Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) will resume on January 1, 2024.
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) enables investors to secure Canadian permanent residence by making a risk-free investment of CAD $1.2 million through an approved financial intermediary or by financing that investment.
Since its inception in 2014, the QIIP has been Canada’s sole passive investor immigration program. For a comprehensive overview of the QIIP, you can visit themillenniumimmigration.com.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the QIIP
- Advantages of the QIIP
- QIIP Criteria
- Calculate Your QIIP Score
- The Eight Steps of Canadian Immigration through the QIIP
Overview of the QIIP
Candidates applying for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program are assessed based on six criteria outlined in the Quebec Economic Class selection grid. To qualify, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 40 points, meeting specific cut-off requirements of 10 points for management experience and 25 points for financial investment.
Evaluation factors for QIIP candidates include education level and fields of study, management experience, age, proficiency in French or English, connections to Quebec, and the Investment Agreement. A total of 94 points is available to applicants, whether they are single or have a spouse or common-law partner.
Those who meet the minimum criteria for management experience and financial investment only need an additional five points to reach the passing score. Candidates can achieve these points by fulfilling one of the following conditions:
Holding a post-secondary technical diploma from one or two years of full-time studies (worth 6 points)
Obtaining an undergraduate degree from two years of full-time studies (also worth 6 points)
Additionally, candidates may be invited for a selection interview after their application has been reviewed.
Advantages of the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Key Features of the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program
Risk-Free Investment: The CAD $1,200,000 investment is fully guaranteed by the Quebec government and will be returned in full after five years.
Passive Investment: Once the investment is made, there is no requirement for active management or involvement.
Family Inclusion: The application can include all immediate family members, such as a spouse and dependent children, who will share the same status as the primary applicant.
Permanent Resident Benefits: Successful applicants will enjoy the same advantages as Canadian citizens, including universal healthcare, free public education, and access to prestigious universities.
QIIP Criteria
Minimum Requirements for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (Effective January 1, 2024)
Criteria and Requirements
1. Minimum Net Worth:
Applicants must possess a minimum of CAD $2,000,000 in legally acquired net worth, which can be calculated individually or jointly with a spouse or common-law partner. Eligible assets include property, bank accounts, pension funds, stocks, and shares.
2. Business or Management Experience:
Candidates need a minimum of two years of management experience within the five years preceding their application. This experience must be from a specific type of enterprise (agricultural, commercial, industrial) or from a government or international agency, and must be full-time. The company does not need to be profitable. If claiming management experience in a professional capacity, the company must employ at least two full-time staff (excluding the candidate).
Applicants can be retired when applying, provided they can demonstrate two years of relevant management experience within the last five years. They must show evidence of managing financial, human, or material resources. Experience gained through internships or training cannot be counted.
3. Investment:
Candidates must agree to make a refundable, risk-free investment of CAD $1,000,000 through IQ Immigrants Investisseurs Inc., along with a non-refundable contribution of CAD $200,000 to the same company, to be completed within 120 days of the immigration acceptance discussion. Note that these investments do not accrue interest.
4. Language Proficiency:
Primary applicants are required to have a French language proficiency level of at least 7 in oral skills (speaking and listening) as per the Quebec scale.
5. Education:
Applicants must possess a diploma that is equivalent to at least a Quebec secondary school diploma, obtained before submitting their application.
6. Work Permit and Physical Presence Requirements:
Upon receiving a decision on their application, successful applicants will be granted a work permit by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). Within the two years following the issuance of the work permit, the principal applicant and their spouse/common-law partner must reside in Quebec for at least six months.
The Eight Steps of Canadian Immigration through the QIIP
All applications are first submitted to Quebec immigration authorities. Upon approval at the provincial level, applications must be submitted to Canadian immigration authorities for federal processing.
STEP ONE: Tour Application is received by the Auebec immigration Visa Office
All applications must include:
Accurately completed and signed application forms
Identity and civil status documentation
Evidence of your net worth
Proof of educational qualifications
Documentation demonstrating business experience and qualifications
Police clearance certificates
Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. Once an application is complete, it will be placed in the processing queue, and an Acknowledgement of Receipt will be sent to the applicant.
STEP TWO: Your application is assessed by a Quebec immigration Visa Officer
A Quebec Immigration Visa Officer will thoroughly evaluate your application to confirm that you meet the net worth criteria and that your funds were acquired legally. Additionally, your business experience and other qualifications will be scrutinized during this assessment.
STEP THREE: A personal interview is required or waived
If your application qualifies for immigration to Quebec under the Investor category, you’ll be invited for an interview with an Immigration Officer. You must provide updated forms and any additional supporting documents within ten business days of receiving your interview appointment. Applicants should bring the originals of all previously submitted documents as copies may not be sufficient. In some cases, the interview requirement may be waived.
STEP FOUR: You are asked to make a wire transfer
After a successful interview or if you receive an interview waiver, you’ll receive instructions to wire the necessary funds to Quebec immigration authorities. Once the transfer is confirmed, you will be issued your Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de Sélection du Québec, often referred to as CSQ).
STEP FIVE: Your application is submitted to the Canadian Immigration Visa Office
Once your CSQ is issued, you must submit your application to federal authorities within one year. This application should include the CSQ, identity and civil status documents, police clearance certificates, and the required federal processing fees. Any incomplete applications will be returned to you.
STEP SIX: Medical Instructions are Issued
Once your application is assessed by the Canadian Immigration Visa Office, you will receive instructions for a medical examination. You and any accompanying family members must undergo this examination with a doctor approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
STEP SEVEN: Your passport is required and the right of permanent Residence fee is due
After the Canadian Immigration Visa Office receives your medical results, they will request payment for the Right of Permanent Resident Fee (RPRF) and your passport to issue your Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa.
ATEP EIGHT: Your Canadian Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa is issued
Your Canada Immigration Visa will include an expiry date, indicating the deadline by which you and your accompanying family members must enter Canada, also known as “landing.”
Get Business Immigration Assistance
The Millennium Immigration is a prominent Canadian immigration law firm with over 11 years of experience. Our team includes more than 60 immigration lawyers, paralegals, and professionals committed to assisting you with your immigration journey to Canada.
TheMillenniumImmigration.com serves as the online platform for The Millennium Immigration. Since its inception in 2013, it has become one of the most reliable resources for information on Canadian immigration.