If you are a self-employed person with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada permanently through the Self-employed Persons Program. This program is designed for people who can contribute to Canada’s cultural or athletic life by creating their own employment opportunities.

In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the program’s requirements, benefits, and application process. We will also answer some common questions that you may have about this program.

What are the requirements for eligibility?

To qualify for this program, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have at least two years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. This can be either as a self-employed person or as a participant at a world-class level. Your experience must be within the five years before you apply and until the day we make a decision on your application.
• You must intend and be able to be self-employed in Canada. This means that you must have the ability and willingness to create your own employment and make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada. You can do this by participating in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level, or by providing training, coaching, or other services in those fields.
• You must meet the program’s selection criteria. These include your age, education, language skills, adaptability, and medical and security checks. You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada. You will be assessed on a point system based on these criteria. You need to score at least 35 points out of 100 to qualify.

What are the benefits of the program?

By immigrating to Canada through this program, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• You can obtain permanent resident status in Canada as a self-employed person. This means that you can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. You can also access the same rights and freedoms as a Canadian citizen, such as voting and applying for a passport.
• You can bring your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children with you. They will also receive permanent resident status and can access the same benefits as you.
• You can enrich the cultural or athletic life of Canada with your talents and skills. You can showcase your expertise in your field of interest and contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of Canadian society.

How to apply for the program?

The application process for this program consists of the following steps:

• Step 1: Check if you are eligible for this program by using the eligibility tool on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Step 2: Gather all the required documents for your application. These include proof of your relevant experience, education, language skills, funds, medical exams, police certificates, and other forms. You can find the complete list of documents here.
• Step 3: Fill out the application forms online or on paper. Make sure you answer all the questions honestly and accurately.
• Step 4: Pay the application fees online or by mail. The fees include the processing fee ($1,575 CAD), the right of permanent residence fee ($500 CAD), and the biometrics fee ($85 CAD). 
• Step 5: Submit your application online or by mail. If you apply online, you need to upload scanned copies of your documents and pay the fees online. If you apply by mail, you need to send your original documents and proof of payment to the address given.
• Step 6: Wait for IRCC to process your application. They will check if your application is complete and if you meet all the requirements. They may also ask you for additional information or documents, invite you for an interview, or request a medical exam or a police certificate. 
• Step 7: Receive a decision on your application. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable). If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining why.
• Step 8: Prepare for your arrival in Canada. You need to bring your COPR, passport, and other documents with you when you travel to Canada. You also need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that you may have about this program:

Q: How long does it take to process my application?

A: The processing time for this program varies depending on several factors, such as the volume of applications, the complexity of your case, the completeness of your application, and the availability of staff. As of September 2023, the average processing time for this program is 23 months. 

Q: Can I work in Canada while I wait for my application to be processed?

A: No, you cannot work in Canada while you wait for your application to be processed. This program is for people who intend to be self-employed in Canada after they become permanent residents. You need to have a valid work permit to work in Canada before you get your permanent resident status.

Q: Can I live in Quebec if I apply for this program?

A: No, you cannot live in Quebec if you apply for this program. This program is for people who want to live in any province or territory other than Quebec. Quebec has its own immigration program for self-employed people.

Q: What are some examples of cultural activities or athletics that qualify for this program?

A: Some examples of cultural activities or athletics that qualify for this program are:

• Cultural activities: actors, authors, composers, creative writers, dancers, editors, journalists, musicians, painters, photographers, sculptors, singers, etc.
• Athletics: coaches, trainers, athletes, referees, judges, etc.

Q: How can I prove that I have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics?

A: You can prove that you have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics by providing documents such as:

• Contracts
• Letters of reference
• Certificates
• Awards
• Media reports
• Publications
• Performances
• Competitions
• Memberships
• Affiliations

You need to provide documents that show the nature, duration, and significance of your experience. You also need to explain how your experience relates to your intended self-employment in Canada.

Conclusion

The Self-employed Persons Program is a unique opportunity for self-employed people who have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. 

This program allows them to create their own employment opportunities and contribute to the cultural or athletic life of Canada. If you are interested in this program, you should check your eligibility, gather your documents, fill out your application forms, pay your fees, and submit your application as soon as possible. 

We hope that this blog post has given you some useful information and guidance on how to apply for this program. If you have any questions or need any assistance with your application, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you achieve your immigration goals.