Federal Self-Employed

The Self-Employed Program is a Federal program for individuals who have experience running their own business such as artists, specialized farmers, and international athletes.

The basic requirement to qualify for this program is that the applicant must demonstrate that he/she has the required experience in the self-employment program he/she is applying for at least two years. This ensures that the applicant will be successful in operating his/her own self-employment and contributes to his/her particular field and the Canadian economy in general.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides a list of designated professional, technical and skilled jobs which are work-visa exempt:

Professional Occupations in Art and Culture
5111	Librarians
5112	Conservators and Curators
5113	Archivists
5121	Authors and Writers
5122	Editors
5123	Journalists
5124	Professional Occupations in Public Relations and Communications
5125	Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters
5131	Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Related Occupations
5132	Conductors, Composers and Arrangers
5133	Musicians and Singers
5134	Dancers
5135	Actors and Comedians
5136	Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists

Technical and Skilled Occupations in Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
5211	Library and Archive Technicians and Assistants
5212	Technical Occupations Related to Museums and Art Galleries
5221	Photographers
5222	Film and Video Camera Operators
5223	Graphic Arts Technicians
5224	Broadcast Technicians
5225	Audio and Video Recording Technicians
5226	Other Technical and Co-ordinating Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts
5227	Support Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and the Performing Arts
5231	Announcers and Other Broadcasters
5232	Other Performers
5241	Graphic Designers and Illustrators
5242	Interior Designers
5243	Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers
5244	Artisans and Craftspersons
5245	Patternmakers – Textile, Leather and Fur Products
5251	Athletes
5252	Coaches
5253	Sports Officials and Referees
5254	Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation, Sport and Fitness