Canada Immigration for Self-Employed Athletes (Case Study)

“Is there any direct pathway to Canada immigration for a self-employed athlete?”

Written & reviewed by Keshav Sharma, RCIC #R530203, Founder, ELAAR Immigration Consulting Inc.Last reviewed: October 20265 min read

The Canadian Government aims to bring in a wide variety of immigrants from all over the world each year. They have set up special programs to help specific types of professionals get permanent residency. One of the unique Canadian immigration programs is the Self-Employed Persons Program (SEPP).

This program is for artists or athletes who can compete at a world-class level and create employment by establishing a business in Canada. Many experienced athletes use this Self-Employed Visa Canada route each year. This guide will explore the most accessible pathway to Canadian immigration for a self-employed athlete.

How You Can Move to Canada as an Athlete?

You can apply for the Self-Employed Visa Canada as an athlete by scoring a minimum of 35 points out of 100 using the program’s points assessment grid.

You must then ensure you meet Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) definition of a “Self-Employed Person.” You can do this by providing information and documents that demonstrate any one of the following:

• You have a minimum of two years of experience as an athlete competing at a world-class level
• You have been a self-employed athlete for a minimum of two years
• You have one year of experience in each of the above

Next, you must create a comprehensive business plan that describes your intended business activities in Canada and how they will benefit Canadians. This business plan is the key to being selected for Athlete immigration Canada, so you must ensure it includes vital information such as:

• What services do you intend to provide in Canada
• Market research that demonstrates there is high demand for your services
• Who your target audience in Canada will be
• How much will your business cost to set up and operate
• How much revenue do you expect to earn

Once you have met all these requirements, you can complete a Self-Employed Persons Program application and submit it to IRCC. You can come to Canada and set up your athletics-related business upon approval.

TEER stands for Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities. It is a six-category system for jobs in Canada. Each classification has its 6-digit code. Athletic activities fall under one of the following TEER categories.

• 53200 – Athletes
• 53201 – Coaches
• 53202 – Sports officials and referees
• 54100 – Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

As mentioned above, you must score at least 35 points out of 100 to be eligible for a Self-Employed Visa. The total points for eligibility under the Self-Employed Persons Program are mentioned below:

• Education: up to 25 points
• Work experience: up to 35 points
• Age: up to 10 points
• English or French proficiency: up to 24 points
• Adaptability: up to 6 points

Valmi Chaudhary is a professional tennis player who has representing India in many international tournaments over the last five years. He opened his tennis coaching academy three years ago and has regularly coached young tennis players.

Valmi is currently 38 years old, has completed only a high school education, and has no siblings who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Therefore, his chances of successfully immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry programs, such as the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program, are low.

He spoke with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant from Elaar Immigration over a video call to discuss his immigration prospects. This was when he learnt about the Self-Employed Persons Program.

Valmi then created a comprehensive business plan with a licensed professional’s guidance and submitted it along with other supporting documents for his Canada immigration Self-Employed Athlete application. He received approval from IRCC after 24 months and came to Canada as a permanent resident. Today he operates one of the leading tennis coaching facilities in his city and employs numerous Canadians at his business.

Applying for Canadian immigration through the Self-Employed Persons Program can be complicated for athletes unfamiliar with the requirements and application process. As mentioned above, creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial if you want to be chosen under the SEPP.

Book a Business Strategy Meeting to understand how to create a business plan that meets IRCC’s requirements. Our skilled team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants has helped numerous athletes immigrate to Canada under the Self-Employed Persons Program and can offer their expert guidance each step of the way.

• A Guide to Self-Employed Immigration to Canada as an Artist
• A Complete Guide to Self-Employed Visa Canada
• Self-Employed Canada Immigration Program for Athletes and Creative Artists