Canada Immigration – Self-Employed Person
The Self-Employed Persons Program is open to individuals with self-employed experience as farmers, athletes (at an international level), or artisans.
To qualify for business immigration to Canada under the Self-Employed Persons Program, an applicant must demonstrate that he or she has relevant agricultural, artistic, or athletic experience that will allow the applicant to be successfully self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution to his or her field.
Relevant experience consists of at least two years of experience either self-employed or participating at a world class level in art, culture, recreation, or sport activities designated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (see the list below).
Applicants who wish to purchase a farm must have at least two years of farm management experience.
Applicants are also assessed based on their education, experience, age, English/French language ability, and adaptability.
| Professional Occupations in Art and Culture | |
|---|---|
| 5111 | Librarians |
| 5112 | Conservators and Curators |
| 5113 | Archivists |
| 5121 | Authors and Writers |
| 5122 | Editors |
| 5123 | Journalists |
| 5124 | Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications |
| 5125 | Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters |
| 5131 | Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related Occupations |
| 5132 | Conductors, Composers and Arrangers |
| 5133 | Musicians and Singers |
| 5134 | Dancers |
| 5135 | Actors and Comedians |
| 5136 | Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists |
| Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport | |
|---|---|
| 5211 | Library and Archive Technicians and Assistants |
| 5212 | Technical Occupations Related to Museums and Art Galleries |
| 5221 | Photographers |
| 5222 | Film and Video Camera Operators |
| 5223 | Graphic Arts Technicians |
| 5224 | Broadcast Technicians |
| 5225 | Audio and Video Recording Technicians |
| 5226 | Other Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts |
| 5227 | Support Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts |
| 5231 | Announcers and Other Broadcasters |
| 5232 | Other Performers |
| 5241 | Graphic Designers and Illustrators |
| 5242 | Interior Designers |
| 5243 | Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers |
| 5244 | Artisans and Craftspersons |
| 5245 | Patternmakers – Textile, Leather and Fur Products |
| 5251 | Athletes |
| 5252 | Coaches |
| 5253 | Sports Officials and Referees |
| 5254 | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness |
Individuals interested in immigrating to the Province of Quebec should note that the province has a separate selection system for self-employed persons.
For more information on Canada Immigration, see our Business Immigration FAQ.
Contact Us if you have any questions about immigration to Canada as a self-employed individual.