Being self-employed as a business owner or freelancer is very popular for many individuals. Many choose this route to avoid working for corporate companies and managing their own salary. Although there is not a specific visa for self-employed individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada, there are programs available.
Foreign nationals looking to immigrate to Canada as a business owner or freelancer can apply to the Self-Employed Persons Program or the Quebec Self-Employed Program for those interested in moving to Quebec.
Processing Time
Although the average processing time for this program is 24 months, when applying for the Self- Employed Persons Program, the processing time all depends on how fast the IRCC is processing applications at that time
Some individuals may need to give biometrics within this process.
Fees
Total fees for the program is broken into a Business Immigration Application ($1,575) and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($500)
- Spouse/Partner Application Fee: $825
- Spouse/Partner RPRF: $500
- Dependents: additional $225 per
Who is Eligible?
To qualify you must:
- have relevant experience
- willing and able to be self-employed in Canada
- meet the program’s requirements
- meet medical, security checks and other conditions
How to Apply for Self-Employed Persons Program
Who is Eligible for the Self-Employed Persons Program?
Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience.
It must be during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day we make a decision on your application.
You can get more points if you have 3, 4, or 5 years of experience.
At a minimum, your experience must be:
- for cultural activities:
- 2 one-year periods being self-employed in cultural activities, or
- 2 one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural activities, or
- a combination of a one-year period described in (a), and a one-year period described in (b)
- for athletics:
- 2 one-year periods being self-employed in athletics, or
- 2 one-year periods participating at a world class level in athletics, or
- a combination of a one-year period described in (a) above, and a one-year period described in (b) above
*information provided by the IRCC.
Step 1: Gather the application package
The application package is available to those who wish to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed person that includes a guide and document checklist to make sure you are completed prepared. In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and biometrics after you apply.
Step 2: Pay your application fees
The following fees that need to be paid before submitting your application:
- Processing Fee
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
- Biometrics Fee
- Third Part Fees (medical exams. police certificates, and language testing)
Step 3: Submit your application
You know your application is ready to be submitted when you have successfully answered all questions, signed all application forms, paid processing fees, and included all required supporting documents.
Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
Once the IRCC has received your PR immigration application, you will receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt also known as an AOR. This AOR is a confirmation that your application file has been created. You may also be referred to an “AOR date” which is the date from when your 6 months intended processing time begins.
Do You Need Help Applying for Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program?
If you find yourself interested in this program, contact VisaPlace today. All of our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for Niren and Associates an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-877-296-0874.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form below and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.
