Self-Employed Options for Canadian Immigration

By Travis P July 12, 2020 (Updated January 27, 2025) 3 min. read
self employed canada visa

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)

Who is Eligible?

To qualify you must:

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:

*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:

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.

Wasi Mesbahuddin Avatar

Wasi Mesbahuddin

Second time working with Visaplace, and was successful again with a visa application for parents (2 out of 2). Worked with Felicita and Mansi, strong guidance, very detailed approach to putting together a very thorough and comprehensive application. Good feedback and support throughout the full process. Highly recommend Visaplace!

Maria Accounting Avatar

Maria Accounting

We are incredibly grateful to Attorney Felicita and her outstanding team for their exceptional legal support. Thanks to their expertise, professionalism, and efficiency, we were able to secure two work visas and a visitor visa for our family members — all within a remarkably short period of time.

Attorney Felicita’s leadership, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of immigration law made the entire process smooth and stress-free. The team was responsive, thorough, and truly committed to achieving the best outcome for us.

We highly recommend Attorney Felicita and her team to anyone in need of skilled and reliable legal representation. Their dedication and results speak for themselves.

Thank you 🙏

Maria El khazen

Manale Avatar

Manale

Felicita and her team are amazing. They’re so professional. It’s not the first time that i refer to them to submit my applications and never fail to achieve satisfying results

Ljiljana Pavkov Avatar

Ljiljana Pavkov

I have nothing but praise! The entire team was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and kind, especially Mansi Sanghiv. She patiently explained everything I needed to know and resolved all of my concerns. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the entire process. I am extremely satisfied with the service and experience, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for quality, dedication, and trust.

Lisanne Cholette Avatar

Lisanne Cholette

Mansi has been helping me navigate through a new chapter in my life. It has been a huge comfort to be able to lean on her knowledge and expertise and I would highly recommend her to anyone!

BERLITA COLLADO Avatar

BERLITA COLLADO

I am so very thankful to the VISAPACE team for making it all come true and possible from my Open Work Permit to my Permanent Residence, you make it all happen .Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart , Thank you for being part of my achievements. Now I am now a Permanent Residence through the effort, power and knowledge of VISAPLACE LEGAL TEAM.
Sending you my best appreciation and thank you.

Berlie Collado

Shahrzad Sh Avatar

Shahrzad Sh

“I truly want to thank Mansi. Her patience and thoughtful advices made a big difference for me. Her recommendations were not only helpful but also gave me clearer insight. Words can’t fully express how grateful I am for her support.”