The Self-Employed Persons Program is open to individuals with self-employed experience as farmers, athletes (at an international level), or artisans.
The Program seeks to attract applicants who have the intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada. Self-employed persons are required to have either:

• Relevant experience that will make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada or
• Experience in farm management and the intention and ability to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.

Points are awarded for relevant experience within the five-year period immediately preceding the date of application.
Relevant experience consists of at least two years of experience either self-employed or participating at a world class level in art, culture, recreation, or sport activities designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Applicants who wish to purchase a farm must have at least two years of farm management experience.
Applicants are also assessed based on their education, experience, age, English/French language ability, and adaptability.
Professional Occupations in Art and Culture

• Librarians
• Conservators and Curators
• Archivists
• Authors and Writers
• Editors
• Journalists
• Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications
• Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters
• Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related Occupations
• Conductors, Composers and Arrangers
• Musicians and Singers
• Dancers
• Actors and Comedians
• Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists

Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

• Library and Archive Technicians and Assistants
• Technical Occupations Related to Museums and Art Galleries
• Photographers
• Film and Video Camera Operators
• Graphic Arts Technicians
• Broadcast Technicians
• Audio and Video Recording Technicians
• Other Technical and coordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts
• Support Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts
• Announcers and Other Broadcasters
• Other Performers
• Graphic Designers and Illustrators
• Interior Designers
• Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers
• Artisans and Craftsperson
• Patternmakers - Textile, Leather and Fur Products
• Athletes
• Coaches
• Sports Officials and Referees
• Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness

Individuals interested in immigrating to the Province of Quebec should note that the province has a separate selection system for self-employed persons.

Quebec Business Immigration - Self-Employed

The Quebec Self-Employed category grants qualified individuals the opportunity to obtain a Permanent Resident Visa provided that they can effectively establish themselves in Quebec by practicing a trade or profession for their own account.
Criteria & Requirements

• Intended destination:   Quebec
• Work:   Come to Quebec to create your own job by practicing a profession or trade on your own account.
• Minimum Net Worth:   Have legally acquired a minimum of CAD$100,000 in net worth, alone or with the help of their spouse or common-law partner in the event that the spouse or common-law partner is accompanying.
• Qualifying Experience: Have acquired a minimum of two years’ experience in the profession or trade that they intend to practice after establishing themselves in Quebec.
• Miscellaneous: Medical examination and a security background check.