Self-employed persons program
Statutory definition
IRPR r 100 defines a self-employed person as a foreign national who has relevant experience and who has the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution to specified cultural activities or athletics, or to purchase and manage a farm in Canada.
Explanation
The self-employed persons program targets three categories:
- Cultural activities — experience in cultural activities at a world-class level or self-employment in cultural activities at a world-class level in the five years before application
- Athletics — international-level athletic experience; or coaching at the national or international level
- Farm management — two years of farm management experience in the five years before application
Applicants are assessed on a points grid covering education, experience, age, language, and adaptability. The minimum required score is 35 out of 100 points.
How this term is used
The self-employed program does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship — the applicant demonstrates their own skills and intentions. The program is one of the smaller economic immigration programs; intake is limited. Most applications are assessed at a visa office overseas (not from within Canada). Processing times are measured in years.