Self-Employed Persons Program

Canada Self Employed Program

Overview

The Self-Employed Program (SEP) is designed for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural or athletic activities and who intend to become self-employed in Canada. This program allows eligible self-employed persons to immigrate to Canada permanently and contribute to the country’s economy and cultural life.

Key Features of SEP

  • Targeted Individuals: The program is aimed at self-employed individuals with experience in cultural activities or athletics.
  • Permanent Residence: Successful applicants and their families are granted permanent residence, allowing them to live and work in Canada.
  • Selection Criteria: Applicants are assessed based on their experience, intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada, and their potential contribution to Canadian cultural or athletic life.


Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Self-Employed Program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  1. Relevant Experience

    • Cultural Activities: At least two years of experience in cultural activities as a self-employed person or participation at a world-class level.
    • Athletics: At least two years of experience in athletics as a self-employed person or participation at a world-class level.
    • The experience must have been obtained within the five years before the date of application.

  2. Intention and Ability

    • Applicants must demonstrate their intention and ability to create their own employment and make a significant contribution to cultural or athletic life in Canada.

  1. Selection Criteria

    • Applicants are assessed on a point-based system, with points awarded for:
      • Experience
      • Education
      • Age
      • Language proficiency (English or French)
      • Adaptability

  1. Medical, Security, and Other Requirements

    • Applicants and their family members must undergo medical exams and security checks to ensure they are admissible to Canada.
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Required Documents

When applying for the Self-Employed Program, you will need to provide the following documents:

  1. Proof of Experience

    • Evidence of self-employment or participation at a world-class level in cultural or athletic activities, such as contracts, portfolio, media coverage, awards, and letters of reference.

  2. Educational Credentials

    • Diplomas, degrees, or certificates from post-secondary institutions. Foreign credentials must be assessed by an approved agency.

  3. Language Proficiency

    • Results from approved language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF) to demonstrate proficiency in English or French.

  4. Proof of Funds

    • Documents showing you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members after you arrive in Canada.

  5. Medical and Security Documents

    • Medical exam results and police certificates for all family members.

  6. Other Supporting Documents

    • Passports, travel documents, and photos as per IRCC specifications.
 
 

Application Process

  1. Prepare Your Application

    • Gather all required documents and ensure they meet the IRCC guidelines.

  2. Submit Your Application

    • Complete the application forms and submit them along with all required documents and fees to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Canada.

  3. Wait for Processing

    • Processing times vary depending on your country of residence and the volume of applications. Check the IRCC website for current processing times.

  4. Medical and Security Checks

    • After the initial review, you and your family members will be asked to undergo medical exams and submit police certificates.

  5. Receive Decision

    • If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable).

  6. Travel to Canada

    • Present your COPR and other required documents to a border services officer upon arrival in Canada. The officer will finalize your permanent residence status.
 
 

Useful Resources

 
 

How GEMS Can Help

At Global Expert Migration Strategies (GEMS), we offer comprehensive support to individuals applying for the Self-Employed Program. Our services include:

  1. Personalized Consultation

    • We provide personalized consultations to understand your background, experience, and eligibility. This helps us recommend the best approach for your application.

  2. Application Assistance

    • Our team assists you in preparing and submitting your application to ensure that all documents are correctly completed and submitted on time to increase your chances of acceptance.

  3. Portfolio Development

    • We help you compile and present a compelling portfolio that highlights your experience and contributions in cultural or athletic activities.

  4. Language and Educational Support

    • We guide you through the process of obtaining language proficiency tests and educational credential assessments.

  5. Pre-Departure and Arrival Support

    • Our team offers pre-departure orientation sessions to prepare you for your journey to Canada. We also assist with accommodation arrangements, health insurance, and other essential services to help you settle in comfortably.

  6. Post-Arrival Services

    • Once you arrive in Canada, we continue to support you with services such as business consulting, networki
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT IF YOU'RE ELIGIBLE

If you need assistance with your Self Employed Visa application, please contact us. Our experienced consultants are here to help you navigate the process and improve your chances of success.