Self Employed Programs

If you are a self-employed person who dreams of immigrating to Canada, there are a few programs that can help you achieve your goal. The most popular program is the Self-Employed Persons Program (SEPP), which allows self-employed individuals to immigrate to Canada if they meet certain eligibility criteria.

In this guide, we will walk you through the SEPP and other self-employed immigration programs in Canada. We will also provide tips on how to apply for these programs and increase your chances of success.

Canada self-employed visa requirements

• Have at least two years of self-employment experience or world-class experience in art, culture, recreation, or sport activities.
• Are between the ages of 18 and 50.
• Have no minimum education or language requirements.
• Score a minimum of 35 points on a points-based system.
• Are in good health and have no criminal record.
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family in Canada.

How to apply for a Canada self-employed visa in 2023?

1. Check your eligibility: You can do this by completing an online questionnaire on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
2. Fill out the application forms: The application package includes a guide, application forms, and a list of documents you need.
3. Gather the required documents: This includes the standard required documents for all Canadian visa applications, as well as proof of your educational status, language skills, work experience, adaptability, travel documents, police clearances, and birth certificates. If you have a common-law partner, you will also need to provide a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union and proof that you have lived together for a minimum of 12 months.
4. Pay the processing fees: The processing fees are $1,535 for the main applicant and $850 for each accompanying family member.
5. Submit your application: You can submit your application online or by mail. If you are applying by mail, you will need to send your application to the address that is provided in the application package.
6. Provide your biometric information: Applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 will need to provide their biometric information, which includes fingerprints and a digital photo. You can do this at a Canada visa application center in your country.

List of eligible occupations for the self-employed program

To qualify for the Self-Employed Program, you must be self-employed in an occupation that is listed in the National Occupation Classification of Canada (NOC) under either Professional Occupations in Art and Culture or Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport.

NOC: The National Occupation Classification (NOC) code is a four-digit number that identifies a specific occupation in Canada. It is used by the government to track employment trends and to develop immigration and labor market policies.

Here are some examples of qualifying occupations:

• Professional occupations in art and culture:

• Technical and skilled occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport:

Processing time and fees for a self-employed visa

• Processing time: 24 months, but may vary depending on how quickly IRCC is processing applications.
• Fees:
  • Business Immigration Application: $1,625 CAD
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $515 CAD
  • Spouse/Partner Application Fee: $850 CAD
  • Spouse/Partner RPRF: $515 CAD
  • Dependents: $230 CAD per dependent

Please note that this information is subject to change, so it is always best to check with IRCC for the most up-to-date information.

Benefits of the self-employed persons program Canada

• No net-worth requirement: Unlike the Entrepreneur Visa program, the Self-Employed Program does not have a net-worth requirement. However, applicants must be able to show that they have enough funds to support themselves and their families during the immigration process and after they arrive in Canada.
• Liberty to set up employment in Canada without the pressure of maintaining a profit margin: Without having to maintain a net worth, applicants have the freedom to start their own businesses or work as self-employed contractors in Canada without the pressure of having to make a profit immediately.
• Multitudinous options to choose from: The Self-Employed Program offers a wide range of occupations to choose from, including arts and athletics.
• Only 2 years of experience required: Applicants only need 2 years of experience in their chosen field of arts or athletics to be eligible for the Self-Employed Program.
• Live and be employed anywhere in Canada: Once granted permanent residency, applicants can live and work anywhere in Canada.
• Relatively shorter processing time: The Self-Employed Program has a relatively shorter processing time than other entrepreneur programs.

Overall, the Self-Employed Program is a great option for self-employed individuals who are looking to immigrate to Canada quickly and easily.