Self-Employed Persons Program (cultural and athletic activities) - paused
Official name: Self-Employed Persons Program (Self-employed Persons Class)
A federal permanent residence program for people with relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics who intend to become self-employed in Canada. It is paused: IRCC stopped accepting new applications on 30 Apr 2024 (Ministerial Instructions 72), and on 19 Dec 2025 extended the pause until further notice. IRCC's program page shows 'Status: Paused' (page date 2026-03-11). Applications already submitted are still being processed. IRCC said information about a new pilot for entrepreneurs would be shared in 2026.
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo in the last 21 days
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you've been in DR Congo in the last 21 days, you can't enter Canada, board a flight to Canada or connect through a Canadian airport, unless you fall under an exemption.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC, page date 2026-10-08) New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak (PHAC, 19 Jul 2026) Government of Canada extends temporary border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, Aug 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Quarantine after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you're allowed into Canada after being in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, you'll get a health check on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, report to public health within 48 hours and check your temperature every day.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Visa applications paused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
If the last country you lived in, as stated on your application, is DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, Canada has suspended visitor visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas and paused new decisions. This depends on where you live, not your nationality.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Temporary measures (IRCC, page date 2026-09-28) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Canada
Finance
3
Currency
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Canadian Dollar
Cost of living
90
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–33%
Income tax (national)
Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.
Living
1
Happiness
#24 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Self-employed people in cultural activities or athletics. Not accepting new applications.
Eligibility
Paused: no new applications
Sign in to check this route against your profileIRCC is not accepting new applications to this program, and the pause continues until further notice.
Since 30 Apr 2024- Intake paused under Ministerial Instructions 72
Official wording
Intake paused since 30 Apr 2024 under Ministerial Instructions 72. IRCC notice of 19 Dec 2025: IRCC will extend the current pause on accepting applications to the Self-Employed Persons Program until further notice.
What the program required (for reference)
Sign in to check this route against your profileRelevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, and the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada and contribute to its cultural or athletic life, assessed with a selection grid, plus medical, security and criminal checks. Applicants intending to live in Quebec used Quebec's own program.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
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