1 Minimum Requirements:

• have at least 2 years of relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics
• be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada
• meet the program's selection criteria (pass mark 35 out of 100 points)
• meet medical, security and other conditions

2 Benefits and Advantages of the Program:

• There's no education requirement
• There's no strict language requirement
• Faster processing time (6 months or less for most applications)
• Online application system is fast and convenient
• This program may be advantageous for those who have a certificate of qualification in an eligible skilled trade
• The whole family receive permanent residence once the principal applicant is approved.

3 Suitable Groups:

Suitable for people who have been self-employed in cultural activities (art, culture, recreation) or athletics (sport) and people who have taken part in cultural activities or athletics at a world-class level.

4  Benefits and Advantages of the Program:

• similar to the U.S. EB-1 extraordinary ability program
• the application threshold is not so high
• no language, education or minimum asset requirements
• fast processing time of about 22 months
• higher approval rate if applicants can prove their self-employment intent, relevant experience, adaptability and ability to make significant contributions to Canada.
• The whole family receive permanent residence once the principal applicant is approved.

5 Eligibility Requirements:

 Selection Criteria: must meet the definition of a self-employed person and get a minimum of 35 points based on the 5 selection criteria and point system shown below:

Self-employer Person Selection Criteria	Maximum Points
Education	25
Experience	35
Age	10
Language Ability (English and/or French)	24
Adaptability	6
Total	100
Pass Mark	35

Experience: must have at least 2 years of relevant experience (NOC Major Group 51 and 52) during the 5 years before applying:

• for cultural activities:
• 1. 2 one-year periods being self-employed in cultural activities, or
  2. 2 one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural activities, or
  3. a combination of a one-year period described in (a), and a one-year period described in (b)

• for athletics:

• 1. 2 one-year periods being self-employed in athletics, or
  2. 2 one-year periods participating at a world class level in athletics, or
  3. a combination of a one-year period described in (a) above, and a one-year period described in (b) above

Eligible Occupations:

NOC Group	Major Group 51: Professional occupations in art and culture
511	Librarians, archivists, conservators and curators:
5111	Librarians
5112	Conservators and curators
5113	Archivists
512	Writing, translating and related communications professionals:
5121	Authors and writers
5122	Editors
5123	Journalists
5125	Translators, terminologists and interpreters
513	Creative and performing artists:
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
	Major Group 52  Technical occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport
521	Technical occupations in libraries, public archives, museums and art galleries:
5211	Library and public archive technicians
5212	Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries
522	Photographers, graphic arts technicians and technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting and the performing arts
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, photography and the performing arts
523	Announcers and other performers, n.e.c.
5231	Announcers and other broadcasters
5232	Other performers, n.e.c.
524	Creative designers and craftspersons:
5241	Graphic designers and illustrators
5242	Interior designers and interior decorators
5243	Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
5244	Artisans and craftspersons
5245	Patternmakers - textile, leather and fur products
525	Athletes, coaches, referees and related occupations
5251	Athletes
5252	Coaches
5253	Sports officials and referees
5254	Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness
	Total Unit Group Titles: 33

 Language Ability: there's no specific language requirements but applicants with strong English or French ability can get up to 24 points in the selection point system.

Adaptability: applicants who meet the criteria can get up to 6 adaptability points

Proof of Funds: not required

Other Requirements: must be admissible to Canada, must pass medical examination, must intend to live outside the province of Quebec, need ECA for foreign credentials.

6 Application Process:

• Get documents ready and pay application fees
• Submit complete application package for permanent residence
• Have medical exam
• Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and PR Visa
• Land in Canada and receiving permanent resident card

7 Related Expenses:

Government Fees:

• Application fee: principal applicant: $1,540 (incl. $1050 processing fee and $490 permanent residence fee or RPRF); spouse or common-law partner: $1,040 (incl. $550 processing fee and $490 permanent residence fee); dependent children: $150/per child.
• Biometrics (if required): $85 per person; family (2 or more): $170
• Other third-party fees: medical exams, police certificates, language testing, notary, translation, delivery and postage, etc.
• Aladdin Immigration professional fees (excluding any government or third party charges)