Self Employed Stream

Self Employed Immigration Canada

The Self-Employed stream is one of the immigration programs provided by the Canadian government. It is planned for people with suitable expertise who want to work for themselves in Canada. This stream is specifically designed for individuals who have the potential to make substantial contributions to the country’s cultural, sporting, and agri-food immigration sectors.

Applicants must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the Self-Employed stream. They must have at least two years of self-employment experience in cultural events, athletics, or farm management. The Experience should be world-class or substantially contribute to the Canadian cultural or athletic scene. Applicants should also have the desire and ability to establish themselves in Canada and significantly contribute to their discipline.

About the process of self employed immigration canada

The Self-employed Immigration Program Canada allows self-employed individuals to immigrate to Canada permanently. If you are willing to immigrate through this program, then you must

• Possess suitable expertise in cultural or athletic pursuits.
• Be ready to contribute substantially to Canada’s cultural or athletic life.

How can I qualify as a self-employed person to immigrate to Canada?

To be eligible as a self-employed person, you must have two years of applicable experience and showcase your commitment to working independently in Canada with work visa. Additionally, you need to achieve a minimum of 35 points on a selection grid that evaluates your economic contribution potential to Canada.

Self-Employed Persons Program Eligibility Requirements

A foreign national must first fit the self-employed person defined by the Government of Canada to be deemed eligible for assessment. A self-employed immigrant Canada individual has appropriate self-employed Experience in a cultural or sporting activity.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) defines relevant experience as a minimum of two years of self-employment or involvement in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level.

Work experience that is relevant

• Participated in world-class cultural or sporting events.
• Being self-employed in cultural or sporting activities.

Selection criteria

We evaluate you based on criteria such as your:

• Experience
• Education
• Age
• Language abilities
• Adaptability

Immigration to Canada for Business

The Canadian Self-Employed Program aims to attract individuals with the intention and ability to work for themselves in Canada. Please note that self-employed individuals who wish to settle in Quebec are not eligible for this program and should instead apply through the Quebec Self-Employed Program. To qualify for this program, applicants must possess relevant experience and demonstrate the intention and capability to:

• Make a significant contribution to Canadian cultural or sporting life as craftsmen or international athletes.

Relevant experience is defined as the following:

• At least two years’ Experience participating in world-class cultural or sporting activities;
• At least two years of self-employment in athletic and cultural activities.

Factors of Selection

Applicants who satisfy the “Self-Employed Persons” definition will be evaluated based on the selection criteria in the table below. If they want to immigrate to Canada as self-employed, applicants must earn at least 35 points out of a possible 100 points.

Medical examinations, security risk evaluations, and adequate settlement funds

Similar to other immigration programs in Canada, applicants and their immediate family members are required to undergo medical examinations and security screenings. Additionally, they must provide evidence of sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family upon arriving in Canada.

Activities that qualify for self-employment

Professional Occupations in Art and Culture

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

How to apply online

These digital forms must be completed online.

You will complete these digital forms online (for yourself and any family members 18 and up).

• Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008)
• Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)
• Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)
• Supplementary Information – Your travels (IMM 5562)

You must also complete these PDF forms.

• You are not required to sign them.
• Put these in your online application.
• You will electronically sign for the whole application, including those of your family members, as the primary applicant.
  • Document Checklist [IMM 5784].
  • If applicable, complete Schedule 5: Declaration of Intent to Reside in Quebec [IMM 0008 Schedule 5].
  • If applicable, complete Schedule 6A: Self-employed persons – Business Immigrants [IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 6A].

If applicable, fill out and sign these PDF forms.

• Print it and fill it out.
• Handwritten signature
• Obtain a handwritten signature from the third party.
• Include it in your application:
  • If applicable, complete the Separation Declaration for Minors Travelling to Canada [IMM 5604]
  • Complete the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union form [IMM 5409] if relevant.

If you lie on your application for permanent residency, we may:

• Decline your application
• Find you ineligible
• You may be barred from applying for permanent residence for up to 5 years.

Using an immigration attorney

• You must appoint someone to conduct business with us on your behalf.
• Complete the form titled “Use of a Representative [IMM 5476].”
• Sign it digitally or manually, and have your immigration representative do the same.
• Include it with your application.

An immigration representative (either a consultant or a lawyer) can help.

• Provide you with information and assistance with your fee application
• Assist you in preparing the papers and documentation you will need to upload
• Respond to inquiries concerning the forms
• Through their account, they can communicate with us on your behalf.

They are unable to

• Visit our website page
• Click Make an appointment button
• You can have the application electronically signed for you.
• Get consultant with our professional team or contact us for query.

After reading the statement, it is necessary to enter your name and click the “submit” button. It fulfills the self-employed immigration Canada requirements for your application to be considered “signed” as per Canadian immigration law. Additionally, you must provide consent for releasing information from your application to a third party who is not acting as your representative.

• Complete and submit the designated “Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual” form [IMM 5475].”
• Please fill out the form and sign it (either digitally or by hand).
• Get your chosen person to sign it as well.
• Include it with your application.

Take your fingerprints and a photograph.

• If you are between 14 and 79, you may be required to provide your fingerprints and a photograph (biometrics).
• When you submit your application, you must pay the biometric charge. Otherwise, you may encounter delays.
• Please do this as soon as you receive our mail instructing you to provide biometrics.
• You have 30 days from the date of the letter to complete this task.

You must pay your application fees.

In most circumstances, your fees will include the following:

• Processing expenses for yourself and anybody other listed on your application
• The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
• Biometrics
• Third-party fees

Biometrics fee

When you submit your application, you must usually pay a biometrics cost. Otherwise, you may encounter delays. The biometrics charge covers the cost of taking fingerprints and a digital photograph. We’ll send you a letter confirming that you need to provide biometrics and where you may go after you pay the biometrics cost with a complete application. You must present this letter when providing your biometrics. Your biometrics must be provided in person. If this service is available, make an appointment.

Third-party fees

Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to pay third parties for:

• Medical exams
• Police certificates
• Language testing

Our instruction manual can assist you in determining which costs apply to you.

Photo specifications

Each person on your application needs one photo. To scan and upload both sides of your image, follow the directions in the online application.

Please submit your online application.

Before submitting your application, ensure that you:

• Answer all questions
• Electronically sign your application 
• Include your processing fee receipt
• Upload all the supporting documents