Quebec Business Immigration Programs

Quebec Business Immigration Programs

The Quebec Business Immigration programs are a category of Canadian immigration that is accessible to individuals who have obtained relevant entrepreneurial or investor experience.

All applicants are required to demonstrate the capability of becoming economically established in Quebec, as well as the intention to settle in the Province of Quebec following their acceptance. Upon provincial approval, candidates are then to receive Quebec Certificate of Selection (CSQ - Certificat de selection du Québec), an official document issued by the Government du Quebec, and once health and security aspects of the application are complete the candidate is then entitled to a Canadian Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa.

There are two different business categories, each of which has its unique selection process and set of requirements:

1. Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)

Note: The next application cycle for this program runs from May 29, 2017 to February 23, 2018. The maximum number of applications that may be received for the upcoming application cycle is set at 1,900, of which up to 1,330 applications may be accepted from nationals of the People's Republic of China, including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao.

Eligible applicants with advanced intermediate French ability are exempt from the quota and they can submit their applications until March 31, 2018. Moreover, applications submitted by individuals with advanced intermediate French ability receive priority processing.

The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is designed by the Quebec government to attract investors and their capital to Quebec – Canada. By investing in Quebec, the applicant and their immediate family are granted permanent residency in Canada.

Eligibility requirements

• The candidate must demonstrate business experience. A minimum of two years’ management experience acquired by the candidate in the past five years is essential (the definition of senior management experience related to the planning, management and control of financial resources and of human or material resources under the authority of the applicant).
• The candidate must be willing to invest CAD 800,000, (the investment is guaranteed and will be reimbursed in full by the government).
• The candidate is required to show a net worth of CAD 1.6 million, alone or with his/her spouse, all obtained legally.
• The investors and their immediate family must all pass medical examinations and security checks.

Program Benefits

• Permanent residency is granted to the investor and his/her immediate family (a dependent child must be under 19 years old), allowing the family to share the same status.
• As a permanent resident the candidate has the right to :

1. Get most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage,
2. Live, work or study anywhere in Canada,
3. Apply for Canadian citizenship (if requirements are met),
4. Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

 
Are there any restrictions as a permanent resident?
Permanent residents are not allowed to:

• Vote or run for political office,
• Hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance.

Investment options

1. Once approved applicants are required to make their investment with Investment Québec (IQ) for a period of five years, at the end of which the capital is returned with zero interest (0%).  The five year period begins upon issuance of Quebec certificate of selection (CSQ - Québec selection certificate), before landing. Earnings from the investment are used to fund various business and social programs within the province of Quebec.
2. The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) allows applicants to finance the investment through selected securities brokerage firms and banks. In general the financing schemes require a down payment. The selected securities brokerage firms and banks loan the applicant the balance. The applicant deposits the sum of CAD 800,000 with Investment Québec (IQ). The down payment is not refunded at the end of the five year period. The selected securities brokerage firms and banks take fees and interest from the down payment. The cost to the investor is the down payment.

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2. The Quebec Entrepreneur Program

Note: For the period from April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018, no application for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) will be received under the Quebec Entrepreneur Program.

Quebec entrepreneur business program is aimed at individuals who possess entrepreneurial skills and who are intending to invest and operate an agricultural, commercial or industrial business in Quebec, while giving them the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant must have a minimum of CAD $300,000 net worth, legally acquired.
• Have a minimum of two years’ business management experience in an agricultural, commercial or industrial business, controlling at least 25% of the capital equity in the past five years.
• The applicant must invest a minimum of CAD $100,000, in a business.
• After arriving in Canada, the candidate should meet the following conditions for 1 year at least during the 3 years of permanent residency:

1. Purchase (in whole or in part) or establish a business in the agricultural, industrial or commercial sectors, with the minimum amount of CAD $100,000.
2. Hold at least 25% of the capital equity of the same business.

Program Benefits

• Conditional Permanent residency is granted to the investor and his/her immediate family (a dependent child must be under 19 years old), allowing the family to share the same status.
• As a permanent resident the candidate has the right to :

1. Get most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive, including health care coverage,
2. Live, work or study anywhere in Canada,
3. Apply for Canadian citizenship (if requirements are met),
4. Protection under Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Are there any restrictions as a permanent resident?
Permanent residents are not allowed to:

• Vote or run for political office,
• Hold some jobs that need a high-level security clearance.

For more information, please fill out our Free Assessment and find out if you qualify.
 

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Liaison Office:
Campbell Cohen Law Firm (Canadavisa)
1980 Sherbrooke Street West, Suite 800
Montreal, QC, Canada
H3H 1E8
Tel: +1-(514) 937-9445 (ext 4608)
Tel: +1 (514) 940 46 08
Tel: +1 (514) 312 22 32
Fax: +1 (514) 937-2618
www.canadavisa.com