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Self Employed Persons Classs

The definition of a self-employed person based on the federal immigration policy is someone who has relevant experience and has the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution to specified economic activities in Canada. Specified economic activities are defined as engaged in: 

1) cultural activities; 

2) athletics; or

3) the purchase and management of the farm.


To be qualified as a self-employed person, the applicant must : 

  • Obtain a minimum of 35 out of 100 points in the point system for this class.
  • Have minimum 2 years of experience during the period beginning 5 years before the date of application for a PR visa in one of the specified economic activities (culture, athletics, or management of the farm)

Examples of cultural activities and athletics: music teachers, painters, illustrators, filmmakers, freelance journalists, choreographers, set designers, coaches trainers, theatrical or musical directors, or impresarios.


Start Up Visa Business Class (SUV)

SUV is a 5 year pilot program created to link immigrant entrepreneurs with private Canadian angel investor groups or venture capital fund organizations that have experience working with start-ups.

Applicants do not have to invest their own money. A start-up business must be new business intended to be operated in Canada and has received support from a designated business organization, such as business incubator, venture capitalist, or angel investor.

If the applicant is accepted into a Canadian business incubator program, no investment is required. Otherwise, applicants must secure the following:

  • A minimum investment of $200,000, if the investment comes from one or more designated Canadian venture capital funds.
  • A minimum investment of $75,000, if the investment comes from one or more designated angel investors.

PNP Entrepreneurship Programs

Most Canadian provinces have their own business immigration streams known as PNP Entrepreneur Immigration Streams. An Applicant whose experience is outside the federal business immigration category could apply under these PNP streams.

Under these streams, the prospective applicant can set up a new business or buy the existing one. One of the primary conditions is that the business must bring significant benefits to Canada. After 1 year of operating the business, the applicant and his/her family can apply for PR.  


To apply for these streams, the applicant must have the minimum net worth and investment as follow:

  • Alberta Self-Employed Farmer: Net worth=$500,000; Invesment=$500,000
  • BC Entrepreneur Category: Net worth=$600,000; Investment=$200,000 
  • BC Entrepreneur Immigration Regional Pilot: Net worth=$300,000; Investment=$100,000
  • Manitoba Business Investor Stream: Net worth=$500,000; Investment=$150,000/C$250,000
  • Nova Scotia Entrepreneur Stream: Net worth=$600,000; Investment=$150,000
  • Ontario Entrepreneur: Net worth=C$400,000/800,000; Investment=$200,000/600,000 
  • Quebec Investor Program: Net worth=$2,000,000; Investment=$1,200,000
  • Saskatchewan Entrepreneur: Net worth=$500,000; Investment=$200,000/$300,000


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