Immigrating to Canada as a self-employed person
People who run a business in their home country often ask whether they can immigrate by setting up the same business in Canada. One option for them was the federal Self-Employed Persons Program, which is currently paused. Here is an overview.
The first step in most Canadian immigration programs is proving at least one year of relevant experience. IRCC uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to assess your skills and experience. To prove self-employment, you must provide documents showing that you ran a business in that occupation, such as a business licence, articles of incorporation and official registration notices.
The federal Self-Employed Persons Program
The program is often known among Iranian applicants as the program for artists and athletes. The Government of Canada grants permanent residence to people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics so that they can continue their work in Canada. If you ran a business in a cultural, artistic or athletic field in your country, you could also apply.
Applicants must have the experience, intention and ability to make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or athletic life.
Eligibility
The program is points-based. The maximum score is 100, and you need at least 35 points to be eligible. The higher your score, the better your chances.
Education: up to 25 points; experience: up to 35 points; age: up to 10 points; language: up to 24 points; adaptability: up to 6 points.
Points breakdown
Education
| Education | Points |
| Secondary school | 5 |
| Diploma | 12 to 22 |
| Bachelor’s degree | 22 |
| Master’s or doctorate | 25 |
Experience
| Experience | Points |
| 2 years of relevant experience | 20 |
| 3 years | 25 |
| 4 years | 30 |
| 5 years | 35 |
Age
| Age | Points |
| 16 or under | 0 |
| 17 | 2 |
| 18 | 4 |
| 19 | 6 |
| 20 | 8 |
| 21 to 49 | 10 |
| 50 | 8 |
| 51 | 6 |
| 52 | 4 |
| 53 | 2 |
| 54 or over | 0 |
Language
You must prove your ability in English or French with a language test. The maximum is 24 points. See the details here.
Adaptability
| Factor | Points |
| Spouse’s education | 3 to 5 |
| Work experience in Canada | 5 |
| Study in Canada | 5 |
| Close relative in Canada | 5 |