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Self-Employed Persons Program
The Self-Employed Persons Program allows foreign cultural activities or athletics to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Simply put, applicants who can establish their own employment in Canada are at Step 1 of the Self-Employed Persons program (SEP). SEP applicants must have relevant self-employment experience and make a significant contribution to the cultural, artistic, or athletic life of Canada. Purchasing and managing an existing firm in Canada is an option under SEP.
To be self-employed means that after immigrating to Canada, applicants do not take up jobs in the Canadian labor force but rather create jobs for themselves or other workers through personal business ventures.
SEP Eligibility
SEP applicants must satisfy the following requirements in order to apply:
- In the past 5 years, they have at least 2 years of relevant experience, that they:
- either gained independently or by participating at a world-class level (specific artistic achievements or awards) in cultural activities or athletics;
- have been a self-employed person in cultural activities or athletics; or
- a combination of a one-year being self-employed, and a one-year period participating at a world-class level in relevant activities.
- Be able to create jobs for themselves and even other workers in Canada;
- Have willingness and ability to contribute to Canadian culture and sports;
- Earn a points assessment of at least 35 points out of 100;
- Must meet medical requirements; and
- No criminal record.
Points-Based Selection Criteria
There are five selection criteria for SEP: education, experience, age, language proficiency, and adaptability.
| Selection Factors | Maximum Points Given | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Education Level | 25 | 5 points for high school education 25 points for a master degree |
| Work Experience | 35 | 20 points for 2 years, plus 5 points for each additional year |
| Age | 10 | Full points for age 21 – 49, minus 2 points after each year |
| Language Ability | 24 | 16 points maximum for the first language (Example: English) Up to 8 points for the second language (Example: French) |
| Adaptability | 6 | Spouse's education can add 3-5 points |
Qualifying Occupations For SEP
| NOC Code | Occupations |
|---|---|
| 5111 | Librarians |
| 5112 | Conservators and Curators |
| 5113 | Archivists |
| 5121 | Authors and Writers |
| 5122 | Editors |
| 5123 | Journalists |
| 5124 | Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications |
| 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 |
| 5211 | Library and Archive Technicians |
| 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 | Pattern makers – Textile, Leather and Fur Products |
| 5251 | Athletes |
| 5252 | Coaches |
| 5253 | Sports Officials and Referees |
| 5254 | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness |
You are welcome to contact us for professional advice on Self-Employed Person program. We will also provide any assistance to help you and your family settle in Canada.