Self-Employed Persons Program: Paused (Artists and Athletes)
The Self-Employed Persons Program offered permanent residence to people with experience in cultural activities or athletics who could become self-employed in Canada and contribute to its cultural or athletic life. IRCC paused new applications on April 30, 2024, because of a large backlog, and the program remains paused as of September 2026. Applications already submitted continue to be processed.
On this page
- Status
- Paused to new applications
- Paused since
- April 30, 2024
- Stated pause end
- January 1, 2027, when announced (check canada.ca)
- Who it was for
- Self-employed people in cultural activities or athletics
- Experience needed
- At least 2 years of relevant experience in the last 5 years
- Selection
- Points grid with a pass mark of 35 out of 100
- Quebec
- Runs its own self-employed program
What is the status of the program?
IRCC paused intake of new applications for the federal Self-Employed Persons Program on April 30, 2024. When it announced the pause, IRCC said it would last until January 1, 2027, to reduce a large backlog and long wait times. As of September 2026, IRCC's program page still shows the status as paused.
No new applications can be submitted. Applications received before the pause remain in processing.
Who was the program for?
The program targeted people who could support themselves in Canada through self-employment in:
- Cultural activities, such as music, visual arts, writing, film, dance, or theater, including people who work behind the scenes (for example, sound engineers or costume designers).
- Athletics, such as professional athletes and coaches.
Applicants had to show they intended and were able to be self-employed in Canada and make a significant contribution to its cultural or athletic life.
What were the requirements?
Relevant experience: at least 2 years of experience in cultural activities or athletics in the 5 years before applying, through self-employment or participation at a world-class level.
Selection points: IRCC scored applicants on five factors, with a pass mark of 35 out of 100:
| Factor | What it measured |
|---|---|
| Experience | Years of relevant experience |
| Education | Highest credential |
| Age | Younger applicants scored higher |
| Language | English and French ability |
| Adaptability | Ties to Canada, such as past study or work or a relative |
Other: medical, security, and criminal checks, and enough money to support your family.
These rules may change if the program reopens.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Before 2024 | Program accepts applications from artists and athletes, with long processing backlogs |
| April 30, 2024 | IRCC pauses new applications, saying the pause will last until January 1, 2027 |
| September 2026 | IRCC's program page still shows the program as paused |
Family members
If your application is pending, your spouse or partner and dependent children who were included are processed with you. If you have had a child or married since applying, tell IRCC so the new family member can be added and examined. Leaving a family member out can bar you from sponsoring them later.
If you already applied
- Your application stays in the queue.
- Keep your records current: contracts, exhibitions, performances, competition results, and income records.
- Update IRCC about changes to your family, address, or plans.
- If you get a procedural fairness letter or refusal, talk to a lawyer or licensed consultant (RCIC) quickly.
Check the IRCC processing times tool for current times.
What to do instead
| Option | Fits you if |
|---|---|
| Express Entry | You have skilled, paid work experience and good language scores. Note that self-employment does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class. |
| C10 significant benefit work permit | Your work would bring a significant cultural or economic benefit to Canada. Temporary status only. |
| LMIA work permit | A Canadian employer, such as a theater company or sports club, will hire you. |
| Provincial Nominee Programs | A province has a stream for your occupation or for entrepreneurs. |
| Quebec programs | You want to live in Quebec, which runs its own self-employed program. Check its current intake. |
Some performing artists and athletes can work in Canada for short periods without a work permit. Check IRCC's rules before you travel; see business visitor for the general rules on short visits.
For founders of scalable businesses, see the Start-Up Visa page (also closed) and the replacement status page.
Watch out for scams
Some agents still advertise the self-employed program as open. It is not accepting new federal applications. See scam protection and how to verify a lawyer or consultant.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Self-Employed Persons Program open in 2026?
No. New federal applications have been paused since April 30, 2024, and IRCC's page still shows the program as paused.
When will the self-employed program reopen?
When IRCC announced the pause, it said it would last until January 1, 2027. IRCC has not confirmed a reopening date; check canada.ca.
Can artists still immigrate to Canada?
Yes, through other routes such as Express Entry, provincial programs, or work permits, depending on your experience and job offers.
What happens to self-employed applications already submitted?
IRCC continues to process them.
Official sources
- IRCC: Self-employed persons programcanada.ca
- IRCC: Start-up Visa Programcanada.ca
- IRCC: Express Entrycanada.ca
- IRCC: Check processing timescanada.ca
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.