The PR – Self-Employed Persons Program enables individuals to obtain permanent residency in Canada as self-employed individuals.
To qualify for this program, applicants must possess pertinent experience in cultural activities or athletics and demonstrate a readiness and capability to make a substantial contribution to Canada’s cultural or athletic landscape.
To qualify for immigration as a self-employed individual, you must fulfill the following requirements:
In the context of the self-employed immigration program, “Relevant Experience” pertains to the professional background and accomplishments necessary for eligibility. Specifically, this entails a demonstrable history of involvement and expertise in cultural activities or athletics. This could encompass significant achievements and contributions within these fields, such as notable performances, exhibitions, or entrepreneurial endeavors.
Moreover, the relevant experience requirement stipulates a minimum of two years of engagement in cultural activities or athletics within the five years preceding the application submission. These activities could include being self-employed in cultural or athletic ventures, participating at a world-class level, or a combination of both.
For cultural activities, qualifying experiences may include self-employment in cultural endeavors, participation at a world-class level, or a blend of both. Similarly, for athletics, eligible experiences might involve self-employment in athletic pursuits, participation at a world-class level, or a combination thereof.
Overall, the objective of assessing relevant experience is to ensure that applicants possess the requisite background and expertise to thrive as self-employed individuals in Canada, contributing significantly to the cultural or athletic landscape of the country.
Relevant experience for a self-employed individual entails a minimum of two years of engagement within the five-year period preceding the application submission date, up until the decision on the application is made.
To accrue additional points, applicants can present three, four, or five years of experience.
Essentially, the required experience comprises:
For cultural activities:
For athletics:
To qualify for immigration as a self-employed individual, you must attain a minimum of 35 points upon evaluation based on our five selection criteria and point system.
Your maximum achievable score is 100. Presently, the pass threshold stands at 35 points.
Candidate selection process entails:
Selection criteria | Maximum points | Your score |
Education | 25 | |
Experience | 35 | |
Age | 10 | |
Ability in English and/or French | 24 | |
Adaptability | 6 | |
TOTAL | 100 |
Points for education: maximum 25 points
Education | Maximum 25 points |
You have a Master’s Degree or Ph.D. and at least 17 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 25 points |
You have two or more university degrees at the bachelor’s level and at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 22 points |
You have a three-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 15 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 22 points |
You have a university degree of two years or more at the bachelor’s level and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 20 points |
You have a two-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 14 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 20 points |
You have a one-year university degree at the bachelor’s level and at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 15 points |
You have a one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 13 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 15 points |
You have a one-year diploma, trade certificate or apprenticeship and at least 12 years of full-time or full-time equivalent study. | 12 points |
You completed high school. | 5 points |
Points for experience: maximum 35 points
Relevant experience must have been obtained in the period that begins five years before you sign your application and ends when a decision is made on your application.
Two years of relevant experience | 20 |
Three years of relevant experience | 25 |
Four years of relevant experience | 30 |
Five years of relevant experience | 35 |
Points for age: maximum 10 points
You will be awarded selection points based on your age at the time when the visa office receives your application.
Age | Points |
16 or under | 0 |
17 | 2 |
18 | 4 |
19 | 6 |
20 | 8 |
21–49 | 10 |
50 | 8 |
51 | 6 |
52 | 4 |
53 | 2 |
54+ | 0 |
Points for language ability: maximum 24 points
Your proficiency in English or French is one of the 5 selection factors. You’ll be awarded up to 24 points for your basic, moderate or high proficiency in English and French. You’ll be given points based on your ability to:
Points for adaptability: maximum 6 points
A maximum of 6 points for adaptability can be earned by any combination of the following elements.
Adaptability | Maximum 6 points |
Spouse or common-law partner’s level of education
| 3–5 |
Previous work in Canada You or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner have completed a minimum of one year of full-time work in Canada on a valid work permit. | 5 |
Previous study in Canada You or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner have completed a program of full-time study of at least two years’ duration at a post-secondary institution in Canada. You must have done this after you were 17 years old and with a valid study permit. There’s no need to have obtained a degree or diploma for these two years of study to earn these points. | 5 |
Relatives in Canada You or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, have a relative (parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, child of a parent, sibling, child of a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or grandchild of a parent, niece or nephew) who is residing in Canada and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. |
Once you’ve met the criteria for relevant experience, willingness and ability to be PR self-employed, and satisfied the program’s selection criteria, you must also fulfill medical, security, and any additional conditions set forth by the immigration authorities.
The C10 work permit falls under the authority of section R205(a) and is granted in circumstances where obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from HRSDC is not feasible, but there’s a clear and compelling social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada.
This permit is issued for individuals who can provide evidence of significant contribution to the Canadian economy or who have a notable presence in their field.
Assessment of significant social or cultural benefit relies on objective measures such as academic records, work experience, awards, recognition by peers or organizations, scholarly contributions, publications, leadership roles, and participation in distinguished organizations or events.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong and distinguished track record in their field, with evidence of achievements and contributions.
The C11 work permit, under section R205(a), is granted to entrepreneurs or self-employed candidates seeking to operate a business in Canada.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability and willingness to leave Canada at the end of the temporary period authorized under R183, unless they meet the criteria for permanent residency.
For permanent resident applicants who meet the definition of “entrepreneur” or “self-employed” and have been selected, a work permit may be issued if there are compelling and urgent reasons to authorize entry before processing is complete.
The entry of the applicant must generate significant economic, social, or cultural benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Early admission entrepreneurs must also satisfy the officer that they will leave Canada if their permanent residence application is ultimately refused.
The PR self-employed application targets individuals with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who aim to become self-employed in Canada and contribute significantly to the cultural or athletic landscape of the country.
Eligibility requires relevant experience, a willingness and capacity to be self-employed in Canada, and meeting the program’s selection criteria, including a points assessment.
Successful applicants receive permanent residency in Canada, granting them the right to live and work in the country indefinitely, contributing to the long-term socio-cultural fabric of Canada.
Each option offers distinct pathways for individuals to work and reside in Canada, catering to various circumstances and contributions to the Canadian society and economy.
Akrami and Associates Immigration Law Firm can assist individuals with the C10, C11, and self-employed permanent residency (PR) applications by providing expert legal guidance and support throughout the entire process.
Consultation and Assessment: The firm can conduct a thorough consultation to assess the client’s eligibility for the C10, C11, or self-employed PR programs. We will review the client’s background, qualifications, and goals to determine the most suitable immigration pathway.
Application Preparation: We can assist in preparing and completing all required application forms and supporting documentation for the C10, C11, or PR self-employed programs. This includes ensuring that all paperwork is accurate, complete, and submitted within the specified deadlines.
Legal Representation: The firm can act as legal representative for you throughout the application process. We will communicate with immigration authorities on behalf of the client, handle any inquiries or requests for additional information, and advocate for the client’s interests.
Documentation Assistance: Akrami and Associates can help clients gather and organize the necessary documents, such as educational certificates, work experience letters, business plans, financial statements, and any other evidence required for the application.
Strategic Advice: The firm can provide strategic advice on how to strengthen the client’s application and maximize their chances of success. This may include guidance on obtaining letters of support, enhancing qualifications, or addressing any potential weaknesses in the application.
Overall, Akrami and Associates Immigration Law Firm offers comprehensive legal services to individuals seeking to apply for the C10, C11, or PR self-employed programs, guiding them through every step of the immigration process and striving to achieve a successful outcome.
Book a consultation today!
Misrepresentation is a serious issue in Canadian immigration that can lead to significant consequences for…
What is Temporary Resident Permit A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a unique pathway allowing…
Canada Visitor Visa The Canada Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV),…
Understanding the Requirements for Express Entry in Canada Canada's Express Entry system is a popular…
What is a LMIA? A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by…
Canada’s immigration laws can be pretty strict, especially when it comes to people with past…
This website uses cookies.