The Federal Self-Employed person class is for applicants who intend and have the ability to become self-employed in Canada while making a significant contribution to the cultural, artistic or athletic life of Canada. The main purpose of this immigration category is to attract talented people to represent Canada as a professional athlete, coach, or world-class artist. You must show that you intend to continue with your self-employment activities upon your arrival in Canada.
1.The Self-Employed Program is looking for people who intend to be self-employed in Canada. An applicant may be eligible for this program if:
- Have relevant work experience (in the period beginning five years before the date of the application submission and ending on the day a decision is made on the application), which is defined as:
- At least two-year experience of participation in cultural activities or athletics at a World-class level;
- At least two-year experience of self-employment in cultural activities or athletics
2. Meet the selection criteria for self-employed people
3. Pass medical and security checks
4. Demonstrate sufficient financial resources
Required experience for Self-Employed Persons Program
A minimum of two years of experience is considered relevant for a self-employed applicant. It must be during the period starting five years before the day you apply and ending the day CIC makes the final decision on the application. The experience should be
For cultural activities
A. Two one-year periods being self-employed in cultural activity, OR
B. Two one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural activities, OR
C. A combination of a one-year period described in A and a one-year period described in B
For athletics
A. Two one-year periods being self-employed in athletics, OR
B. Two one-year periods participating at a world-class level in athletics, OR
C. A combination of a one-year period described in A and one-year period described in B
In order to be eligible to apply under this category, you must have relevant experience and intend to be self-employed in one of these occupations:
- Athletes, Sportsmen and Sportswomen (5251)
Coaches (NOC 5252)
Sports Officials and Referees (NOC 5253)
Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness (NOC 5254)
Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters (NOC 5125)
Graphic Designers and Illustrators (NOC 5241)
Photographers (NOC 5221)
Artisans and Craftspersons (NOC 5244)
Authors and Writers (NOC 5121)
Journalists (NOC 5123)
Musicians and Singers (NOC 5133)
Interior Designers (NOC 5242)
Dancers (NOC 5134)
Actors and Comedians (NOC 5135)
Editors (NOC 5122)
Librarians (NOC 5111)
Conservators and Curators (NOC 5112)
Archivists (NOC 5113)
Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related Occupations (NOC 5131)
Conductors, Composers and Arrangers (NOC 5132)
Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists (NOC 5136)
Library and Archive Technicians and Assistants (NOC 5211)
Film and Video Camera Operators (NOC 5222)
Graphic Arts Technicians (NOC 5223)
Broadcast Technicians (NOC 5224)
Audio and Video Recording Technicians (NOC 5225)
Other Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts (NOC 5226)
Technical Occupations Related to Museums and Art Galleries (NOC 5212)
Support Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts (NOC 5227)
Announcers and Other Broadcasters (NOC 5231)
Other Performers (NOC 5232)
Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers (NOC 5243)
Patternmakers – Textile, Leather and Fur Products (NOC 5245)
Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications (NOC 5124)
Once you meet the definition of a self-employed person, you will be assessed against the following five selection criteria:
| SELECTION CRITERIA | MAXIMUM POINTS |
| Education | 25 |
| Experience | 35 |
| Age | 10 |
| English/French ability | 24 |
| Adaptability | 6 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
| PASS MARK | 35 |