Canada's self-employed immigration program 'no longer fit for purpose', IRCC evaluation finds

Canada's Self-Employed Persons Program is "no longer fit for purpose" within the country's economic immigration system, according to an evaluation by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The report says the program continues to offer a needed pathway to permanent residence for exceptional artists and athletes, but its current design has resulted in high refusal rates, lengthy processing times and a large application backlog. IRCC has accepted the recommendation to review the program and develop new policy options to attract top global talent.