Self-Employed Persons Program (Canada)

The Self-Employed Persons Program is a federal immigration stream for people who have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or (formerly) farm management, and who intend to be self-employed in Canada in those fields. The idea is to attract individuals who can make a “significant contribution” to Canada’s cultural or athletic life. Canada.ca+2Canada.ca+2

However, the program is in a paused state for new applicants as of 2024, meaning one cannot currently submit new applications under this stream. Canada.ca+3Canada.ca+3Canada.ca+3

This article covers both the legacy rules and what the pause means now.

Current Status / Pause on New Applications

• On April 30, 2024, IRCC announced a pause on intake of new applications under the Self-Employed Persons Program, to allow processing of the existing backlog and improve processing times. Canada.ca+3Canada.ca+3Canada.ca+3
• While new applications are paused, IRCC will continue processing existing applications submitted before the pause. Canada.ca+2Canada.ca+2
• As part of Ministerial Instructions 72 (MI-72), this pause is a temporary measure (through end of 2026), with plans to re-assess the program’s structure and integrity. Canada.ca
• The farm management stream of the Self-Employed Program has long been closed to new applicants (since March 10, 2018). IRCC Canada+2IRCC Canada+2

In short: you cannot apply right now, but you can study and prepare, and monitor IRCC announcements about when (or if) the program reopens.

Eligibility (Under Legacy / When Program Was Open)

When it was open, the Self-Employed Persons Program required that applicants satisfy:

1. Relevant Experience
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics within the five years preceding application. Canada.ca+3IRCC Canada+3Canada.ca+3
• For the cultural activities category, eligible occupations include artists, writers, musicians, visual artists, performing arts, technical support in films, craftspeople, etc. IRCC Canada+1
2. Intent & Ability to be Self-Employed in Canada
• The applicant must propose and be able to establish a business in Canada, and make a meaningful contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada. Canada.ca+2Canada.ca+2
3. Selection Criteria / Points Grid
• Applicants needed to pass a points system. The threshold was 35 points (out of a possible 100) under factors including Education, Experience, Age, Language ability (English/French), and Adaptability. Canada.ca+1
• The components:
• Education (max 25 pts)
• Experience (max 35 pts)
• Age (max 10 pts)
• Language ability (max 24 pts)
• Adaptability (max 6 pts) Canada.ca
4. Admissibility
• Medical, security, criminal check must be satisfied. Canada.ca+1
5. Settlement Funds / Net Worth
• Applicants had to demonstrate they had sufficient funds or net worth to settle in Canada (self-employment or business capital) because “the government does not provide financial support” under this program. Canada.ca
6. No Immigration Conditions Imposed
• Unlike some other business programs, the self-employed stream had no condition requiring the applicant to maintain business activity for a specified term. Canada.ca+1

How to Apply (Legacy Process)

When open, the application process followed these major steps:

1. Gather Documentation & Evidence
• Documents proving relevant self-employment experience, artistic/athletic achievements, business plans, language test results, education credentials, proof of funds/net worth.
• Supplementary forms including forms under the Business Class (IMM 4500) instruction guide. Canada.ca
2. Complete Online Application
• IRCC required applications via their PR application portal. Canada.ca+1
• Forms include: Generic Application (IMM 0008), Schedule A, Additional info, forms for each family member, etc. Canada.ca
3. Pay Fees / Provide Biometrics
• Pay processing fees, Right of Permanent Residence Fee, biometrics (fingerprint/photo) if applicable. Canada.ca+1
4. IRCC Review & Decision
• IRCC assesses merit, admissibility, viability of proposed business, and whether the candidate meets selection grid.
• If approved, applicant becomes a permanent resident under the Self-Employed Persons Program.

Note: Because the farm management stream is permanently closed, only the cultural / athletic pathways remain relevant under this program. IRCC Canada+2Canada.ca+2

Impacts of the Pause & What to Do Now

• No new submissions are allowed until IRCC reopens or revises the program. Canada.ca+2Canada.ca+2
• The pause extends through 2026, under MI-72 rules, to give time for backlog reduction and possibly redesign. Canada.ca
• If you have a pending application, IRCC will continue processing it. Canada.ca+2Canada.ca+2
• You can prepare by building your portfolio: accumulate further relevant experience, improve your language scores, strengthen business plans, monitor IRCC announcements about reopening.
• Also consider alternative pathways like the Start-Up Visa, Provincial Business / Entrepreneur streams, or creative/arts immigration categories depending on your domain.