Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
If you are an experienced business person who wish to settle in Québec, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is a passive investment pathway for you within Canada immigration. Unlike active entrepreneur programs, QIIP does not need day-to-day business management after arrival. This particular program opened again on January 1, 2024, with updated rules, comprising language ability, residency, and financial requirements.
Application Process
Preparation and Documentation
You need to complete the Application for Permanent Selection – Investors Program along with a Narrative Document outlining your background. You also need Supporting documents to show net worth, management experience, education, and French language ability. Submit all documents in French or English, or include certified translations.
Sign Investment Agreement
Also need to sign an investment agreement with a financial intermediary authorized by the Québec government to participate in the QIIP.
Submit Application
The completed application package, including forms, documents, and payment, must be mailed to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
Application Review
MIFI reviews the application to confirm it meets program requirements. An interview may be scheduled to verify information or assess French language proficiency.
Investment and Contribution
After approval, applicants must complete the required investment and financial contribution within 120 days of receiving the Ministère’s request.
Work Permit and Residency
Applicants receive a notice of intent to select and apply for a work permit through federal authorities. The required 12-month residency period in Québec must then be completed.
Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
Once residency and other conditions are met, Québec issues a Selection Certificate (CSQ).
Permanent Residence Application
With the CSQ, applicants may apply for Canada PR through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, including medical and security checks.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify under the QIIP, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
Net Worth
Applicants must hold a legally acquired net worth of at least CAD $2,000,000.
- This amount may be shared with a spouse or common-law partner.
- Donations received within six months before application are excluded.
- Proof of lawful origin and accumulation of funds is required.
Management Experience
A minimum of two years of management experience within the five years before application is required.
- Experience related to payday loans, cheque cashing, or the sex industry is not accepted.
Education
Applicants must hold a diploma equivalent to at least a Québec secondary school diploma, obtained before submitting the application.
French Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate spoken French at Level 7 on the Échelle québécoise.
- Accepted tests include TCF, TEF, DELF, or DALF.
- Results must be less than two years old at submission.
Investment and Financial Contribution
Applicants must enter into an agreement with a Québec-authorized intermediary.
- A CAD $1,000,000 investment is required for a five-year term, guaranteed by the Québec government.
- A non-refundable contribution of CAD $200,000 must be paid to Investissement Québec.
Residency Requirement
Applicants must reside in Québec for 12 months within two years after receiving a work permit.
- At least six months must be completed by the principal applicant.
- The remaining time may be completed by the spouse or partner.
Attestation of Learning
OApplicants must obtain an attestation of learning about democratic and Québec values within 60 days of request.
- This also applies to accompanying family members aged 16 or older.
Summary Table: Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Minimum CAD $2,000,000, legally acquired.
CAD $1,000,000 refundable (five-year term) and CAD $200,000 non-refundable.
Two years within the last five years in an eligible role.
Equivalent to a Québec secondary school diploma.
Oral French at Level 7 (approved tests accepted).
Twelve months in Québec before CSQ issuance.
Mandatory Québec values learning for applicants aged 16+.
Spouse or partner and dependent children may be included.
Required Documents
Key documentation for your QIIP application:
Key Documents Required
Applicants must provide:
- Application for Permanent Selection – Investors Program
- Narrative Document
- Proof of net worth and lawful source of funds
- Evidence of management experience
- Education credentials
- French language test results
- Investment agreement with authorized intermediary
- Certified translations where required
Additional Requirements
For accompanying family members:
- Proof of relationship (spouse, common-law partner, children)
- Proof of age and dependency for children 22+ (if applicable)
- Québec values attestation for applicants aged 16 or older
Application Details
Fees & Processing Times
Below are the fees, investment details, and processing timeline for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program.
Application Fees
- Principal applicant: CAD $17,875
- No additional provincial fees for spouse or dependent children.
Investment and Contribution
- CAD $1,000,000 refundable investment (five years, no interest)
- CAD $200,000 non-refundable contribution
- Payment by Canadian postal money order or bank draft
Processing Time
- Provincial stage (CSQ): approximately 9–12 months
- Federal stage (Canada PR): approximately 3–4 years, subject to change
Family & Additional Notes
Who can you include? Important notes for applicants
Family Members
Applicants may include a spouse or common-law partner and unmarried children under 22. Children over 22 may qualify if dependent due to a physical or mental condition.
Language and Residency
French language ability is mandatory. Completion of the 12-month Québec residency requirement is required before the CSQ is issued.
Ready to Apply?
Get Expert Guidance for QIIP
Guidance for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Support may include eligibility assessment, document preparation, and coordination with authorized financial intermediaries throughout the QIIP process.
Authorized Representation
Applications may be handled by licensed Canadian immigration professionals authorized to represent clients before provincial and federal authorities.
Experience with Quebec Immigration Programs
Teams based in Canada with practical experience in Québec immigration programs support applicants in understanding regulatory steps, documentation expectations, and settlement-related requirements.
File Review and Risk Assessment
Every application is examined on its own. Financial records, explanations of how funds were accumulated, and overall compliance with program requirements are reviewed to identify potential issues before submission.
