Looking to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed individual? Learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, and other details of the self-employed persons program.
Please note that the Canadian government has paused taking new applications under this program until 2026 to process the existing backlog.
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For those who have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and intend and can make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or athletic life, the Self-Employed Stream is a perfect option to immigrate. This program allows creative people and athletes to come to Canada as permanent residents. The self-employed stream aims to attract talented, self-employed individuals to contribute to Canadian cultural or athletic life and enrich Canadian society. This program is not complex as long as one meets the selection factors.
Below is a brief overview of the program. If you think you can satisfy the requirements, please contact us. Our experienced immigration lawyers will be happy to help you.
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To qualify as a self-employed person, you must show that (i) you intend to work as a self-employed individual in Canada and that (ii) you have at least two years of experience in one of the following professions:
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To qualify as a self-employed person, you must show that (i) you intend to work as a self-employed individual in Canada and that (ii) you have at least two years of experience in one of the following professions:
| Relevant Experience (within 5 years of application) | Maximum 35 Points |
|---|---|
| Five years’ relevant experience | 35 |
| Four years’ relevant experience | 20 |
| Three years’ relevant experience | 25 |
| Two years’ relevant experience | 20 |
| Age | Maximum 10 Points |
| 21 to 49 years of age at the time of application | 10 |
| Deduct 2 points for each year of age over 49 or under 21 | Â |
| Education | Maximum 25 Points |
| (Doctorate OR Master’s Degree) + 17 years’ full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 25 |
| (3-year Trade Certificate OR LLB or Medical Degree) + 15 years’ full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 22 |
| (Bachelor’s Degree OR 2-year Trade Certificate) + 14 years’ full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 20 |
| (Bachelor’s Degree or 1-year Trade Certificate) + 13 years’ full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 15 |
| 1 year post-secondary + 12 years’ full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 12 |
| Secondary school education | 5 |
| Official Languages | Maximum 24 Points |
| High Proficiency | 16 pts for First Language and 8 pts for Second Language |
| Moderate Proficiency | 8 pts for First and Second Language |
| Basic Proficiency | 2 pts for First and Second Language |
| Adaptability | Maximum 6 Points |
| Spouse’s or common-law partner’s education | 3-5 |
| Minimum one year’s full-time authorized work in Canada (applicant or spouse) | 5 |
| Minimum two years’ full-time post-secondary studies in Canada (applicant or spouse) | 5 |
| Family Member in Canada | 5 |
| TOTAL | Maximum 100 |
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Yes. There is no checklist of factors the visa officer will consider when exercising his or her discretion. You have to put forward facts showing that you can become economically established in Canada. In our experience, the key factor for a positive decision is having a solid financial record and the availability of funds to become economically established in Canada. Thus, the more money you have, the better your chances of becoming economically established in Canada. If you have significant financial assets, be sure to provide as much evidence of these assets as possible, including bank statements, investment statements, tax returns, properties, etc.
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While the processing times vary, in our experience, it usually takes from 1 year to 2.5 years to process your application under this stream. However, the good news is that you may apply for a work permit to arrive in Canada earlier to start your business while waiting for the outcome of your permanent residence application.
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There are no further requirements for you or your business once you arrive as a permanent resident in Canada.
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The processing timeline for self-employed PR applications can vary significantly based on the volume of applications, the complexity of the case, and the specific requirements of the immigration program. Generally, processing times can range from a few months to over a year.
Applicants are encouraged to provide comprehensive and accurate documentation to support their application and to respond promptly to any requests for additional information from immigration authorities to avoid delays. Keeping an eye on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for updated processing times can give applicants a general idea of the timeline to expect.
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Obtaining professional accreditation in Canada as a foreigner involves navigating the requirements set by the regulatory bodies for specific sectors, such as securities, medical, or teaching. Each profession has its regulatory authority that outlines the accreditation process, which may include credential assessments, examinations, and practical experience requirements.
Foreign professionals should contact the relevant regulatory body to understand the specific requirements and procedures for accreditation in their field. The process can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s advisable to begin well before any planned move to Canada.
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We are here to make your application simple. We can guide you through the application process and save you time and money by ensuring you are providing the correct information and documents to the Canadian immigration authorities. We understand what it takes to be successful in this program, so we will present your application in the best possible way to ensure a positive outcome.
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The Self-Employed program results in a Canadian Permanent Residency for you and your immediate family members. Permanent residency is the equivalent of a US Green Card in the US. As a permanent resident in Canada, you will be protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and able to live and work anywhere you want in Canada. Permanent residency is one step below Canadian citizenship and can lead to citizenship if you live in Canada for 1095 days as a permanent resident.
Now is a great time to get started with your application, and we would be excited to help you on this journey if you qualify for this program.
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