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

Most self-employed persons can apply to immigrate to Canada using the simplified application process. Under this process, 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 documentation. The visa office will send you information regarding the medical examination and the criminal and security checks that you and your dependants have to undergo. Additional information on both of these topics is available under the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page.

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 for a period of at least one year and you are submitting your application at the Canadian visa office in Buffalo or
• you have been lawfully admitted into 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. See the Related Links section at the bottom of this page for more information.

Quebec has its own business immigration program. For information on immigrating to Quebec, check the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.

There are seven steps in applying to immigrate to Canada as a self-employed person.

1. Obtain and print the application kit.
2. Complete your application.
3. Determine where you must submit your application.
4. Obtain the instructions for the visa office where you will submit your application.
5. Calculate your fees.
6. Check your application.
7. Submit your application.

1. Obtain and print the application kit.

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

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 you must submit your application.

You must submit your application to the correct visa office. 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.

You can find a list of countries and corresponding visa offices in the I Need To… on the right-hand side section of this page. Select your country of residence or citizenship and you will be directed to the visa office responsible for your application.

You must check the website of the visa office where you will submit your application, since application procedures may vary slightly from one visa office to another.

4. Obtain the instructions for the visa office where you will submit your application.

You can find the visa office instructions you need under the Related Links section at the bottom of this page. Print the instructions required for the visa office where you submit your application.

5. Calculate your fees.

You will have to pay the following fees:

• The processing fee for you and your dependants. This fee must be paid when you apply. It is not refundable, even if your application is not approved.
• Wait until your application is processed to pay the Right of Permanent Residence fee for you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. 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 examination
• a police certificate, if you require one as part of your criminal and security check, and
• language testing, as required.

Information on how to pay your processing fee and your Right of Permanent Residence Fee is included in the instructions for the visa office where you submit your application.

More information on fees is available in the I Need To… section on the right-hand side of this page.

6. 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.

7. Submit your application.

Mail your application and your payment to the visa office. The address is in the visa office instructions.

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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Related Links

• Simplified application kit for self-employed persons
• Visa office instructions
• Regular application process for self-employed persons
• Immigrating to Quebec (ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles)