Canada has an immigration program for someone who has made a success of their career and skills, or creative work or through self-employment. It's a great program for those who can contribute to Canada's cultural, artistic or athletic industries and plan to have a successful career in the future.
This program is open to all self-employed professionals, including artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, athletes, photographers and more.
Is This Program Right for You?
Not all immigration is through the sponsoring of a job or an offer. The Canada Self-Employed Persons Program is unique, it's for people who can prove they have made their fair share of money in their line of work and are experienced in cultural or sport-related activities.
This program may be right for you if you have the skills, experience and passion to pursue your profession in Canada.
Who Can Apply?
This program is for people with experience in self-employment who plan to be self-employed following immigration to Canada.
If you have experience in any of the following areas, you may be eligible:
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Dance
- Film & Television
- Writing & Journalism
- Photography
- Graphic Design
- Performing Arts
- Professional Sports
- Coaching and Athletics
Work experience, education, language skills, age and flexibility are among the various criteria used to assess applicants.
Why Choose the Self-Employed Persons Program?
The Self-Employed Persons Program is not only an immigration program—it is a way to pursue a career in one of the world's most welcoming countries and continue to do what they love
Some of the key advantages include:
- Opportunity to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence
- No requirement of a Canadian job offer.
- A right to pursue further self-employment activities.
- Access to the health and education systems in Canada.
- Health care insurance for the child and family.The ability to pursue housing and employment in any part of Canada.
- A route to Canadian citizenship for eligible permanent residents.
- A good quality of life and excellent work-life balance.
How the work is done.
All good applications start by planning. This is a basic summary of the process:
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Profile Evaluation | Review your eligibility based on experience and qualifications |
| Document Preparation | Gather supporting evidence of your self-employed career |
| Application Submission | Submit your immigration application with required documentation |
| Assessment | Immigration authorities review your application and supporting evidence |
| Final Decision | Upon approval, receive permanent residence and prepare for your move |
Warm, complete and organized documentation can help things run much more smoothly.
Documents You Might Need
You might need to submit any of the following, depending on your line of work and situation:
- Valid passport
- Evidence of self-employed experience.
- Portfolio/professional accomplishments
- Financial documents
- Educational qualifications
- Results of language tests (where applicable)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination reports
Having good documentation is a great way to show that you will be able to make a successful contribution to Canada after immigration under the Self-Employed Persons Program.
The importance of professional guidance.
Immigration applications are so much more than just paper applications. An effective presentation of professional accomplishment, resume and future plans can be crucial.
Our experienced consultants help you by:
- Evaluating your eligibility
- Determining the proper immigration channel
- Checking your professional profile
- Assisting with documentation
- Preparing a complete application
- Supporting during the immigration process
From applying for the SEP to securing acceptance, we'll accompany you through the entire application procedure for the Self-Employed Persons Program as an established artist, athlete or creative entrepreneur.
Eligible applicants are persons with appropriate self-employed work history or had self-employment in the cultural or athletic field and plan to pursue the same work in Canada.
No. The Canada Self-Employed Persons Program has one of its main benefits that the applicant is not likely to need a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Yes. Eligible candidates can include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in their permanent residence application.
Cultural activities, artistic professions, sports, coaching, media and other self-employed, eligible activities might be considered.
Processing times may differ depending on circumstances and prevailing immigration processing times.