The Self-Employed Persons Program is open to individuals with prior self-employed experience as athletes (at an international level), or artisans.

If you are a well-known basketball player, freelance filmmaker, journalist or Ku Fung master, and the world has somehow recorded your attainments in one way or the other, Canada welcomes you. It has a Self-Employed Person Program for you and your family to apply for permanent residency. You must be able to demonstrate that you have the relevant artistic or athletic experience that will allow you to be self-employed and make a significant contribution to the cultural and sporting life of Canada.

Participation at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics intends to capture performers. It describes those who perform in the arts and the world of sport. “World-class” identifies persons who are known internationally. It also identifies persons who may not be known internationally but performs at the highest levels in their discipline.

Relevant experience consists of at least two years of experience of self-employment or participation at a world-class level in art. You must get a minimum of 35 out of 100 points on five selection education, experience, age, English/French language ability, and adaptability.

There is no regulated minimum net worth requirement for the Self-Employed Persons Program. However, self-employed applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to settle in Canada along with their dependents and finance the work for which their selection is based.