Self-Employed Persons Program
Self-Employed Persons Program
Self-Employed Persons Program is one of Canada’s federal business programs. This program is intended for the self-employed foreign nationals who possess relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and are able to establish themselves as permanent residents in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a self-employed person, you must have two years of relevant experience within the five years and show that you intend to become self-employed in Canada. You can get more points if you have more than two years (3, 4, or 5 years) of experience. At a minimum, your experience must be:
- For cultural activities:
- 2 one-year periods being self-employed in cultural activities, or
- 2 one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural activities, or
- A combination of a one-year period described in (a), and a one-year period described in (b)
- For athletics:
- 2 one-year periods being self-employed in athletics, or
- 2 one-year periods participating at a world class level in athletics, or
- A combination of a one-year period described in (a) above, and a one-year period described in (b) above.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are assessed against the points assessment for self-employed business immigration to Canada and the pass mark is 35 points out of 100.
Selection Factors |
Points |
Experience |
Max. 35 points |
Education |
Max. 25 points |
Ability in English or French |
Max. 24 points |
Age |
Max. 10 points |
Adaptability |
Max. 6 points |
Total |
Max. 100 points |
Pass Mark |
35 points |
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