Last Updated:September 24, 2026
Supervised by Yuki Shiraishi (Immigration Consultant)
It has been announced that applications for this category will be fully suspended from April 30, 2024, until 2026, and the focus will be on processing the applications currently under review.
What is a Self-employed Persons Class?
This is a permanent residence category for individuals who have made significant achievements in the fields of “cultural arts” or “sports” and who are capable of supporting themselves through self-employment in Canada. Applicants must have substantial experience related to cultural activities or sports and must demonstrate the intention and ability to make a significant contribution to Canada’s culture or sports sector.
Application requirements for the Self-employed Persons Class
Have relevant experience
One of the following experiences is required.
- Two years of self-employment in cultural activities within the five years prior to application.
- Two years of participation in world-class cultural arts activities.
- A combination of one year from (A) and one year from (B).
One of the following experiences is required.
- Two years of self-employment as a sports competitor within the five years prior to application.
- A total of two years of participation in world-class sports competitions.
- A combination of one year from (A) and one year from (B).
For self-employed individuals, when applying for permanent residence, at least two years of relevant experience is required from five years prior to the application date up to the decision date. Additionally, having three, four, or five years of experience will earn you more points.
Having at least 35 points under the points system
The maximum score is 100 points, and the current cut-off score is 35 points. Points are accumulated based on the following factors.
| Selection Criteria | Highest Score |
|---|---|
| Experience | 25 |
| Educational Background | 35 |
| Age | 10 |
| Language Proficiency | 24 |
| Adaptability | 6 |
| Total | 100 |
Province of residence
Intending to reside in a region other than the province of Quebec.
Application process for the Self-employed Persons Class
01Meet the eligibility criteria for the Self-employed Persons Class
In order to apply for permanent residence, you must meet all of the above eligibility requirements.
02Submit your permanent residence application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Create an online application account for permanent residence and submit your application to IRCC, along with all the required documents.
03Review by IRCC
Once IRCC has completed the review of your application, you will receive a letter called the Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR).
04Landing
Applicants from outside Canada will enter Canada with their Confirmation of Permanent Resident (CoPR). Applicants from within Canada can complete the landing process online.
05Receive your Permanent Resident (PR) card
Your PR card will be delivered to the designated address within Canada within a few months.
Free Consultations and Inquiries
Feel free to get in touch!
Immigration Consultant
Yuki Shiraishi
Born in Japan. After earning a Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, she worked for six years in New York as a marketing consultant at a major travel agency, while also studying in an MBA program at the City University of New York. After returning to Japan, she managed the visa center of the same travel company, handling various international visa applications for foreign clients.
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