Canada's Self-Employed Persons Immigration Program offers a pathway for skilled individuals in cultural activities or athletics to establish themselves as permanent residents in Canada. Here's what you need to know about this program:
The Self-Employed Persons Program is tailored for individuals who possess relevant experience and the intention to contribute significantly to Canada's cultural or athletic landscape. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria and score above a minimum threshold in the program's selection criteria to be considered for immigration.
The Self-Employed Persons Program under Canada’s immigration framework provides opportunities for skilled individuals in various artistic, cultural, and athletic fields to establish themselves as permanent residents. Eligible occupations within these domains include:
Professional Occupations in Art and Culture:
| Code | Occupation |
| 5111 | Librarians |
| 5112 | Conservators and Curators |
| 5113 | Archivists |
| 5121 | Authors and Writers |
| 5122 | Editors |
| 5123 | Journalists |
| 5124 | Professionals in Public Relations and Communications |
| 5125 | Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters |
| 5131 | Producers, Directors, Choreographers, and Related Occupations |
| 5132 | Conductors, Composers, and Arrangers |
| 5133 | Musicians and Singers |
| 5134 | Dancers |
| 5135 | Actors and Comedians |
| 5136 | Painters, Sculptors, and Other Visual Artists |
Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation, and Sport:
| Code | Occupation |
| 5211 | Library and Public Archive Technicians |
| 5212 | Technical Occupations Related to Museums and Art Galleries |
| 5221 | Photographers |
| 5222 | Film and Video Camera Operators |
| 5223 | Graphic Arts Technicians |
| 5224 | Broadcast Technicians |
| 5225 | Audio and Video Recording Technicians |
| 5226 | Other Technical and Coordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, and the Performing Arts |
| 5227 | Support Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, and the Performing Arts |
| 5231 | Announcers and Other Broadcasters |
| 5232 | Other Performers |
| 5241 | Graphic Designers and Illustrators |
| 5242 | Interior Designers and Interior Decorators |
| 5243 | Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit, and Other Creative Designers |
| 5244 | Artisans and Craftspersons |
| 5245 | Patternmakers – Textile, Leather, and Fur Products |
Additionally, occupations in athletics and sports are also eligible:
| Code | Occupation |
| 5251 | Athletes |
| 5252 | Coaches |
| 5253 | Sports Officials and Referees |
| 5254 | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport, and Fitness |
These occupations encompass a wide range of roles in the cultural, artistic, and athletic sectors, reflecting the diverse talents and expertise sought under Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program.
Applications for the Self-Employed Persons Program are evaluated based on the points assessment system for self-employed business immigration to Canada. The pass mark for this program is 35 points out of 100. Candidates are assessed on various factors including experience, age, education, language proficiency in English or French, and adaptability. Each factor has a maximum point allocation, contributing to the overall score of the application.
| Selection Factors | Points |
| Experience | Up to 35 |
| Age | Up to 10 |
| Education | Up to 25 |
| Ability in English or French | Up to 24 |
| Adaptability | Up to 6 |
| Total | 100 |
| Pass Mark | 35 |
Factor 1: Experience
Relevant experience is crucial for candidates applying to the Self-Employed Persons Program. Here’s how experience is evaluated:
| Years of Experience | Points |
| Two years | 20 |
| Three years | 25 |
| Four years | 30 |
| Five years | 35 |
Applicants can earn up to 35 points under the experience factor. It’s important to note that relevant experience must have been obtained within the five-year period before the application is signed and remains valid until a decision is made on the application. This factor plays a significant role in determining the eligibility of candidates for the program.
Factor 2: Age
Age plays a significant role in the selection process for the Self-Employed Persons Program. Points are awarded based on the applicant’s age at the time of application:
| Age | Points |
| 16 or under | 0 |
| 17 | 2 |
| 18 | 4 |
| 19 | 6 |
| 20 | 8 |
| 21-49 | 10 |
| 50 | 8 |
| 51 | 6 |
| 52 | 4 |
| 53 | 2 |
| 54+ | 0 |
Applicants aged between 21 and 49 receive the maximum of 10 points, while points decrease for younger and older applicants. This factor acknowledges the importance of age in assessing the suitability and potential contribution of candidates to Canada’s cultural or athletic sectors.
Factor 3: Education
Education is a key consideration in the assessment process for the Self-Employed Persons Program. Points are allocated based on the level of education attained:
| Education | Points |
| Master’s Degree or Ph.D. and at least 17 years of study | 25 |
| Two or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level and at least 15 years of study | 22 |
| Three-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship and at least 15 years of study | 22 |
| University degree of two years or more at the bachelor’s level and at least 14 years of study | 20 |
| Two-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship and at least 14 years of study | 20 |
| One-year university degree at the bachelor’s level and at least 13 years of study | 15 |
| One-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship and at least 13 years of study | 15 |
| One-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship and at least 12 years of study | 12 |
| High school diploma | 5 |
Self-employed applicants can earn up to 25 points under the education factor, with points awarded based on the highest level of education achieved and the duration of study. This factor recognizes the importance of educational attainment in assessing the qualifications of candidates for the program.
Factor 4: Language Ability
Language proficiency is an essential aspect evaluated in the Self-Employed Persons Program, with applicants eligible to earn up to 24 points based on their proficiency in English or French.
| Proficiency Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
| HIGH | High | High | High | High |
| MODERATE | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| BASIC | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| NO | Does not meet Basic Level | Does not meet Basic Level | Does not meet Basic Level | Does not meet Basic Level |
Applicants’ language proficiency is evaluated across speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, with each skill level corresponding to a specific point allocation. Proficiency in either English or French is crucial for successful integration into Canadian society and the workforce.
Factor 5: Adaptability
Adaptability is a significant consideration in the assessment of candidates for the Self-Employed Persons Program. Points are awarded based on various factors related to adaptability:
| Adaptability Factor | Points |
| Spouse or common-law partner’s level of education | |
| – Secondary school (high school) diploma or less | 0 |
| – A one-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship, or university degree and at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 3 |
| – A two or three-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship, or university degree and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 4 |
| – A master’s degree or PhD and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 5 |
| Previous work in Canada | |
| – Applicant or accompanying spouse/common-law partner has completed a minimum of one year of full-time work in Canada on a valid work permit | 5 |
| Previous study in Canada | |
| – Applicant or accompanying spouse/common-law partner has completed a program of full-time study of at least two years’ duration at a post-secondary institution in Canada. This must be done after 17 years of age and with a valid study permit. Note: No need for a degree or diploma for these two years of study to earn points. | 5 |
| Relatives in Canada | |
| – Applicant or accompanying spouse/common-law partner has a relative (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle) who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Canada | 5 |
Individuals interested in immigrating to Quebec should be aware that the province has a separate selection system for self-employed persons. Adaptability points recognize various factors that contribute to the successful integration of candidates into Canadian society and the workforce.
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