New Release
April 29, 2024 - Ottawa - Immigration is critical to the growth of our economy and our communities.
Improving processing times is key to providing an immigration system that works better for newcomers and Canadians alike, which is why we are taking action to reduce wait times and modernize our programs and services.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced several changes to Canada’s federal business programs to help reduce processing times and the application backlog. These changes take effect on April 30, 2024.
To improve the Start-up Visa Program, we will encourage designated venture capital firms, angel investor groups and business incubators to focus on the most promising proposals by
- capping the number of permanent residence applications we will accept for processing each year to those associated with no more than 10 start-ups per designated organization
- providing priority processing for entrepreneurs whose start-up is supported by Canadian capital or by a business incubator that is a member of Canada’s Tech Network, including applications in the inventory and new applications as they are submitted
In addition, Minister Miller announced a full pause on application intake for the Self-Employed Persons Program to focus on processing applications from the inventory, starting April 30, 2024.
The Self-Employed Persons Program provides a pathway to permanent residence for people with notable experience in art, culture, recreation or sports and who will contribute to Canada’s cultural vitality. Due to the high number of applications submitted for this program, processing times have increased to beyond four years. While the pause is in place, IRCC will continue finalizing applications from the backlog while assessing options for reforming the program and ensuring its integrity.
By restricting application intake through the end of 2026, and through planned increases in admissions for the federal business category as tabled in the
2024–2026 multi-year levels plan, IRCC will be able to reduce the backlog and bring down wait times while continuing to welcome the talented, innovative and entrepreneurial newcomers we need to continue to grow Canada’s economy.
Unique immigration opportunity for people with relevant experience in Cultural Activities or Athletics
In order to be qualified for the program the applicant must have at least 2 years of “Relevant experience” within 5 years before the application is submitted.
What is “Relevant experience”?
Self-employment or freelancing in cultural activities or athletics; or
Participation, at the world-class level, in cultural activities or athletics.
The applicant will be assessed in terms of the willingness and ability to make a significant contribution to Canada's cultural or athletic life. This is one of the factors influencing the outcome, and at the same time, it is the biggest "struggle" for those who are not familiar with how to satisfy this requirement.
Personal financial assets may also measure intent and ability to establish economically in Canada. There is no minimum investment level for a self-employed person. The capital required depends on the nature of the business. Freelancers must have sufficient funds to create an employment opportunity for themselves and maintain themselves and their family members. As a rule of thumb, the applicant must demonstrate that he or she has been able to support themselves and their family through their talents and would be likely to continue to do so in Canada. This includes the ability to be self-efficient until self-employment has been created.
We, at Anyvisa, help you with the preparation of the personalized Settlement and Business Plan as a part of the "Self-Employed" package.
What Self-Employment Activities are Qualified under this Program?
Photographers, graphic arts technicians and technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts;
Announcers and other performers;
Creative designers and craftspersons;
Athletes, coaches, referees and related occupations;
Writing, translating and related communications professionals;
Creative and performing artists;
Etc.
Is there a Net Worth or Investment requirement?
There is no minimum investment level for a self-employed person;
There is no regulated minimum net worth requirement;
The capital required depends on the nature of the business;
Applicants must have sufficient funds to create an employment opportunity for themselves;
Applicant must demonstrate that he or she has been able to support themselves and their family through their talents and would be likely to continue to do so in Canada.
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