The Self-Employed Persons Program is a federal permanent residence program for people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who will make a significant contribution to Canada’s cultural or athletic life.
Current status: paused (no new applications)
IRCC states the program is paused, and that they stopped accepting applications on April 30, 2024.
IRCC also confirmed on December 19, 2025 that it extended the pause “until further notice.”
What this means: there is no new intake to apply right now. If you see a website saying “apply now,” treat it as outdated.
Who this program is for
IRCC describes eligible backgrounds as people with experience in cultural activities or athletics, including:
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participating at a world-class level, or
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being self-employed in cultural activities or athletics.
“Relevant experience” (IRCC definition)
IRCC defines relevant experience as at least 2 years of experience in the period:
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starting 5 years before the day you apply, and
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ending on the day IRCC makes a decision on your application.
IRCC also notes you can get more points with 3, 4, or 5 years of experience.
How IRCC selects applicants (when the program is open)
IRCC assesses applicants using selection criteria that include:
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experience
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education
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age
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language abilities
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adaptability
You also must meet medical, security, and other conditions, including medical exams and police certificates, and you must show enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada.
Fees (IRCC)
IRCC’s fee list places the Self-Employed Persons Program under Business immigration and lists:
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$1,810 processing fee + $575 right of permanent residence fee = $2,385 (principal applicant).
What to remove from your old template
Delete these items (they are not accurate for this program page):
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“Endorsement Certificate From an Atlantic Province” (AIP only)
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Any “apply now” steps while the program is paused
FAQ
Is the Self-Employed Persons Program open in 2026?
No. IRCC says it has been paused since April 30, 2024, and the pause was extended “until further notice.”
What kind of experience counts?
IRCC focuses on cultural activities or athletics, at world-class level or self-employed experience, with at least 2 years.
Do I need language test results?
Language is part of the selection criteria, and IRCC’s application guidance notes third-party fees may include language testing (depending on situation).
How much are the government fees?
IRCC lists $2,385 for the principal applicant (processing + RPRF).
Reality check
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This program is a real PR pathway, but it is not available for new applications right now.
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If you are planning around this program, the safest approach is to monitor IRCC’s official updates and avoid paid services promising a “guaranteed spot” during a pause.
IRCC – Self-Employed Persons Program (status page):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed.html
IRCC – Who can apply (pause date + eligibility details):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed/eligibility.html
IRCC – How to apply (forms/portal info):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/self-employed/apply.html
IRCC notice (Dec 19, 2025 – pause extended until further notice):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/immigration-measures-entrepreneurs.html
IRCC fee list (Self-employed fees under Business immigration):
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
IRCC guide IMM 4500 (Business class – Self-employed):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-4500-applying-permanent-residence-business-class-applicants-self-employed.html
