Are you eligible for the Self-Employed Persons Program?

In an effort to encourage authentic and substantial immigration applications, we are seeing more Canadian immigration programs catering to a broader array of opportunities for people engaged in all kinds of professions. Specifically, the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program is available to experienced professionals in an advanced level of athletics, arts, or cultural position among other variables. This program is less complex as it provides flexibility to those wanting to immigrate to Canada permanently while pursuing self-employment or occupation at an international level. Doing so enables artists and athletes to optimize their talent within the country while contributing to Canada’s cultural and economic position.

The Self-Employed Persons Program is a streamline to becoming a permanent Canadian resident, followed by full citizenship. Although requirements for the Self-Employed Persons Program seem lenient, at the end of the day, the program’s criteria should be heavily evaluated when applying for candidacy.

Here are some things to consider for those interested in taking this immigration path:

• An applicant’s occupation should fall under one of the 34 self-employed occupations listed below.

Professional Occupations in Art and Culture

Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

• Applicants should have relevant experience for at least two years (within the previous 5 years an application is considered and submitted) at either a world-class/international level or can prove their ability to create a sustainable self-employed career. Moreover, the two years of experience do not have to be consecutive. They can be divided into two, one-year periods of being self-employed as one of the occupations previously mentioned.

• Although there is not a bar set in place for an applicant’s net worth, those interested in immigrating should be capable of financially supporting themselves and any dependents they may have when relocating to Canada. In fact, this economical foundation is expected to be proven.

• The applicant and any family members planning to immigrate as well must pass any required medical test and submit security certifications. These may include biometrics and police certificates that confirm any reason to dismiss consideration for the program.

• The program itself has a selection criteria requirement with a minimum threshold of 35 out of 100 points. Applicants must meet this requirement in order to qualify for candidacy. Points are given by the visa officer evaluating the applicant. Categories and designated points are listed below.

Selection criteria (and available points)

Education (25 points available)

Relevant Experience (35 points available)

Age (10 points available)

Language Proficiency (24 points available) - English or French

Adaptability (6 points available)

Spouse’s or common-law partner’s level of education

Through the immigration process, it is not uncommon to be selected for an interview. Doing so, a visa officer may ask you to explain unclear information or more in-depth, any inconsistencies in the documentation that was submitted. In certain circumstances, submission of biometric information may be required.

Previous work in Canada

Relatives in Canada

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If you are interested in Self-Employed Persons Program, feel free to contact joe@supervisas.com to learn more!