Self-Employed Persons Program

Self-Employed Persons Program — Canada

The Self-Employed Persons Program (SEPP) is a federal immigration pathway designed for individuals who have relevant experience in cultural activities, athletics, or farm management, and who intend and are able to establish themselves as self-employed in Canada in one of those fields.

Three Qualifying Areas

1. 1.Cultural activities — Includes performing arts (music, theatre, dance), visual arts, writing, film/TV production, and other creative endeavours. Applicants must have taken part in cultural activities at a world-class level.

1. 1.Athletics — For athletes or coaches who have competed at a world-class level (Olympic, international, or national elite competition). Coaching is also included.

1. 1.Farm management — For applicants with experience managing or operating a farm who plan to purchase and operate a farm in Canada.

Two-Year Experience Requirement

Applicants must have at least 2 years of relevant experience in the past 5 years before applying. For cultural activities and athletics, the experience must be at a world-class level (defined as participation in international competition or production). For farm management, it is general farm ownership/operation experience.

Points-Based Selection Grid

Applicants are assessed on a selection criteria grid scoring up to 100 points across five factors: - Experience (up to 35 points) - Education (up to 25 points) - Age (up to 10 points) - Language (up to 24 points) - Adaptability (up to 6 points)

A minimum of 35 points is required to qualify (plus the officer's approval of the business intent). There is no separate language minimum, but a strong language score is essential to reach 35 points.

No Investor Threshold

Unlike entrepreneur programs, there is no minimum investment or net worth requirement. The focus is entirely on the quality of self-employment experience and the genuine intent to contribute to Canada's cultural or sporting heritage or agricultural sector.