Canada’s Self-Employed Persons Program in Surrey
The Self-Employed Persons Program provides a pathway for individuals who can contribute to Canada’s cultural or athletic life. At Welkin Immigration Services Inc., we assist eligible candidates in Surrey and throughout British Columbia in navigating the requirements of this unique federal stream. Unlike programs that focus on corporate management or job creation for others, this pathway focuses on your ability to be self-employed and maintain your own livelihood through your talents.
Requirements for the Self-Employed Persons Program
To qualify for the Self-Employed Persons Program, applicants must demonstrate relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. This experience must have occurred within the five years before you apply and continue until a decision is made on your application. Specifically, you need at least 2 years of experience, which can be 2 one-year periods of self-employment or participation at a world-class level.
Selection Criteria and Point System
The Self-Employed Persons Program uses a points-based system to assess candidates. Applicants are graded on several factors:
- Experience: Your history in your specific field.
- Education: Your academic background.
- Age: How does your age align with the program’s objectives?
- Language Proficiency: Ability in English or French.
- Adaptability: Factors that show how well you might integrate into life in Surrey or other parts of Canada.
A minimum score is required to pass, but the strength of your business plan and the documentation of your achievements are vital components of a successful Self-Employed Persons Program application.
Eligible Occupations in Culture and Athletics
The Self-Employed Persons Program covers a wide range of professionals. In the cultural sector, this includes authors, painters, musicians, filmmakers, and journalists. It also covers those who work behind the scenes, such as set designers, editors, and choreographers.
In athletics, the Self-Employed Persons Program is open to athletes, coaches, and sports officials who have competed or worked at a high level. If you have been supporting yourself through these activities, you may be eligible to transition to permanent residency in Surrey.
To immigrate as a self-employed person, you must:
- Have at least two years of relevant experience. It must be during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day CIC make a decision on your application.
- Be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada
- Meet the program’s selection criteria
- The applicant and the applicant’s immediate family members must pass the medical exams and security risk assessments
To prove that your experience is relevant, you must provide proof of:
- 2 one-year periods being self-employed in athletics or cultural activities, or
- 2 one-year periods participating at a world-class level in athletics or cultural activities, or
- a combination of a one-year period of each of the above activities.
The Business Plan for Surrey Residents
A critical part of the Self-Employed Persons Program is proving that you have the intent and ability to establish a business in Canada. Your plan must demonstrate how your presence will contribute to the local economy or the community’s cultural fabric. For those moving to Surrey, this might involve opening a local art studio, coaching a sports team, or working as a freelance consultant in your field. Welkin Immigration Services Inc. helps you organize the necessary documents to clearly reflect your professional history.
Selection Criteria
To qualify for this program, you must meet the definition of a self-employed person. To assess your eligibility, you will also be graded on five selection criteria and a point-based system. The minimum passing score is 35 out of 100, but it may change.
| Selection Criteria | Maximum points |
| Education | 25 |
| Experience | 35 |
| Age | 10 |
| Ability in English and/ or in French | 24 |
| Adaptability | 6 |
| Total: | 100 |
You will be selected based on the documents that you have provided with your application, your score under each of the selection criteria and meeting the definition of a self-employed person. You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you get to Canada.
| NOC | Professional Occupations in Art and Culture |
| 5111 | Librarians |
| 5112 | Conservators and Curators |
| 5113 | Archivists |
| 5121 | Authors and Writers |
| 5122 | Editors |
| 5123 | Journalists |
| 5125 | Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters |
| 5131 | Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related Occupations |
| 5132 | Conductors, Composers, and Arrangers |
| 5133 | Musicians and Singers |
| 5134 | Dancers |
| 5135 | Actors and Comedians |
| 5136 | Painters, Sculptors, and Other Visual Artists |
| NOC | Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport |
| 5211 | Library and Archive Technicians and Assistants |
| 5212 | Technical Occupations Related to Museums and Art Galleries |
| 5221 | Photographers |
| 5222 | Film and Video Camera Operators |
| 5223 | Graphic Arts Technicians |
| 5224 | Broadcast Technicians |
| 5225 | Audio and Video Recording Technicians |
| 5226 | Other Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts |
| 5227 | Support Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts |
| 5231 | Announcers and Other Broadcasters |
| 5232 | Other Performers |
| 5241 | Graphic Designers and Illustrators |
| 5242 | Interior Designers |
| 5243 | Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers |
| 5244 | Artisans and Craftspersons |
| 5245 | Patternmakers – Textile, Leather and Fur Products |
| 5251 | Athletes |
| 5252 | Coaches |
| 5253 | Sports Officials and Referees |
| 5254 | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport, and Fitness |
Why Choose Welkin Immigration Services Inc.?
Our team in Surrey stays informed on the latest updates regarding the Self-Employed Persons Program. We review your portfolio, financial records, and experience to determine if you meet the federal criteria. Our goal is to present your case to immigration officers in a way that highlights your contributions to the Canadian landscape.
The Self-Employed Persons Program is an excellent option for those who do not fit into the Express Entry system due to the nature of their work. If you are an artist or an athlete, this program recognizes your unique value.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a net worth requirement for the Self-Employed Persons Program?
No, there is no set minimum net worth. However, you must show you have enough funds to settle in Canada and support yourself through your work.
- Can my family join me under the Self-Employed Persons Program?
Yes, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your application for permanent residency.
- How long does the Self-Employed Persons Program take?
Federal processing times change periodically. It is important to check the current Government estimates at the time of your application.
If you are ready to explore your options under the Self-Employed Persons Program, Welkin Immigration Services Inc. is here to assist.
