The Self-Employed persons program has been paused till January 2027 due to high application backlog.
The Self-Employed Visa Canada is a pathway that falls under business immigration for individuals with relevant experience in cultural and athletic activities. You can apply for this visa under the Self-Employed Program.
Individuals who want to establish themselves in Canada without investing a large sum of money into another business or government may find this a beneficial opportunity.
Self-employed Visa Canada Requirements
To immigrate as a self-employed person, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Must have relevant work experience
- Must meet the program’s selection criteria
- Be ready and able for self-employment in Canada
- Fulfill the medical, security, and other conditions
Relevant Experience Criteria:
- Participation in cultural activities or athletics (at a global scale)
- Prior self-employment in cultural activities or athletics
Selection Criteria for Self-Employed Visa Canada
Candidates interested in a self-employed person visa in Canada are evaluated based on various factors like experience, education, age, adaptability, and language proficiency.
It is a points-based assessment, with a passing mark of 35 points out of 100. Here are the factors that are considered for a self-employed visa calculator in Canada.
| Factors for Selection | Max. Points |
|---|---|
| Experience | 35 |
| Education | 25 |
| Age | 10 |
| Adaptability | 6 |
| Language Abilities (English or French) | 24 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
| Passing Mark | 35 |
Experience:
You need relevant work experience within the previous five years of applying until a decision is reached on your application.
| Years of Relevant Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| 2 | 20 |
| 3 | 25 |
| 4 | 30 |
| 5 | 35 |
Education:
| Education Level | Minimum Years of Study | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. or Master’s Degree | 17 | 25 |
| Two or more university degrees (bachelor’s level) | 15 | 22 |
| Three-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship | 15 | 22 |
| University degree of two years or more (bachelor’s level) | 14 | 20 |
| Two-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship | 14 | 20 |
| One-year university degree (bachelor’s level) | 13 | 15 |
| One-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship | 13 | 15 |
| One-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship | 12 | 12 |
| Completed high school | – | 5 |
Age:
Selection points depend on your age when the visa office receives your application for awarding points.
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| 16 or under | 0 |
| 17 | 2 |
| 18 | 4 |
| 19 | 6 |
| 20 | 8 |
| 21-49 | 10 |
| 50 | 8 |
| 51 | 6 |
| 52 | 4 |
| 53 | 2 |
| 54+ | 0 |
Adaptability:
| Adaptability Criteria | Points |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Common-law Partner’s Education Level Secondary school diploma or less: 0 points One-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship, or degree with at least 12 years of studies: 3 points Two or three-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship, or degree with at least 14 years of studies: 4 points Master’s degree or Ph.D. with at least 17 years of studies: 5 points | 3-5 points |
| Previous Work in Canada Minimum 1 year of full-time work in Canada on a valid work permit completed by either you or your spouse accompanying you | 5 points |
| Previous Study in Canada Completed at least 2 years of full-time study at a post-secondary institution in Canada after the age of 17 with a valid study permit. No degree or diploma is required for these two years of study to earn points | 5 points |
| Relatives in Canada You or your spouse/common-law partner have a relative (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, etc.) residing in Canada as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. | 5 points |
Language Ability:
| Level of Language Proficiency | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Listening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | High | High | High | High |
| Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic | Basic |
| No | Does not meet the basic level | Does not meet the basic level | Does not meet the basic level | Does not meet the basic level |
- A high level indicates that an individual can proficiently communicate in social and work situations.
- Moderate means you can easily communicate with familiar social and work situations.
- A basic level indicates that you can handle familiar situations well but face difficulties in more complex and unfamiliar situations.
Self-employed Visa Canada fees
According to IRCC, the following is the fee structure to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed person.
Self-Employed Visa Processing Time in Canada
According to IRCC, the processing time of a self-employed person is about 57 months. This processing time covers the time required to provide your biometric information.
Self-employed Visa Occupation List in Canada
1. Skilled and Technical Occupations in Culture, Art, Sport, and Recreation
| NOC Code | Occupations |
|---|---|
| 53100 | Museums and Art Galleries |
| 52110 | Film and Video Camera Operators |
| 53124 | Artisans and Craftsperson |
| 53125 | Patternmakers – Textile, Leather, and Fur Products |
| 53202 | Sports Officials and Referees |
| 54100 | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness |
| 51101 | Library and Archive Technicians and Assistants |
| 53123 | Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit, and Other Creative Designers |
| 53200 | Athletes |
| 53201 | Coaches |
| 53110 | Photographers |
| 52121 | Interior Designers |
| 51120 | Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Performing Arts and the Broadcasting |
| 52120 | Graphic Designers and Illustrators |
| 52112 | Broadcast Technicians |
| 52111 | Graphic Arts Technicians |
| 52114 | Announcers and Other Broadcasters |
| 52113 | Audio and Video Recording Technicians |
2. Professional Occupation in Culture and Art
| NOC Code | Occupations |
|---|---|
| 41302 | Curators |
| 53121 | Actors and Comedians |
| 51120 | Producers, Directors, Choreographers, and Related Occupations |
| 53122 | Painters, Sculptors, and Other Visual Artists |
| 51122 | Musicians and Singers |
| 51121 | Conductors, Composers, and Arrangers |
| 53120 | Dancers |
| 51111 | Authors and Writers |
| 51120 | Producers, Directors, Choreographers, and Related Occupations |
| 51102 | Archivists |
| 51100 | Librarians |
| 10022 | Public Relations and Communications |
| 51110 | Editors |
| 51114 | Translators, Terminologists, and Interpreters |
| 51113 | Journalists |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Self-Employed visa in Canada?
Ans: It is a visa for individuals who plan to be self-employed in cultural and athletic activities.
2. Who is eligible for self-employed visa?
Ans: An individual who possesses relevant experience in cultural and athletic activities may be able to immigrate as a self-employed person.
3. What is the processing time for a self-employed person?
Ans: According to IRCC, the processing time for a self-employed person is around 56 months.
4. Is there a minimum investment required for a self-employed person?
Ans: No, there is no minimum investment requirement, but you must show sufficient proof of funds to support your initial stay in Canada.
5. Is there an age limit for applicants?
Ans: Though there is no specific age, however, the older you get the less point you will acquire. People older than 53 do not get points.
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