision.

Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify for Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.

For more information, Contact us.