Self-employed persons class: Determining membership in the 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.
To be a member in the self-employed class, the applicant must have a minimum of two years of experience in cultural activities, athletics, or the purchase and management of a farm (for applications received before March 10, 2018), during the period beginning five years before the date of application for a permanent resident visa and ending on the day a determination is made in respect of the application, consisting of
- in respect of cultural activities,
- two one-year periods of experience in self-employment in cultural activities,
- two one-year periods of experience in participation at a world class level in cultural activities, or
- a combination of a one-year period of experience described in clause (A) and a one-year period of experience described in clause (B),
- in respect of athletics,
- two one-year periods of experience in self-employment in athletics,
- two one-year periods of experience in participation at a world class level in athletics, or
- a combination of a one-year period of experience described in clause (A) and a one-year period of experience described in clause (B), and
- in respect of the purchase and management of a farm (for applications received before March 10, 2018), two one-year periods of experience in the management of a farm.