Quebec's Self-Employed Worker Immigration Program
The Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program offers qualified individuals the chance to secure permanent residence in Quebec, provided they can successfully establish themselves as independent tradespeople or professionals in the province.
NOTE: Quebec will accept a total of 50 applications for selection under its Self-Employed Worker Program from November 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022.
About the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
Quebec invites self-employed foreign nationals who wish to work as independent tradespeople or professionals in the province. Beyond meeting the program’s minimum requirements, the Government of Quebec outlines specific conditions for self-employed workers, which include:
Selecting their own methods of work performance
Organizing their work independently
Providing the necessary tools and equipment
Carrying out the majority of specialized duties
Collecting profits and managing the risks of any potential losses from their work
Requirements for the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
Quebec’s Immigration Ministry, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), requires foreign nationals seeking permanent residence under the Self-Employed Worker Program to be at least 18 years old and to meet additional program criteria.
For candidates based in Montreal, a start-up deposit of $50,000 or more must be registered with a local financial institution. Those outside Montreal are required to deposit at least $25,000.
All candidates for the Self-Employed Worker Program must achieve a passing score on the Quebec Economic Class selection grid, with up to 99 points available (or 112 points if accompanied by a spouse or common-law partner). Points are awarded based on various factors, including education, professional experience, language proficiency in French and English, ties to Quebec, age, financial self-sufficiency, deposit amount, and available financial resources.
Applicants must also demonstrate their intention to reside in Quebec. During the application review, candidates may be invited for a selection interview. Additionally, those in regulated professions must have relevant training or a diploma that is recognized by the appropriate Quebec regulatory board, obtained within the last five years.
As of January 1, 2024, the program will have the following minimum requirements:
Factor | Minimum requirements |
|---|---|
Education level | Hold a diploma before the date of submission that corresponds to at least a Quebec Secondary school general diploma. |
Professional experience as a self-employed worker | Have acquired a minimum of two years of experience in the profession or trade that they intend to practice after establishing themselves in Quebec. |
Financial self-sufficiency | Submit a contract to prove financial self-sufficiency. |
Undertaking for dependants | Sign an undertaking for 3 months from the date of obtaining permanent residence status to provide for the essential needs of accompanying family members and those of their accompanying family members (even if they are dependant Canadian citizens). |
Deposit for startup | Register a start-up deposit of at least $50,000 at a local financial institution if based in the metropolitan area of Montreal. Candidates based outside of Montreal will be required to deposit at least $25,000. |
Minimum net worth | Have legally acquired a minimum of CAD$100,000 in net worth, alone or with the help of their spouse or common-law partner in the event that the spouse or common-law partner is accompanying. |
Language proficiency | Have a knowledge of oral French (talking and listening) of a level 7 or higher according to the Quebec scale of French proficiency levels. |
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