Self-employed

Canada Self Employed Program

Definition

A self-employed person means a foreign national who:

• has relevant experience
• intends and is able to be self-employed in Canada and
• can contribute to Canada’s economy in one of the required areas.

Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience.

It must be during the period starting five years before the day you apply and ending on the day we make a decision on your application. The experience must be:

• for cultural activities:

a. two one-year periods being self-employed in cultural activities or

b. two one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural activities, or

c. a combination of a one-year period described in A above, and a one-year period described in B above.

• for athletics:

a. two one-year periods being self-employed in athletics, or

b. two one-year periods participating at a world-class level in athletics, or

c. a combination of a one-year period described in an above, and a one-year period described in b above, and

• for buying and managing a farm, two one-year periods managing a farm.

Relevant experience

Your experience is relevant if you have:

• taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or

• been self-employed in cultural activities or athletics or

• experience managing a farm

Selection criteria

We will assess you on selection criteria that include your:

• experience

• education

• age

• language abilities

• adaptability

Your score

Your maximum possible score is 100. The pass mark is currently 35 points but it may change. Make sure you visit this site regularly if you’re thinking about immigrating to Canada as a self-employed immigrant.

We select candidates based on:

• the documents that you provide

• your score under each of the selection criteria

• you meeting the definition of a self-employed person

As part of the immigration process, you may need an interview. During the interview, a visa officer will ask you to explain:

• information that is unclear or inconsistent

• shortcomings or gaps in the documents that you provide

Medical, security, and other requirements

You and your family members must have a medical exam and get police certificates.

You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you get to Canada.