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Immigrate as a self-employed person: About the process

From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Fees

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Processing time ?

Check application processing times

You may need to give biometrics with your application. This processing time includes the time you need to give your biometrics.

Processing times

Processing times will vary based on:

  • the type of application submitted
  • if the application is complete
  • how quickly we expect to process applications we’ve already received
  • how easily we can verify your information
  • how long you take to respond to any requests or concerns
  • other factors

More people want to immigrate to Canada than we can bring in each year. Applications received after we meet our yearly limit may have to wait longer to be processed.

Learn how processing times are calculated.

Status: paused until January 2027

We stopped accepting applications for this program on April 30, 2024.
Learn more about this pause.

The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person.

If you’re interested in this program, you must:

  • have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and
  • be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada

Want to live in Quebec?

If you plan to live in Quebec as a business immigrant, you must first apply to the Government of Québec for a Selection Certificate.

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