What is the Self-Employed Persons Program?

The Self-Employed Persons Program provides opportunity for experienced persons who are self-employed in a cultural activity or self-employed in athletics to immigrate to Canada and acquire permanent residence status.

You must have a minimum score of 35 points on a selection grid that is designed to determine if you are able to make an economic contribution to Canada.

Requirements for the Self-Employed Persons Program

The Self-Employed Persons Program requires you must:

  • have relevant experience (see below),
  • be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada,
  • meet the program’s selection criteria and,
  • meet medical, security and other conditions.

Revenant Experience : Self-Employed Persons Program

This means you must;

  • have at least two (2) years of experience,
  • have gained the two (2) years’ experience during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decision of your application
  • have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and,
  • be willing and able to make a significant contribution (see below) to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.

At a minimum, your experience must be in the following:

For cultural activities;
  1. two times (2x) one-year periods being self-employed in cultural activities, or…
  2. two times (2x) one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural activities, or…
  3. a combination of a one-year period described in (#1 above), and a one-year period described in (#2 above).
For athletics;
  1. two times (2x) one-year periods being self-employed in athletics or,
  2. two times (2x) one-year periods participating at a world class level in athletics or,
  3. a combination of a one-year period described in (#1 above), and a one-year period described in (#2 above).

Significant Contribution – definition

According to the Government of Canada’s website, they define “significant contribution” as follows:

There is no formal definition of “significant contribution.” Visa officers can use their judgment. A contribution to athletics or the arts, even at less than a national standard, may still be significant at the local level.

Please note that you must contribute to economic activities in Canada. This does not mean you cannot contribute to some activities outside of Canada

Link: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=292&top=6

Selection Criteria

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assess you on the following selection criteria:

  • experience,
  • education,
  • age,
  • language abilities,
  • adaptability.

Medical Requirements – Security Checks and Other Requirements

  • You and your family members must have a medical exam,
  • You and your family must obtain police certificates,
  • You must prove you possess enough settlement funds to support yourself and your family after immigrating to Canada.

Benefits of the Self-Employed Persons Program

  • Your partner, spouse and family can also apply along with you,
  • You gain more points if you have 3, 4, or 5 years of “relevant experience”,
  • Self-Employed Program provides an option for people who may not qualify for some economic immigration programs and/or whose employment status or occupation may limit their Canadian immigration options, but instead fit the “Self-Employed Program”.

Restrictions of the Self-Employed Persons Program

The Self-Employed Persons Program does not apply to the Province of Quebec, who has its own business immigration program.

Exemptions to the Self-Employed Persons Program

There are no known exemptions that apply to the Self-Employed Persons Program.

What can Firebird Consultants do for your application to the Self-Employed Persons Program?

Firebird Consultants will help you with the initial assessment, application preparation and correspondence on your behalf with the federal and/or provincial government until the final decision is made on your application to the Self-Employed Persons Program.

If you are looking for a Russian speaking immigration consultant in Vernon, Kelowna, Okanagan, or in Canada to provide immigration support – please contact us for a free assessment.

Contact Firebird Consultants