Canada Self-Employed Persons Program: status

The program gives permanent residence to people with experience in cultural activities or athletics, such as artists, performers and athletes, who are willing and able to be self-employed in Canada and will contribute significantly to its cultural or athletic life. IRCC stopped accepting applications on 30 April 2024 because of a backlog; the pause, first planned until the end of 2026, was extended until further notice on 19 December 2025.

Applicants need at least 2 years of relevant experience, as self-employed persons or world-class participants, within the period from 5 years before applying to the decision date. Files are scored out of 100: experience up to 35 points (20 for two years), education 25, English or French 24, age 10 (full points at 21 to 49) and adaptability 6. The pass mark is 35. Applicants must also show funds to support their family; no fixed amount is published.

IRCC’s fee list sets CAD 2,495 for the principal applicant including the CAD 600 right of permanent residence fee (CAD 1,895 without), CAD 1,590 for a spouse or partner (CAD 990 without) and CAD 270 per child. Biometrics cost CAD 85, or CAD 170 per family.

Applications already in the queue continue to be processed. You and your family members must pass an immigration medical exam and provide police certificates when IRCC asks for them. Keep your contact details and family information up to date in your IRCC account, since an unreported change can delay or complicate the decision.

IRCC’s evaluation counted about 8,500 people awaiting a decision in November 2025, down from over 11,000 in April 2024. With business admissions cut to 500 places in 2026, IRCC’s tool tells post-July 2022 applicants to expect more than 10 years. The evaluation found the program no longer fit for its role, and IRCC will develop options for global talent by the third quarter of 2026–27.

While the program is closed, artists and athletes can consider temporary work permits, including those for performing artists, where biometrics are capped at CAD 255 for groups of three or more applying together; Express Entry if they have skilled work experience; and provincial nominee programs. Applications are made online in the IRCC portal, with biometrics at a visa application centre.