The Canada Federal Self-Employed Program is a program that allows individuals who are self-employed in cultural or athletic activities to apply for permanent residence in Canada. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have relevant experience and intend to continue to be self-employed in Canada. They must also meet certain language requirements and have enough money to support themselves and their dependents after they arrive in Canada.
The Federal Self-Employed Program operates differently from other business immigration streams, as it does not require applicants to invest their own funds into a business or government entity, nor does it require them to secure funding from private organizations. Instead, eligible applicants are only required to present evidence of their experience and success as self-employed individuals within their respective industries.
The process for applying for the Canada Federal Self-Employed Program includes submitting an application and providing supporting documents such as proof of experience, language proficiency, and financial support. The application is then assessed by immigration officials who will determine whether the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and if they are a good fit for the Canadian economy.
Requirements for the Federal Self-Employed Program
The Federal Self-Employed Program requires applicants to possess a minimum of two years of relevant work experience within their professional industry within the five years preceding their business immigration application. Individuals in the arts and culture industry, as well as professional athletes, must demonstrate their qualifications through one of the following: a minimum of two years of self-employment within their industry, participation at a world-class level within their domain, or a combination of one year of each. It is important to note that this program is not available for individuals seeking to settle in the province of Quebec, as they have their own self-employed immigration program.
Criteria for selecting applicants for the Federal Self-Employed Program.
Applicants are awarded points for their education (25), experience (35), age (10), language proficiencies (24), and adaptability (6), for a total score of 100 points. Successful candidates will have a minimum passing score of 35 that is subject to change. Candidates will be selected based on their scores for each category, the documents they provide with their application, and whether or not they meet the standards of a self-employed person in Canada.
Selection Criteria | Maximum Points |
Education | 25 |
Experience | 35 |
Age | 10 |
Ability in English and/or French | 24 |
Adaptability | 6 |
Total | 100 |
Education | Points |
Master’s Degree or Ph.D. and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 25 points |
Two or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level and at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 22 points |
Three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 22 points |
University degree of two years or more at the bachelor’s level and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 20 points |
Two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 20 points |
One-year university degree at the bachelor’s level and at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 15 points |
One-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 15 points |
One-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 12 points |
Completed high school. | 5 points |
Maximum | 25 |
Experience | Points |
Two years of relevant experience | 20 |
Three years of relevant experience | 25 |
Four years of relevant experience | 30 |
Five years of relevant experience | 35 |
Maximum | 35 |
Age | Points |
16 or under | 0 |
17 | 2 |
18 | 4 |
19 | 6 |
20 | 8 |
21–49 | 10 |
50 | 8 |
51 | 6 |
52 | 4 |
53 | 2 |
54+ | 0 |
Maximum
| 10 |
Language Proficiency | Points | |||
First Official Language | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
High proficiency | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Moderate proficiency | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Basic proficiency | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
No proficiency | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Please Note: You can score a maximum of only two points in total for basic-level proficiency. | ||||
Adaptability | Points |
Spouse’s or common-law partner’s level of education | |
Secondary school (high school) diploma or less | 0 |
A one-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship, or university degree and at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 3 |
A two or three-year diploma, trade certificate, apprenticeship, or university degree and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 4 |
A master’s degree or PhD and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent studies | 5 |
Contact Vizard
If you are interested in immigrating to Canada as a self-employed individual, it is highly recommended that you seek professional assistance in navigating the application process. The Federal Self-Employed Program is a complex and competitive stream of immigration, with specific requirements and selection criteria that must be met in order to be considered for permanent residency. By contacting us, we can provide you with the guidance and support necessary to ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and maximizes your chances of success.
We have a team of experts who are well-versed in the self-employed program requirements and can help you to understand the process, gather the necessary documentation, and make a compelling case for why you are an ideal candidate for the program.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you apply for permanent residency through the self-employed program.
