Federal Self-Employed Program
Summary:
As of April 30, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has temporarily suspended the acceptance of new applications under the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program. This suspension aims to address existing application backlogs and evaluate potential reforms to the program.
Program Overview
The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program is designed for individuals with significant experience in cultural activities or athletics who intend to become self-employed in Canada. Eligible applicants must demonstrate the ability and willingness to make a substantial contribution to Canada’s cultural or athletic landscape.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Relevant Experience:
- At least two years of experience within the last five years in one of the following:
- Self-employment in cultural or athletic activities.
- Participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics.
- At least two years of experience within the last five years in one of the following:
Intention and Ability:
- Demonstrate a genuine intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada in the cultural or athletic sectors.
Selection Criteria:
- Applicants are assessed based on a points system, considering factors such as education, experience, age, language proficiency, and adaptability. A minimum of 35 points out of 100 is typically required for eligibility.
Current Application Process
Due to the suspension effective April 30, 2024, IRCC is not accepting new applications for the Federal Self-Employed Persons Program at this time. The suspension is intended to allow the department to focus on processing existing applications and to explore options for program reform.
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Alternative Pathways
Individuals interested in immigrating to Canada as self-employed persons may consider alternative programs, such as the Quebec Self-Employed Program or the Start-Up Visa Program, depending on their specific circumstances and qualifications.
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I’m Rashid Ali, a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant, having a designation of RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) from the College of Citizenship & Immigration Consultants of Canada or CICC (Previously known as ICCRC). CICC is the official regulator of immigration consultants in Canada. I’m also a member of the Canadian Association for Professional Immigration Consultants (CAPIC).
