Self-Employed Persons Program (Federal)
🇨🇦 Canada visas · Business
What it is
Federal permanent residence program for people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who will make a significant contribution to Canadian cultural or athletic life. Intake is currently paused.
Key facts
- Category
- Business
- Duration
- Permanent residence
- Application fee
- Fee data not loaded on page at time of review; refer to current IRCC fee list
- Processing time
- Currently paused; historically very long (50+ months)
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Key requirements
- Have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics
- Intend and be able to make a significant contribution to Canadian cultural or athletic life
- Meet selection criteria on experience, education, age, language and adaptability
- Be admissible to Canada
- Note: program is currently paused, IRCC is not accepting new applications
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 7 June 2026.