Self-employed persons class
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
As of June 4, 2019, all in-Canada visitor record, study permit and work permit applications must be submitted electronically, with some exemptions. See the list of programs that are exempt from the mandatory electronic application requirement.
This section describes how to process applications for permanent residence submitted by applicants in the Self-employed persons class.
A self-employed person is a foreign national who has relevant experience and has the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a significant contribution in Canada to one of the following:
- cultural activities
- athletics
- the purchase and management of a farm (for applicants before March 10, 2018)
Note: All applications in the self-employed persons class received on or before May 2, 2017, must be processed using the instructions from OP8 (PDF, 488 KB). Processing offices should give applicants the opportunity to update their application to meet the requirements of OP8.
All applications in the self-employed persons class received after May 2, 2017, must be processed under the SE PDIs, and officers should no longer use OP8 for SE processing.