Self-Employed Persons Program (Paused) — Canada

The Federal Self-Employed Persons Program is not accepting new applications.

IRCC paused intake on 30 April 2024 to work through a growing backlog, and on 19 December 2025 extended that pause "until further notice" — there is no confirmed date for the program to reopen. If you're researching this pathway today, plan around the fact that you cannot file a new application right now.

The backlog and processing reality

• Only applications submitted before 30 April 2024 are still being processed from IRCC's existing inventory.
• As of mid-2026, IRCC's own processing-times tool lists the Self-Employed Persons Program at more than 10 years, with roughly 8,000 applications still waiting to be finalized. No service standard is published because the program isn't taking new intake.
• IRCC has said it is redesigning the program and may eventually launch a smaller, more targeted entrepreneur pilot, but has not announced a launch date.
• The related Start-up Visa Program is also closed to most new applicants as of 31 December 2025, with a narrow exception for people holding a valid 2025 commitment certificate who applied by 30 June 2026.

What the program was designed for (background)

Before the pause, this program let applicants immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident based on at least two years of relevant self-employment experience in cultural activities or athletics (within the five years before applying), plus the intent and ability to become self-employed in Canada. Applicants used Form IMM 0008 and Form IMM 5669 to apply directly to IRCC.

Current alternatives while the pause is in effect

None of these are a direct substitute for the federal Self-Employed Persons Program — each has its own eligibility rules, fees, and application process. Always confirm current status directly on IRCC's website before making plans.

Note: This section applies only to people who submitted a Self-Employed Persons Program application before 30 April 2024. New applications are not being accepted, so the steps below don't apply if you haven't already filed.

If your application is already in IRCC's backlog, IRCC continues to review the forms and documents you submitted, including:

• Form IMM 0008 (Generic Application Form for Canada)
• Form IMM 5669 (Schedule A – Background/Declaration)
• Any additional program-specific forms listed in the IRCC instruction guide

You must ensure your experience clearly matches the program criteria and that every field is complete.

Avoid Delays in Processing

Incomplete or incorrect applications cause delays, and with a backlog running past 10 years, avoidable delays matter even more.

You reduce risk by:

• Responding promptly to any IRCC request for updated documents or information
• Keeping your contact details and passport current with IRCC while you wait
• Ensuring your experience aligns with eligibility requirements

If You Haven't Applied Yet

Since the program is paused with no reopening date, consider pathways that are currently open instead of waiting, including:

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
• Québec's own Self-Employed Worker Program (provincial, separate from this federal program)
• Provincial Nominee Program entrepreneur streams

Each pathway has separate criteria and forms. Always follow the most recent instructions published by IRCC before preparing any application.

New applications aren't being accepted, so these fees only apply to the pre-pause backlog (applications filed before 30 April 2024) and to legacy files still moving through IRCC's queue. The Self-Employed Persons Program is assessed under IRCC's business immigration fee category, alongside the Start-up Visa and Quebec business immigration.

As of 30 April 2026, the government fees are:

IRCC will not process a file until required fees are paid in full, and it refunds the RPRF only if you withdraw or the application is refused.

Given the program's pause, processing times reflect the existing backlog only — IRCC's processing-times tool lists more than 10 years for the roughly 8,000 applications still pending, as of mid-2026.

If you apply from outside Canada or the United States, add 3 to 4 months for mailing time on paper-based steps.

Always verify current fees and processing times through IRCC before relying on any figure here, as amounts and estimates can change.

The information below reflects what was required to apply through the Self-Employed Persons Program — it's kept here for people with an application already in IRCC's backlog and for reference if the program reopens, since new applications aren't currently accepted (paused 30 April 2024, extended until further notice on 19 December 2025).

At minimum, applicants had to prepare the following core forms:

Complete every section.

Sign where required and ensure all answers are consistent across forms.

You must also include supporting documents that prove your eligibility.

Review the official IRCC instruction guide for your specific stream before you submit.

Common supporting documents include:

• Identity and civil status documents
• Evidence related to your self-employment experience
• Residence documents, if requested
• Any additional documents required for accompanying family members

If you apply under a different pathway, such as the Start-up Visa Program, Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), or the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, follow the document checklist issued for that program.

Each stream has its own requirements and forms.

Submit all required documents at the same time.

Missing signatures, incomplete sections, or absent evidence can delay processing or result in refusal.

Always verify the most current document checklist directly through IRCC before filing.

Applicable to legacy filings only — the program is paused to new applications. When you apply as a self-employed person, IRCC assesses whether you can realistically operate your own business in Canada.

Your tax situation supports that assessment by showing your past self-employment activity and financial history.

You must demonstrate relevant experience and show that you intend and are able to continue working for yourself in Canada under the Self-employed Program.

Your education, age, language ability, and adaptability also form part of the selection criteria.

The table below outlines how key immigration programs connect to your self-employment plans:

When completing IMM 0008 and IMM 5669, you must accurately disclose your work history.

Include all periods of self-employment.

IRCC begins processing on the date it receives your complete application.

Processing ends when it makes a final decision on your permanent residence.

You and your family members must:

• Complete medical examinations
• Provide police certificates
• Pass security screening

CBSA determines admissibility at the border, while IRCC makes decisions on your permanent residence application.

Nobody can newly apply right now.

IRCC paused Self-Employed Persons Program intake on 30 April 2024 and extended that pause "until further notice" on 19 December 2025. The eligibility rules below describe who the program was designed for and who remains in the existing backlog — they don't create a way to file a new application.

If you applied before the pause, or if the program eventually reopens, the historical eligibility rules required:

• At least two years of relevant self-employment experience in cultural activities or athletics within the five years before applying
• The intent and ability to become self-employed in Canada
• Passing medical, security, and other admissibility checks

If you're looking for a program you can apply to today, IRCC manages several other economic immigration pathways with their own criteria:

Applying under the wrong category can delay processing or lead to refusal, so confirm current program status directly on IRCC's website before you plan around any of these routes.

This section applies to people with a pending application filed before the 30 April 2024 pause, or those planning ahead for if the program reopens — new filings aren't currently accepted. You should seek professional help if you struggle to prove that you participated at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics.

The Self-employed Program requires strong evidence, and weak documentation can lead to refusal by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

If your record does not clearly show international recognition, awards, or high-level participation, do not guess.

Get guidance before you submit Form IMM 0008, Form IMM 5669, or supporting documents.

You should also seek advice if you are unsure whether your experience meets the “world-class” threshold.

Many applicants overestimate the strength of local or national achievements.

Professional review helps you:

• Identify gaps in your evidence
• Strengthen documentation before filing
• Avoid submitting incomplete or weak applications

IRCC assesses what you provide.

If your proof does not clearly demonstrate high-level international participation, your application under the Self-employed Program faces serious risk.