Self-Employed Persons Program

The Self-Employed Persons Program allows applicants with relevant experience in culture or athletics to immigrate to Canada, provided that they make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada. This category is quite broad, and will include occupations such as music teachers, painters, illustrators, film makers and freelance journalists. Beyond that, the category is intended to capture those people who work behind the scenes, such as choreographers, set designers, coaches and trainers. Those who are self-employed at a world class level, such as athletes and performers, can also be included.

In order to qualify under this program, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience in one of the relevant activities of culture or athletics. These two years of experience must have been gained during the five-year period immediately preceding the date of their application for permanent residence.

Relevant experience in respect of a self-employed person means:

For at least two years in the period beginning five years before the date of application:

• Self-employment in cultural activities or athletics.

• Participation, at the world-class level, in cultural activities or athletics.

Self-employed immigrants must have the experience, intention and ability to establish a business that will, at a minimum, create an employment opportunity for themselves and that will make a significant contribution to cultural activities or athletics in Canada.