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.

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

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. 
• While new applications are paused, IRCC will continue processing existing applications submitted before the pause.
• 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.
• The farm management stream of the Self-Employed Program has long been closed to new applicants (since March 10, 2018).

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. 
• For the cultural activities category, eligible occupations include artists, writers, musicians, visual artists, performing arts, technical support in films, craftspeople, etc.
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.
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.
• The components:
• Education (max 25 pts)
• Experience (max 35 pts)
• Age (max 10 pts)
• Language ability (max 24 pts)
• Adaptability (max 6 pts)
4. Admissibility
• Medical, security, criminal check must be satisfied.
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.
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.

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.
2. Complete Online Application
• IRCC required applications via their PR application portal.
• Forms include: Generic Application (IMM 0008), Schedule A, Additional info, forms for each family member, etc.
3. Pay Fees / Provide Biometrics
• Pay processing fees, Right of Permanent Residence Fee, biometrics (fingerprint/photo) if applicable.
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.

Impacts of the Pause & What to Do Now

• No new submissions are allowed until IRCC reopens or revises the program.
• The pause extends through 2026, under MI-72 rules, to give time for backlog reduction and possibly redesign.
• If you have a pending application, IRCC will continue processing it.
• 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.