The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) provides high-net-worth individuals a direct, passive investment route to Canadian permanent residency. Applicants are not required to start or run a business in Quebec or to work for an employer; indeed, the program’s primary appeal is the opportunity to invest and obtain permanent residency without active business management.
Below, we’ve integrated the latest guidance from the official Quebec government website on applying under the QIIP: https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/immigrate-business/investors/applying and
conditions: https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/immigrate-business/investors/conditions
1. Program Status
According to the Government of Quebec, the QIIP is currently accepting applications. Intake periods and quotas may apply, so it is advisable to submit your application as early as possible. Check the official site for exact timelines, quota details, and any new announcements that might affect intake windows.
2. Eligibility Criteria
The QIIP has several key criteria for eligibility:
- Minimum Net Worth
- You must have a legally obtained net worth of at least CAD 2,000,000, either held individually or with a spouse/common-law partner.
- Net worth can include real estate, cash, stocks, bonds, business assets, and other investments, minus any debts.
- Proof of lawful acquisition (e.g., financial statements, deeds, inheritance records) is required.
- Management or Business Experience
- You must have at least two years of managerial or business experience in the five years preceding your application.
- Qualifying experience involves oversight of financial or human resources (e.g., executives, senior managers, or business owners).
- Official documentation (letters of reference, corporate records, tax filings, etc.) is necessary to confirm this experience.
- Intent to Reside in Quebec
- You must demonstrate a genuine intention to settle in Quebec.
- Indications of intent can include ties to Quebec, a clear plan to integrate, and knowledge of the province’s language and culture.
- Investment Requirement
- First, you must enter into an investment agreement with a financial intermediary that has signed a participation agreement with the Ministère and with Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.
- No later than 120 days following the date on which the Ministère requests it, your financial intermediary must make a five-year term investment of CAD 1,000,000 and a financial contribution of CAD 200,000 to Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. (for a total of CAD 1.2 million).
- The investment of CAD 1,000,000 is guaranteed by the Government of Quebec and will be reimbursed to your intermediary without interest within 30 days after the end of the five-year term.
- The income generated by your investment and your CAD 200,000 contribution is used to fund economic initiatives through the Business Assistance – Immigrant Investor Program (BAIIP) and the Fonds de développement du marché du travail (FDMT).
- French Language Proficiency
- You must have a knowledge of spoken French corresponding minimally to level 7 according to the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français (Québec scale of French proficiency levels).
- Demonstrating this level of French proficiency is central to Quebec’s integration objectives and is now considered a core requirement.
- Attestation of Learning of Democratic and Québec Values
- When your file is opened, you will receive a request to obtain the attestation of learning about democratic values and Quebec values.
- You have a maximum of 60 days after receiving this request to obtain your attestation.
- Family members who accompany you must also obtain an attestation if they are spouses aged 16 or older or dependent children aged 18 or older.
- You will not receive this request if you and your family have already received your attestation.
Note: The government may periodically update these requirements. Always confirm the latest details on the official Conditions page.
3. Application Process
3.1 Initial Preparation
- Gather documents proving your net worth (assets and liabilities), management experience, and intent to reside in Quebec.
- Ensure you have valid supporting evidence (bank statements, letters of reference, corporate records, etc.).
3.2 Investment Agreement
- Sign an agreement with a designated financial intermediary authorized by the Quebec government.
- This intermediary will be responsible for making the CAD 1,000,000 investment and the CAD 200,000 financial contribution on your behalf.
- The intermediary submits your application to the Ministry of Immigration, Francization, and Integration (MIFI).
3.3 Submit Your Application and Pay the Application Review Fee
- Compile all required forms and supporting documents.
- Pay the application review fee in full, in Canadian funds, and ensure it is included with your application forms and documents when you file or mail your application.
- Effective January 1, 2025, the fees for reviewing an application for permanent selection under the QIIP are:
- Principal applicant: CAD 17,875
- Spouse or common-law partner: CAD 0
- Each dependent child: CAD 0
- These fees are adjusted on January 1 of each year and must be paid by you or a third party at the time of submission.
- Your intermediary sends the complete application package (including proof of fee payment) to MIFI.
3.4 Review and Decision
- MIFI reviews your file to ensure eligibility and completeness.
- You may be requested to provide additional documentation, attend an interview, or show proof of French language ability.
- If approved in principle, you will be instructed to fulfill the investment requirement, typically within a specified period (e.g., 120 days) after receiving official notice.
3.5 Make the Investment
- Your intermediary invests CAD 1,000,000 for a five-year term and makes a CAD 200,000 financial contribution to Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.
- The CAD 1,000,000 portion is guaranteed by the government and returned, without interest, to the intermediary within 30 days after the five-year term.
- Your CAD 200,000 contribution goes to designated funds (BAIIP, FDMT) supporting economic development and is non-refundable.
- Once the investment is confirmed, MIFI finalizes your selection.
3.6 Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
- Once MIFI confirms your investment, your compliance with all other requirements (including French proficiency) and your values attestation, you receive the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
3.7 Federal Application
- With your CSQ in hand, apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
- Undergo security, criminality, and medical checks. If successful, you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
4. Optional Open Work Permit
Although most QIIP investors do not aim to become employees in Canada, an open work permit is available if you choose to enter the workforce before obtaining permanent residence. Since January 1, 2024, principal QIIP applicants (and, in some cases, their accompanying family members) may be eligible for this permit while awaiting permanent residence.
- The permit is typically valid for up to two years (and may be extended).
- It is entirely optional; there is no requirement to work or run a business.
- If you prefer a purely passive pathway, you can simply maintain your investment and await permanent residency.
5. Benefits of the QIIP
- Passive Investment: No requirement to actively manage a business in Quebec.
- Straightforward Path to Residency: Once selected by Quebec and approved by IRCC, you become a permanent resident.
- Government-Guaranteed Portion: CAD 1,000,000 of your investment is guaranteed and returned after five years.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Meeting Canadian residency requirements allows you to apply for citizenship at a later stage.
6. Stay Informed
- Official Sources: Regularly check https://www.quebec.ca/en/immigration/permanent/immigrate-business/investors/applying for detailed instructions, updated forms, and the latest announcements.
- Accurate Documents: Ensure your application is precise and all evidence is valid to avoid processing delays.
- Professional Advice: While the QIIP is well-structured, consulting authorized immigration lawyers or immigration consultant can help you meet every requirement efficiently.
Conclusion
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is designed for individuals who wish to obtain permanent residence in Canada via a passive, government-supported investment structure, without the need to start a new business or work for an employer. However, demonstrated knowledge of spoken French (level 7 on the Quebec scale) and successful completion of the Attestation of learning of democratic and Québec values are central to the province’s integration objectives. By verifying details on the official Quebec government website, preparing your application accurately (along with the correct fee), and meeting all deadlines, you can smoothly secure your CSQ and ultimately obtain permanent resident status. This proven pathway provides the convenience of a stable, hands-off investment (CAD 1,000,000 fully guaranteed plus a CAD 200,000 contribution) and, for those who wish, the option to work before or after attaining PR status. In short, the QIIP remains a reliable, flexible route for investors seeking a new future in Quebec, Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
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Is the Quebec Investor Program open?
Yes. According to the official Quebec government website, the QIIP is currently accepting applications. Intake windows and quotas can apply, so check the site for exact dates and any caps on the number of files accepted.
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How much does the immigrant investor program cost in Canada?
Under the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program:
Investment Amount:
– CAD 1,000,000 (guaranteed by the Government of Quebec for five years, returned without interest after the term)
– Plus a financial contribution of CAD 200,000 (non-refundable) paid to Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.
– Total: CAD 1.2 million, split into a CAD 1,000,000 guaranteed investment and a CAD 200,000 contribution.Application Fee (as of January 1, 2025):
– Principal Applicant: CAD 17,875
– Spouse or Common-Law Partner: CAD 0
– Each Dependent Child: CAD 0In addition, you must show a net worth of at least CAD 2,000,000 to qualify (see below). Other Canadian investor immigration pathways are limited or suspended at the federal level, so QIIP is the main established “investor” route.
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How do you qualify for the Quebec passage (investor) program?
To be eligible for the QIIP, you must generally:
1- Have a Legally Obtained Net Worth of at least CAD 2,000,000 (alone or with a spouse).
2- Possess Minimum Management Experience: At least two years of business or managerial experience in the five years preceding your application.
3- Enter Into an Investment Agreement with a designated financial intermediary that has a participation agreement with the Ministère and Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc.
4- Make the Required Investment totaling CAD 1.2 million (CAD 1,000,000 refundable after five years, and a non-refundable CAD 200,000).
5- Demonstrate Sufficient Spoken French Proficiency at level 7 (Échelle québécoise).
6- Obtain the Attestation of Learning of Democratic and Québec Values (within 60 days of MIFI’s request).
7- Show Intent to Reside in Quebec and integrate into the province. -
How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada as an investor?
For the QIIP, you need:
1- A Minimum Net Worth: CAD 2,000,000 (lawfully acquired).
2- An Investment and Contribution: CAD 1,000,000 (refunded after five years) + CAD 200,000 (non-refundable) = CAD 1.2 million total.
3- Application Fee: Approximately CAD 17,875 for the principal applicant.No other direct “investor” programs are currently active at the federal level, though you may explore entrepreneur or self-employed categories, which have different financial thresholds and active management requirements.
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Who is an eligible investor in Canada?
Generally speaking, an eligible investor in Canada is someone who:
1- Meets the financial thresholds set by the specific program (e.g., QIIP net worth, investment sums).
2- Has sufficient management/business experience (if required by the chosen program).
3- Demonstrates intent to reside and integrate in the region (in Quebec’s case, knowledge of French is crucial).
4- Passes security, medical, and background checks required by the federal government (IRCC).Within the QIIP specifically, an eligible investor is someone who meets all QIIP criteria (financial, experiential, language, and attestation requirements) and who invests the prescribed amount through an authorized intermediary.
Important Reminders
- Always check official sources: The Quebec government updates program requirements, fees, and intake windows periodically.
- French Proficiency: The QIIP now firmly requires a demonstrated spoken French level of at least 7 on the Quebec scale.
- Timelines & Quotas: Be mindful of intake caps and strict deadlines to invest after receiving approval in principle.
- Professional Advice: Consider consulting an authorized immigration lawyer or regulated consultant to ensure you meet all QIIP conditions.
