Self-Employed Persons Program
People with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who can be self-employed in Canada.
The Self-Employed Persons Program (Canada) is closed to new applicants. This guide explains who it was for, what has replaced it, and how to find an open Canadian route that fits you.
Who the Self-Employed Persons Program is for
People with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who can be self-employed in Canada.
Granted permanent residence to qualifying self-employed artists and athletes; intake is paused.
Self-Employed Persons Program - eligibility criteria
- At least 2 years of relevant self-employment or world-class experience
- Intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada
- Score on the selection grid (experience, age, education, language)
- Be admissible to Canada
- Relevant field is cultural activities or athletics
Self-Employed Persons Program cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Self-Employed Persons Program (Canada) is ~CA$2,470 (CA$1,895 processing + CA$575 RPRF), with an indicative processing time of Paused until further notice. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Was applied to IRCC by paper |
| Length of stay | Permanent |
| Work rights | Self-employment in cultural or athletic fields |
| Study rights | Full study rights as a permanent resident |
| Government fee | ~CA$2,470 (CA$1,895 processing + CA$575 RPRF) |
| Processing time | Paused until further notice |
| Route to PR | Granted permanent residence to qualifying self-employed artists and athletes; intake is paused. |
Pathway & next steps
Granted permanent residence to qualifying self-employed artists and athletes; intake is paused.
Many applicants also compare Start-up Visa · Start-up Visa Program, FSW · Federal Skilled Worker Program. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Self-Employed Persons Program pitfalls we fix
Self-Employed Persons Program - frequently asked questions
Is the Self-Employed Persons Program still open?
No - the Self-Employed Persons Program (Canada) is closed to new applicants. Granted permanent residence to qualifying self-employed artists and athletes; intake is paused.
Who can apply for the Self-Employed Persons Program?
People with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who can be self-employed in Canada.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority