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.
