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Self-Employed Permanent Residence Applications

Minister Miller has announced a temporary suspension of application intake for the Self-Employed Persons Program, effective April 30, 2024, to prioritize the processing of existing applications. This program offers a pathway to permanent residence for individuals with considerable experience in fields such as art, culture, recreation, or sports, who will enhance Canada’s cultural landscape. Due to a substantial influx of applications, processing times have exceeded four years. During this suspension period, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will focus on clearing the backlog while exploring ways to improve the program and maintain its integrity. By limiting application intake until the end of 2026, IRCC aims to reduce the backlog and shorten processing times. Unfortunately, the pause has disappointed many eligible applicants who no longer have a clear route to immigration to Canada. However, immigration under other temporary or permanent programs should be explored.