Canada Business Immigration - Self-Employed Person

The Self-Employed Persons Program is open to individuals with prior 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 they have relevant artistic or athletic experience that will allow them to be self-employed and make a significant contribution to the cultural and sporting life of Canada.

Relevant experience consists of at least two years of experience of self-employment or participation at a world class level in art, culture, recreation, or sport activities, as listed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (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.

The province of Quebec has a separate selection system for Self-Employed Persons.

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

Quebec Self-Employed Business Immigration

The Quebec Self-Employed category of Canadian immigration was designed to allow qualified individuals the opportunity to obtain a Canada immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa provided that they can effectively establish themselves in the Province of Quebec by practicing a trade or profession for their own account.

Requirements	Quebec Program
Intended Destination	Province of Quebec
Minimum Net Worth	Have legally acquired a minimum of CAD$100,000 in net worth, alone or with the help of their spouse or common-law partner in the event that the spouse or common-law partner is accompanying
Qualifying Experience	Have acquired a minimum of two years experience in the profession or trade that they intend to practice after establishing themselves in the Province of Quebec
Miscellaneous	Medical examination and a security background check

To inquire about the Canada or Quebec Self-Employed Persons Program and how to apply for a Canada Immigration Visa, you may contact our Canadian Immigration Law Office at the following telephone numbers:

Toll Free in USA and Canada: 1-866-937-4782
From outside North America: +1 (514) 937-4782

If you prefer, you can send us an inquiry about your particular situation.

For more information on Canada Business Immigration, see our Business Immigration FAQ.