CANADA SELF-EMPLOYED PERSON PROGRAM
Program Overview
The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person.
If you are 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
No Asset Requirements
Self-employed immigrants in Canada have no explicit net worth requirements
Fewer Requirements
No mandatory requirements on age, language, education, or management experience
Fast Approval Process
Short application period, typically 2 years to obtain permanent residence in Canada
Residency for the Whole Family
The entire family can obtain green cards, including spouse, children.
Gateway to Quality Education
Canadian schools are known for their high standards of education, offering a wide range of educational opportunities
Program Requirements
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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 2 years of experience.
Relevant experience must be within the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes a decision on your application.
More points awarded for applicants with 3, 4, or 5 years of experience.
At a minimum, your experience must be:
● For cultural activities:
a. Two years of self-employment history in cultural activities, or
b. Two-years of demonstrated participation at the world-class level in cultural activities, or
c. A combination of a one-year period described in (a), and a one-year period described in (b)
● For athletics:
a. Two-year of self-employment history in athletics, or
b. Two-year periods of demonstrated participation at the world-class level in athletics, or
c. A combination of a one-year period described in (a) above, and a one-year period described in (b) above -
Selection criteria
Maximum possible score of 100. The current pass mark is 35 points (subject to change).
Education maximum points: 25
Experience maximum points: 35
Age maximum points: 10
Ability in English and/or French maximum points: 24
Adaptability maximum points: 6 -
Medical, security checks and other requirements
● You and your family members are required to undergo a medical examination and provide a clean criminal record.
● You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
Processing
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Consultation, evaluation, contract signing and consultation evaluation
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Collect information and fill out the application forms
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Pay application fees
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Submit application
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Receive approval and obtain your Canadian immigration file number
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Attend interview
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Obtain approval
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Make arrangements to travel to Canada and begin your new life
Q&A
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Q: Who is eligible for the Canada self-employed person program?
A: Individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, meet the criteria set by the program, and can demonstrate their ability to become self-employed in Canada are eligible for the program.
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Q: What type of experience is considered relevant for the Canada self-employed person program?
A: Relevant experience includes participating in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or being self-employed in these fields for a minimum period.
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Q: What qualifications are needed for a self-employed immigrant in Canada?
A: Notable achievements like winning world-class competitions or gaining national recognition are beneficial but not mandatory for Canada's self-employed immigration program. Unlike the EB1A and NIW programs in the United States, exceptional professional accomplishments are not required. Instead, applicants must demonstrate professionalism, self-sufficiency in their field, and dedication to their profession. Meeting or exceeding industry standards is sufficient while highlighting the applicant's potential to conduct business in Canada and contribute to society.
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Q: What are some examples of evidence of self-employment income?
A: Evidence of self-employment income can include: Agreements or contracts with customers or suppliers; certificates of completed work; certificates containing contribution amounts to a pension fund; tax reports; bank account statements.
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Q: What are the steps involved in applying for the Canada self-employed person program?
A: The steps typically involve signing a contract and undergoing an assessment, preparing documents for submission, submitting the application, attending an interview, and, upon approval, immigrating to Canada.
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Q: Are there any medical or criminal record requirements for the Canada self-employed person program?
A: Yes, applicants and their family members are required to undergo a medical exam and provide a clean criminal record as part of the application process.