Apply – Self-employed

Canada admits a limited number of self-employed persons as new permanent residents each year. Note that as of May 29, 2012, all applicants to the Federal Self-Employed Persons Class must send their application to the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Also, simplified application forms will no longer be accepted. You must use the regular application process.

Follow the steps below to apply as a self-employed person.

1. Get the application package

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

  • Fill out the forms on your computer, and when you are done:
    • validate the Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] online and print the barcode page, then sign where indicated. Include the barcode page with your application.
    • print the other forms and then, sign where indicated.
  • Answer all questions carefully, completely and truthfully. Incomplete application packages will not be processed and will be returned to you. There are serious consequences for applicants who misrepresent or withhold relevant information on their application.
  • You must complete the forms:
    • Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008];
    • Schedule 1: Background/Declaration;
    • Additional Family Information;
    • Schedule 6: Economic Classes: Business Immigrants;
    • Use of a Representative (Form IMM 5476). You must complete this form if you intend to use a representative or an agent to help you apply. Using a representative is a personal choice. Find out more about using immigration representatives.
  • Include language test results that are valid at the time of application.
2. Pay your application fees

You will have to pay:

  1. The processing fee for you and your dependants

    An officer will assess your application to see if you meet the basic eligibility standards. If you are found ineligible to apply, we will inform you and refund your processing fee.

    If you are eligible, we will tell you that we have sent your application to one of our offices for processing. They will assess the rest of your application. Once they have started this process, we can not give you a refund on your fee.

  2. The Right of Permanent Residence fee

    You will need to pay this fee if your application to immigrate as a skilled worker is approved. It covers you and your accompanying spouse or common-law partner, if applicable. It must be paid before Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) issues your permanent resident visa. This fee is refundable if you withdraw your application 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
  • your language testing, as required.

Information on how to pay your fees is included in the application guide.

3. Submit your application

Make sure your application is completed correctly, and that you include all the necessary supporting documents. Use the Checklist included in the Guide (Appendix A) to make sure you have not forgotten anything.

The CIO cannot process your application if supporting documents or processing fees are missing, or if your forms are not completed and signed. If you validate the Generic Application Form for Canada [IMM 0008] online as well as print and include the barcode page, it will help ensure your application is complete and avoid delays.

Mail your application and your fees to the CIO in Sydney, Nova Scotia (Canada).

Do not submit your application to the visa office responsible for your country of nationality or residence.

Where to send your application