Self-Employed Persons (Federal)

Are you an artist, actor, writer, social media influencer, or athlete?

Canada is always looking to expand its cultural and athletics horizons, so much so that we have a special immigration program called Self-Employed Persons that could be perfect for you. The minimum requirements for this program according to the Government of Canada are:

  1. Have relevant experience of at least 2 years.
    1. This means you have taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level or
    2. Have been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics.
  2. Be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada.
  3. Meet the program’s selection criteria.
    1. This is based on your experience, education, age, language abilities, and adaptability.
  4. Pass medical and security checks.
  5. Show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada.

So, are you interested in coming to the home of many famous Canadian celebrities and sports heroes too numerous to list? Contact us and we’ll work with you to up your game in Canada.

FAQs:

Why did IRCC stop taking applications? Will IRCC cancel this program soon?

From April 30, 2024, until the end of 2026, IRCC will not accept new applications under this program. Because of the high number of applications and long processing times (over 4 years), IRCC has paused new applications to shorten processing times.

IRCC will not cancel this program soon. However, they might adjust the requirements based on past applications and other factors.

I meet the current requirements and want to apply. What should I do?

We have clients who meet the requirements and are waiting for the program to reopen to submit their applications. While waiting, they are preparing more supporting documents for their self-employed experience and learning English. You can also start working with a Canadian company and expand your network in the area where you plan to run your business. For example, some of our clients planning to live in Alberta have been working with professionals we met during business trips and collaborating on various projects.

Is there a minimum language requirement?

No, there is no minimum language requirement. However, language skills are essential for everyday living in Canada and business communication. If your language ability is CLB 4/IELTS 4, we suggest you provide your official test results. You can also improve your language skills while IRCC processes your application and provide updated test results.

How often does IRCC request an interview under the Federal Self-employed Persons Program?

Almost every client must attend an interview under the federal self-employed persons program. This differs from family sponsorship, where you can provide supporting documents to avoid an interview. The federal self-employed persons program interview usually lasts over 1 hour and covers several key areas:

Verification of Past Experience and Eligibility:

  • Confirm the authenticity of past experiences.
  • Determine if they meet the basic criteria for self-employed immigration.

Understanding Business Plan and Future Operations:

  • Assess the applicant’s ability to continue their self-employed business in Canada.
  • Review the business plan and future operations.

Verification of English Proficiency, Interpersonal, and Professional Skills:

  • Verify the applicant’s English proficiency.
  • Evaluate interpersonal and professional skills.

The interview is conducted in English. Applicants can bring an interpreter but will need to speak and answer some questions in English. Immigration officers often ask challenging questions that require reasonable explanations from the applicants.

Post-Interview Results:

  • The final result is usually available within 2 weeks.
  • Unsuccessful applicants receive a rejection letter.
  • Successful applicants proceed with medical exams, fingerprinting, and passport requests.

For detailed guidance and personalized application assistance, please feel free to contact us!

What occupations are eligible for the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program?

According to the latest National Occupational Classification (NOC) released by IRCC in 2021, around 1,500 professions are eligible for self-employed immigration. Those involved in arts, culture, entertainment, and athletics, such as video producers, producers, directors, voice actors, singers, and other common self-employed professions, can apply. This also includes technical positions related to the arts, such as stage lighting technicians, stylists, and makeup artists. All occupations related to arts, culture, and sports are eligible. This includes painters, editors, social media workers, translators, graphic designers, photographers, video production personnel, recording engineers, animation designers, directors, various actors, athletes, referees, yoga instructors, ski instructors, fitness coaches, dance teachers, piano teachers, guzheng teachers, and more.

I am a travel blogger with five million followers, and running this account is my source of self-employed income. Can I apply for the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program?

Firstly, your occupation is eligible. You also need to meet other criteria:

  • At least two years of self-employed experience in the past five years.
  • Willingness and ability to contribute to your industry in Canada through self-employment.
  • A score of over 35 points based on your experience, education, age, language skills, and adaptability.
  • Pass a medical examination and criminal record check.
  • Sufficient funds.

Not all social media influencers meet the eligibility criteria. You need to prove your ability to contribute to your industry in Canada through self-employment. For example, a travel blogger who visits each city, records and introduces the city through their words, thus promoting the city’s tourism and cultural publicity. This type of blogger/influencer meets the requirements. Suppose you are a blogger who shares your thoughts and advice on different topics and creates personal and brand content on social media platforms. In that case, you can contact us to further confirm whether you meet other eligibility criteria. We will help you arrange business inspections and provide detailed guidance on how to prepare a personalized application.