The Self-Employed Persons Program is paused

The federal Self-Employed Persons Program is often mistaken for a program for anyone self-employed. In fact it is very narrow, and it is paused.

Who it is for

According to IRCC, it is for people who:

• have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics;
• will make a significant contribution to Canada's cultural or athletic life.

Relevant experience means at least 2 years, between 5 years before applying and the decision date: self-employed in cultural activities or athletics, or participating at a world-class level.

Current status

• IRCC stopped accepting applications on April 30, 2024.
• On December 19, 2025, IRCC extended the pause until further notice.
• An internal update of March 12, 2026 confirms no new applications until further notice; applications received before April 30, 2024 continue to be processed.

What it means

• There is no open federal PR route for ordinary self-employed people (for example, owner-operated small shops).
• Self-employed people should also note that, under IRCC's instructions, self-employment in Canada doesn't count as experience for the Canadian Experience Class.

Other options to explore

• Provincial entrepreneur streams (PNPs), which usually require creating jobs for Canadians.
• The new entrepreneur pilot IRCC has announced (no details at the time of checking).

Note If someone presents a "federal self-employed program" as open, check IRCC's page right away: it is paused.