Self-Employed Persons Program (Federal)
The federal Self-Employed Persons Program is a permanent residence pathway for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level, or who have experience managing a farm, and who intend and are able to be self-employed in Canada.
The program assesses applicants on a points grid covering selection factors such as experience, education, age, language ability, and adaptability. Applicants must score at least 35 out of 100 points to be eligible. Unlike many other economic immigration streams, there is no requirement to have a job offer or business plan — the key requirement is that the applicant intends to make a significant contribution to Canadian cultural, athletic, or farm management life on a self-employed basis.
Experience in cultural activities means experience at a world-class level in fields such as the arts, film, television, music, or writing. Experience in athletics means participation or coaching at a world-class level in a recognized sport. Farm management experience means managing the operation of a farm.
The application is submitted directly to IRCC. There is no expression of interest pool or invitation system — eligible applicants can apply directly once they meet the criteria.
Government fees are paid directly to IRCC and are not included in the legal fee.
What Is Included
- Eligibility assessment against the self-employed selection criteria and points grid
- Preparation of all IRCC application forms (IMM forms)
- Preparation of a detailed personal history and career narrative
- Document compilation and review (evidence of world-class cultural or athletic experience, or farm management)
- Cover letter and document checklist
- Guidance on language testing and medical examination requirements
- Response to any IRCC requests for additional information during processing
What Is Not Included
- Government fees payable to IRCC (processing fee, RPRF, biometrics — all at cost)
- Language test fees (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF — arranged and paid by the applicant)
- Translation fees for documents not in English or French
- Medical examination fees
- Representation before the Immigration Appeal Division or Federal Court
Who This Service Is For
Information Required from You
- 1Passports for all applicants
- 2Detailed career history documenting world-class cultural, athletic, or farm management experience
- 3Awards, media coverage, contracts, competition results, or other evidence of world-class standing
- 4Language test results (IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, or TEF Canada for French)
- 5Education credentials and transcripts
- 6Police certificates from all countries of residence for 6+ months since age 18
- 7Birth certificates and relationship documents for all included family members
- 8Evidence of intent to be self-employed in Canada
Common Add-Ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Limitations
- •The Self-Employed Persons Program has specific and demanding eligibility criteria. Not all self-employed individuals qualify — the program is limited to those with world-class cultural or athletic experience, or farm management experience.
- •Approval is not guaranteed. IRCC makes the final decision on all permanent residence applications, including an assessment of whether the applicant's experience meets the program's definition.
- •The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $575 is refundable if the application is refused. The $1,810 processing fee is not.
Fixed fee
$6,000
Plus HST
Flat legal fee of $6,000 + HST. Government fees payable directly to IRCC: $2,385 per principal applicant ($1,810 processing + $575 Right of Permanent Residence Fee), plus $85 biometrics per person if required. Dependent family members are included at no additional legal fee; their IRCC processing fees apply.
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Prices are for the stated scope only. Additional complexity, urgency, disbursements, HST, or government fees may apply.
Fixed fee
$6,000
Plus HST