The applicant is required to demonstrate his or her previous business or cultural experience and sufficient financial resources.  The applicant must prove that his or her business will create enough income to provide for the support of the applicant and his or her dependants.  People who might qualify under this category include artists, actors, musicians, athletes, etc.

Self-employed persons are not required to provide jobs for other Canadians.  In this category, no minimum net worth and no investment are required, and no conditions are imposed upon admission.

Self-employed persons are assessed under all of the selection criteria applied to independent applicants, with the exception of the category of arranged employment (please see Skilled Worker Class for details).  In addition, a self-employed applicant will receive a bonus of 30 points if he or she meets the definition of a self-employed person and the visa officer is convinced that the applicant will be able to become successfully established in Canada.