The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program is designed for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management and who can demonstrate their intention and ability to become self-employed in Canada. This program does not require a specific investment amount but rather focuses on the applicant’s experience and ability to contribute to the Canadian economy through self-employment.

Requirements for the Federal Self-Employed Program

Relevant Work Experience:

• Duration: At least two years of relevant experience within the five years preceding the application.
• Type of Experience: Applicants must provide proof of:
  • Two years of self-employment in their industry, or
  • Two years of participation at a world-class level in their domain, or
  • A combination of one year of each of the above.

Professional Domains:

• Arts and Culture: This includes authors and writers, creative and performing artists, musicians, painters, sculptors, and other visual artists, technical support and other jobs in motion pictures, creative designers and artisans, etc.
• Athletics: This includes athletes, coaches, and related workers.

Intention to Settle:

• Applicants must intend to settle in any Canadian province or territory except Quebec, which has its own self-employed immigration program.

Selection Criteria for the Federal Self-Employed Program

Applicants are assessed on a point system, where a minimum of 35 points out of a possible 100 is required to be considered eligible. The selection criteria include:

1. Education (Maximum 25 points):

• Doctorate or Master’s degree: 25 points
• Two or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level: 22 points
• Three-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship: 22 points
• Two-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship: 20 points
• One-year diploma, trade certificate, or apprenticeship: 15 points
• Secondary school diploma: 5 points

2. Experience (Maximum 35 points):

• 5 years: 35 points
• 4 years: 30 points
• 3 years: 25 points
• 2 years: 20 points

3. Age (Maximum 10 points):

• 16 or under: 0 points
• 17: 2 points
• 18: 4 points
• 19: 6 points
• 20: 8 points
• 21-49: 10 points
• 50: 8 points
• 51: 6 points
• 52: 4 points
• 53: 2 points
• 54 and older: 0 points

4. Language Proficiencies (Maximum 24 points):

• Points are awarded for proficiency in English or French in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
• High proficiency in both official languages can yield a maximum of 24 points.

5. Adaptability (Maximum 6 points):

• Points can be awarded based on the applicant’s spouse’s or partner’s level of education, previous work or study experience in Canada, and having relatives in Canada.

Application Process

1. Fill Out the Application Form:

• Complete the Generic Application Form for Canada and validate it.
• Print the validated form including the barcode page.
• Sign and date the form.

2. Complete the Document Checklist:

• Gather all required documents as specified in the document checklist.
• Sign and include the checklist as the cover page of your application.

3. Pay the Application Fees:

• Fees include processing fees, right of permanent residence fees, biometrics fees, and third-party fees (e.g., medical exams, police certificates, language testing).

4. Submit Your Application:

• Ensure the application is complete, with all forms signed and supporting documents included.
• Submit the application by mail to the appropriate address.

Processing Time

The current processing time for the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program varies, so it is advisable to check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.

Benefits of the Federal Self-Employed Program

• No Specific Investment Required: Unlike other business immigration streams, there is no need to invest a specific sum of money.
• Flexibility: Applicants can choose any province or territory in Canada (except Quebec).
• Opportunity: This program offers a pathway to permanent residency for those with unique skills and experiences in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management.