March 12, 2018
IRCC announces Moratorium for Applications under the Federal Self-Employed Persons Class (Farm Management)
The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration has announced a moratorium on new applications under the Federal Self-Employed Persons Class applications to take effect as of 10 March 2018.
The pause will only affect applications where the relevant experience of the applicant is in the management of a farm.
The self-employed person permanent residence category consists of a pathway to permanent residence for a Self-employed person who met the following criteria:
- have relevant experience;
- intend and be able to be self-employed in Canada;
- meet the selection criteria for self-employed people; and
- meet medical, security and other conditions.
Relevant experience for a self-employed person meant that the applicant has at least two years of experience in the following areas:
- for cultural activities;
- for athletics; or
- for buying and managing a farm, two one-year periods managing a farm.
The moratorium only applies to applicants who have relevant experience in the management of farms. Applications for self-employed persons who have relevant experience for cultural activities or for athletics can continue to submit applications under this permanent residence category.
The temporary moratorium will remain in place until otherwise indicated in a future Ministerial Instruction. Applications for permanent residence under the Federal Self-Employed Persons Class by applicants whose relevant experience is in management of a farm that are received on or after 10 March 2018, will be returned along with processing fees.
If you are interested in coming to Canada to purchase or start a farm in Canada, there are still various provincial nomination programs that are available. Please contact our office if you would like further information about these individual programs.