Who was eligible for the Self-Employed Persons Program when it was open?

The program targeted applicants who could contribute to Canada's cultural or athletic life. To qualify you needed relevant experience either from participating at a world-class level in cultural activities or athletics, or from being self-employed in those areas.

You also had to show both the intention and the ability to be self-employed in Canada and to make a contribution to the cultural or athletic life of the country. Eligible cultural occupations historically included artists, writers, musicians, performers, and similar creative roles.