Self-employed persons: How to apply—Simplified application process

Most self-employed persons can apply to immigrate to Canada using the simplified application process, where you submit only a basic application form and the fees.

There is a waiting list to come to Canada as a self-employed person. This means it may be several years before your application is processed. The simplified application process guarantees your place in the lineup. Your application will be processed based on the regulations in effect on the date that you submit your application, even if they change after you apply.

When the visa office is ready to assess your application, you will be asked to send the required supporting documents. The visa office will send you information regarding medical exams and police certificates. You must also include valid language test results if you wish to have your official language proficiency considered in the assessment of your application for permanent residence.

You cannot use the simplified application if:

  • you have been selected by Quebec and intend to settle there or
  • you have been lawfully admitted to Canada OR the United States for a period of at least one year and you are submitting your application at the Canadian visa office in Buffalo

If you do not qualify for the simplified application process, you must use the regular application process.

1. Obtain and print the application kit.

Download and print the application package. It includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

2. Complete your application.

  • Fill out and sign the forms.
  • Most forms can be completed on your computer. Print the forms after you complete them, because you cannot save them on your computer.
  • If you do not want to complete the forms on your computer, you can fill them out by hand. Print clearly, using black ink. You can also use a typewriter.
  • Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Incomplete application packages will not be processed and will be returned to you.
  • You must complete all of the forms:
    • Application for Permanent Residence in Canada
    • Use of a Representative. You must complete this form if you want to use a representative to help you apply. Using a representative is a personal choice. Find out more about using immigration representatives.

3. Determine where to submit your application.

You must submit your application to the visa office that serves your country of nationality or the country where you have been legally admitted for at least one year.

Check the application procedures on the visa office’s website, since application procedures and the necessary supporting documents may vary slightly from one visa office to another.

Once you know which visa office you will send your application to, you can view the specific instructions for that office.

4. Calculate your fees.

You will have to pay:

  • The processing fee for you and your dependants. This fee must be paid when you apply, and is only refundable if you withdraw your application before it is processed. Once your application is put into process, the fee is not refundable, even if your application is not approved.
  • The Right of Permanent Residence fee for you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. You will only need to pay this fee if your application is approved. It must be paid before Citizenship and Immigration Canada issues your permanent resident visa. This fee is refundable if you cancel your application, if your application is not approved, or if you do not use your visa.

You will also have to pay fees to third parties for:

  • your medical exam
  • a police certificate, if you need one and
  • language testing, as required.

Information on how to pay your fees is included in the visa office instructions.

5. Check your application.

Make sure your application is completed correctly. The visa office cannot process forms that are not completed correctly. Sending incomplete forms will delay your application.

6. Submit your application.

Mail your application and fee payment to the visa office from Step 3.

Since you are using the simplified application process, you do not have to include any supporting documents when you submit your application.

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