If you’re an artist, artisan, athlete, or farmer who wants to immigrate to Canada you might be in luck. If you’ve got the experience, then CIP has the ability to help you translate that experience into a visa that lets you live and continue working in Canada.
Remember, it’s one thing to have the experience. It’s another to prove it. CIP is your expert partner when it comes to making your case to relevant government officials.
To qualify for business immigration to Canada under the Self-Employed Persons Program, an applicant must demonstrate that he or she has relevant agricultural, artistic, or athletic experience that will allow the applicant to be successfully self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution to his or her field.
Relevant experience consists of at least two years of experience either self-employed or participating at a world class level in art, culture, recreation, or sport activities designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) (see the list below).
Applicants who wish to purchase a farm must have at least two years of farm management experience.
Applicants are also assessed based on their education, experience, age, English/French language ability, and adaptability.
| Professional Occupations in Art and Culture | |
| 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 |
| Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport | |
| 5211 | Library and Archive Technicians and Assistants |
| 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 | Patternmakers – Textile, Leather and Fur Products |
| 5251 | Athletes |
| 5252 | Coaches |
| 5253 | Sports Officials and Referees |
| 5254 | Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness |
Individuals interested in immigrating to the Province of Quebec should note that the province has a separate selection system for self-employed persons.
Do you have what it takes?
If you have what it takes to immigrate on a self-employment visa just contact CIP to start the process today. Concerned you won’t qualify? Contact us for an assessment to give us a clear picture of your situation. We can’t wait to learn more about what makes you a great fit for our nation!