The Self-Employed Persons Program has helped over 3,000 Principal Applicants and their families immigrate to Canada in the past five years alone. These individuals emigrate from various regions around the globe. Self- Employed Immigrants are not held to any conditions once they are granted permanent residence status and no regulated minimum net worth is required.

The following offers a summary of the key requirements for Self- Employed Immigrants:

1. Been Self-Employed in cultural activities or athletics:

Applicants must be self-employment for a minimum of two-years, during a maximum period of five years from the date of application for permanent residence and ending on day of application determination. In the case of self-employment in the realm of cultural activities, experience must comprise of at least one of the following;

1. Two one-year periods of self- employment in cultural activities;
2. Two one-year periods of experience having participated at a world-class level in cultural activities;
3. A combination of a one-year period of experience as indicated in each; (a) and (b).

1. Two one-year periods of self-employment in athletics;
2. Two one-year periods of experience having participated at a world-class level in athletics;
3. A combination of a one-year period of experience as indicated in each; (a) and (b).

For applicants with background in purchasing and managing a farm, this experience must be comprised of at least two one-year periods of farm management experience.

4. Must have a minimum of two- years experience in a related field;

Applicants must have a minimum of two years experience in cultural activities, athletics or farm management as indicated in their respective sections. This experience must not exceed five years from date of application and unto the time in which a decision on your application has been made.

5. Must demonstrate intent and capacity to be self-employed in Canada;

Applicants must demonstrate that they plan and have the ability (financial resources, background experience, etc.) to become self- employed in Canada. This source of self-employment must make a significant contribution to cultural, artistic, or athletic activities, or to purchase and manage a farm in Canada. Finally, principal applicants demonstrate their ability to financially support themselves as well as their family.

6. Exemplify prospect of a successful business endeavor in the Athletic, Artistic or Farming domains and which will make significant contributions to the Canadian culture and/or economy;

There is no set definition for what constitutes “significant contribution”. The main intention of this requirement is to demonstrate that you have skills and qualifications that make you a valuable asset to Canada’s cultural, artistic and athletic life. Your benefit does not necessarily have to be on a national scale, but significantly contribute on a communal and/or local level. Depending on where you plan to immigrate, a smaller town may be more greatly served by your specific contribution than if you were to settle in a large urban area (big city). Thus, immigrating to a suburban area or small town may offer you better prospect of becoming selected under this category in certain situations. M. Shahid & Associates Co. has in depth knowledge of this process and will guide you through the selection and process of your settlement, holding your specific skills and craft in mind. Note: Applicants are still subject to satisfying medical and security requirements, as well as any other specific federal or provincial regulations.