On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of Canada’s federal and Quebec self-employed immigration programs
- Who qualifies for a self-employed visa in Canada
- Federal Self-Employed Visa eligibility and points system
- Quebec Self-Employed Visa requirements
- Other immigration options for self-employed applicants
This Program Is for You If…
The Self-Employed Visa Canada program is designed for individuals who:
- Have at least two years of relevant self-employment experience in cultural or athletic activities, or have participated at a world-class level in these fields.
- Intend and are able to create their own employment in Canada while making a significant contribution to cultural, artistic, or athletic life.
- Meet the minimum score of 35 points on the IRCC selection grid based on education, experience, age, language ability, and adaptability.
- Have the financial resources to support themselves and their family during their initial settlement period.
- Want to become a permanent resident of Canada through a program tailored to self-employed professionals and independent talent.
Federal Self-Employed Visa Canada
The federal Self-Employed Visa is for applicants with relevant self-employment experience who intend and are able to create their own employment in Canada. They must also make a significant contribution to the country’s cultural, artistic, or athletic life.
Applicants must have at least two years of relevant experience within the last five years, either in self-employment in cultural or athletic activities, or participation at a world-class level in those fields.
Applications to the federal Self-Employed Visa are paused until January 2027 to clear backlogs. Until then, applicants can consider alternatives such as the Quebec Self-Employed Program or the Start-Up Visa Program.
Eligible occupations include:
- Librarians, archivists, conservators, curators
- Authors, writers, editors, journalists
- Translators, interpreters, terminologists
- Producers, directors, choreographers, musicians, singers
- Actors, comedians, painters, sculptors, visual artists
- Photographers, graphic designers, illustrators, interior designers
- Artisans, craftspeople, athletes, coaches, sports officials
Federal Self-Employed Visa Points System
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses applicants on a 100-point scale. A minimum of 35 points is required to qualify.
Selection criteria | Maximum points |
Education | 25 |
Experience | 35 |
Age | 10 |
Ability in English and/or French | 24 |
Adaptability | 6 |
Total | 100 |
Points For Education
Master’s Degree or PhD and at least 17 years of study | 25 points |
Two or more bachelor’s degrees and at least 15 years of study | 22 points |
Three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 15 years of study | 22 points |
Bachelor’s degree of two years or more and at least 14 years of study | 20 points |
Two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 14 years of study | 20 points |
One-year bachelor’s degree and at least 13 years study | 15 points |
One-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 13 years of study | 15 points |
One-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 12 years of study | 12 points |
You completed high school | 5 points |
Points For Experience
Two years | 20 |
Three years | 25 |
Four years | 30 |
Five years | 35 |
Points For Age
16 or under | 0 |
17 | 2 |
18 | 4 |
19 | 6 |
20 | 8 |
21–49 | 10 |
50 | 8 |
51 | 6 |
52 | 4 |
53 | 2 |
54+ | 0 |
Points For Language Ability
A self-employed person will be awarded up to 24 points by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada for basic, moderate, or high proficiency in English and French. You will be given points based on your ability to listen, speak, read, and write using the approved language tests: CELPIP, IELTS or PTE test for English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French.
Points For Adaptability
Spouse or common law partner’s level of education | 3-5 |
Previous work in Canada | 5 |
Previous study in Canada | 5 |
Relatives in Canada | 5 |
Quebec Self-Employed Visa Canada
The Quebec Self-Employed Program is a popular alternative for applicants wishing to live in Quebec. It requires at least two years of eligible work experience in the five years before applying.
This program grants permanent residency, not a temporary work permit.
Ineligible sectors include: payday loans, cheque cashing, pornography or adult services, and certain property sector activities.
Other requirements:
- Minimum net worth of $100,000 (excluding recent donations)
- Secondary school diploma or higher
- French language proficiency at level 7 or higher
- Start-up deposit: $25,000 outside Montreal or $50,000 in Montreal
- Financial self-sufficiency contract for three months
- Attestation of learning on democratic and Quebec values
Related Immigration Programs for Entrepreneurs and Investors
If the Self-Employed Visa Canada program is not the right fit, there are other business immigration options available. Each pathway has unique requirements and benefits:
Canada Start-Up Visa Program
Canada’s Start-Up Visa is for innovative entrepreneurs with the support of a designated investor, incubator, or accelerator. It offers permanent residence for those able to build a globally competitive business in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Entrepreneur Streams
Many provinces and territories have dedicated entrepreneur or business owner immigration streams. These often require an investment, a business plan, and active management of a local business.
Intra-Company Transfer Work Permit
The Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit is for foreign business owners or executives who want to transfer operations to Canada. This can be a stepping stone to permanent residence through Express Entry or PNP programs.
Quebec Business Immigration Programs
Quebec offers its own selection of business immigration options, including the Self-Employed Program, Entrepreneur Program, and Investor Program, each with specific requirements.
FAQ
How do you qualify for a self-employed visa in Canada?
You need at least two years of relevant self-employment or world-class participation in cultural or athletic activities within the last five years. You must score at least 35 points on IRCC’s 100-point selection grid and meet medical, security, and financial requirements.
What is the Self-Employed Persons Program?
It is an immigration program that lets you become a permanent resident by creating your own employment in Canada and contributing significantly to cultural or athletic life.
What is the federal self-employed program?
It is a federal pathway for self-employed individuals who want to settle anywhere in Canada outside Quebec. Those planning to live in Quebec must apply to the provincial program first.
How long does it take to process a self-employed visa?
Processing times vary, but the federal program is currently paused until January 2027. The last reported time was 51 months and is subject to change.
Can self-employed applicants apply through a PNP?
Yes. Some provinces have self-employed or business immigration streams under their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Each province sets its own rules and criteria.
