Quebec’s business immigration programs offer a unique pathway to Canadian permanent residence for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals who intend to settle in the province of Quebec. Unlike federal business programs, Quebec has full authority to select its own business immigrants through the Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) process.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Quebec’s three business streams: the Investor Program (currently suspended), the Entrepreneur Program, and the Self-Employed Worker Program. You will learn about eligibility criteria, net worth and investment requirements, application steps, federal fees, processing times, and work permit options.
On This Page
- Overview: Quebec Business Class Immigration
- Quebec Investor Program (Suspended – Pending Relaunch)
- Quebec Entrepreneur Program (Two Streams)
- Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program
- Step 1: Applying for the Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ)
- Step 2: Federal Permanent Residence Application
- Processing Times & Extended Delays
- Optional Work Permits for Business Applicants
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Official Resources
Overview: Quebec Business Class Immigration
Quebec’s business immigration programs are designed for individuals who want to settle in Quebec and actively contribute to its economy by investing in, starting, or acquiring a business, or by practicing a self-employed profession.
| Stream | Target Audience | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Investor Program | High-net-worth individuals seeking passive investment | Suspended (expected relaunch late 2025/early 2026) |
| Entrepreneur Program | Business owners and managers who will actively manage a business | Open (two streams: start-up and acquisition) |
| Self-Employed Worker Program | Professionals working for themselves (artisans, artists, etc.) | Open |
Important: You must first obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) from the Quebec government (MIFI) before applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residence.
Quebec Investor Program (Suspended – Pending Relaunch)
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) has been a unique passive-investment pathway to Canadian permanent residence. However, the program has been suspended since 2019. It is widely expected to relaunch in late 2025 or early 2026 with updated criteria.
Anticipated Eligibility Criteria (Subject to Change)
Based on pre-suspension rules and pending official announcements, prospective investors should prepare for the following requirements:
| Requirement | Anticipated Detail |
|---|---|
| Net worth | Minimum CAD $1.6 to $2 million in legally acquired net assets (can include spouse’s assets) |
| Investment | CAD $800,000 government‑guaranteed investment for 5 years (fully repaid without interest) |
| Financed option | One‑time, non‑refundable payment (approx. CAD $220,000–$375,000) – may be available |
| Management experience | At least 2 years of full‑time management experience in the last 5 years |
| Intention to reside | Must intend to settle in Quebec |
Note: No official relaunch date has been confirmed. Check the MIFI website regularly for updates.
Quebec Entrepreneur Program (Open)
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program is for individuals who will actively manage a business in Quebec. It has two distinct streams.
Stream 1: Business Start-up / Innovative Business
This stream targets entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in Quebec, with an emphasis on innovation.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Management experience | At least 2 years in the last 5 years |
| Net worth | Minimum CAD $900,000 (legally acquired) |
| Business ownership | Hold at least 25% of shares in the new venture |
| Deposit | Start‑up deposit (approx. CAD $150,000) + security deposit (approx. CAD $50,000) |
| French language | Minimum level 7 on the Échelle québécoise (mandatory selection factor) |
Stream 2: Business Acquisition / Takeover
This stream is for entrepreneurs who want to acquire and operate an existing business in Quebec.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Management experience | At least 2 years in the last 5 years |
| Net worth | Minimum CAD $900,000 |
| Business ownership | Hold at least 51% of shares in the acquired business |
| Business history | The business must have been operating for at least 5 years and not acquired by another foreign entrepreneur in the preceding 5 years |
| Deposit | Start‑up and security deposits as above |
| French language | Minimum level 7 (mandatory) |
French is mandatory for both Entrepreneur streams. You must provide proof of language proficiency from an approved testing organization.
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program (Open)
The Self-Employed Worker Program is for professionals who work for themselves, such as artisans, artists, independent contractors, or other self-employed individuals.
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Self-employed experience | At least 2 years of relevant, full‑time self-employed experience in the last 5 years |
| Occupation | The experience must be in the profession you intend to practice in Quebec |
| Financial capacity | Sufficient funds to practice your profession and support yourself and your family in Quebec |
| French language | French is a selection factor (no minimum level published, but higher levels earn more points) |
| Selection points | Assessed based on age, education, language, project viability, and financial autonomy |
No minimum net worth is specified, but you must prove you have enough money to establish yourself.
Step 1: Applying for the Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ)
Before you can apply to the federal government, you must be selected by Quebec. The CSQ application is managed by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI) .
How to Apply for a CSQ
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose your stream (Entrepreneur or Self-Employed Worker – Investor is suspended) |
| 2 | Gather required documents: business plan, net worth proof, experience letters, language test results, etc. |
| 3 | Prepare a narrative document explaining your business background and intentions (mandatory for all streams) |
| 4 | Pay the CSQ application fee (see below) |
| 5 | Submit your complete application package to MIFI (online or by mail, as specified) |
CSQ Application Fees (as of January 1, 2026)
| Applicant | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant | $1,272 |
| Spouse or common-law partner | $201 |
| Each dependent child | $201 |
Fees are non‑refundable. Payment can be made by credit card, postal money order, or bank draft (follow MIFI instructions).
Step 2: Federal Permanent Residence Application
Once you receive your CSQ, you must apply to IRCC for permanent residence. This is a separate application with its own fees and requirements.
Federal Application Package
Submit your application online through the Permanent Residence (PR) Portal. Key forms include:
| Form Number | Title |
|---|---|
| IMM 0008 | Generic Application Form for Canada |
| IMM 0008 SCHEDULE 7 | Economic Classes – Provincial Nominees (including Quebec business) |
| IMM 5722 | Document Checklist |
Federal Processing Fees (as of April 30, 2026)
| Applicant | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant | $1,895 |
| Spouse or partner | $990 |
| Each dependent child | $270 |
Fees must be paid in full at the time of submission. Biometrics fees ($85 per person) may also apply.
Processing Times & Extended Delays
Quebec business immigration applications are known for lengthy processing times. Be prepared for significant delays.
| Processing Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| CSQ processing (Quebec) | 12–24 months (varies by stream) |
| Federal PR processing (IRCC) | Up to 48 months (4 years) or more |
| Total (CSQ + federal) | 48 months average; can stretch to 7–9 years in complex cases |
Why so long? Quebec business applications involve detailed financial and business assessments, including audits of net worth and source of funds.
Optional Work Permits for Business Applicants
While waiting for your permanent residence application to be processed, you may be eligible for an LMIA‑exempt work permit to come to Canada and work sooner.
C-11 Work Permit (Significant Benefit – Outside Quebec)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Destination | Provinces outside Quebec |
| Basis | R205(a) – Significant economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada |
| Eligibility | Must demonstrate that your business will create/maintain significant benefits |
C-60 Work Permit (Quebec‑Only)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Destination | Quebec only |
| Basis | Quebec‑specific LMIA exemption for entrepreneurs |
| Eligibility | Must have a CSQ (or pending application) and intend to establish your business in Quebec |
These work permits allow you to start working on your business while your permanent residence application is processing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Quebec Investor Program open?
No. The program has been suspended since 2019. It is expected to relaunch in late 2025 or early 2026, but no official date has been announced.
Q2: Do I need to speak French to qualify for Quebec business immigration?
For Entrepreneur streams: Yes. You need a minimum French level 7.
For Self-Employed Worker: French is a selection factor (points awarded). Higher proficiency improves your chances.
For Investor (pending relaunch): French may be required under new rules (not confirmed).
Q3: Can I include my family in my application?
Yes. Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in both the CSQ and federal PR applications.
Q4: What is the difference between the Entrepreneur start-up stream and acquisition stream?
| Stream | Business ownership | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Start-up | New business, 25% shares | Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas |
| Acquisition | Existing business, 51% shares | Those who want to buy an established business |
Q5: How long is the CSQ valid?
A CSQ is generally valid for the duration of your permanent residence application processing. If your CSQ expires while waiting for IRCC, you can request an extension from MIFI (but extensions are not guaranteed).
Q6: What are the most common reasons for refusal?
- Inability to prove legal source of funds (unexplained wealth)
- Insufficient net worth
- Lack of genuine business plan or financial commitment
- Failure to meet French language requirements (for Entrepreneur streams)
- Incomplete documentation or missing narrative document
Q7: Can I work in Quebec before my PR is approved?
Yes, through the C-60 work permit (Quebec‑only). You must have a CSQ or pending application and demonstrate that you are actively establishing your business.
Q8: Where can I get a professional valuation of my net worth?
You will need audited financial statements and possibly a report from an independent accounting firm. MIFI may require a specific format – consult the application guide
Quebec’s business immigration programs offer a direct path to permanent residence for investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals who are committed to settling in Quebec.
| For Investors | For Entrepreneurs | For Self-Employed |
|---|---|---|
| ⚠️ Program is suspended – wait for relaunch | ✅ Two streams: start‑up and acquisition | ✅ No minimum net worth |
| Anticipated net worth: $1.6–2M | Minimum net worth: $900,000 | Two years self‑employed experience |
| Investment: $800,000 (financing option may be available) | French level 7 mandatory | French is a selection factor |
| Management experience: 2 years | Must hold 25% (start‑up) or 51% (acquisition) shares | Must have sufficient settlement funds |
Key takeaways for all applicants:
- ✅ You must first obtain a CSQ from Quebec before applying to IRCC.
- ✅ Processing times are long – up to 48 months or more for the federal portion.
- ✅ French language proficiency is mandatory for entrepreneurs and a selection factor for self-employed.
- ✅ Consider the C-60 work permit (Quebec) or C-11 work permit (outside Quebec) to start working while you wait.
If you are serious about immigrating to Quebec as a business person, start preparing your documents now – especially proof of net worth, legal source of funds, and a solid business plan. Engage a qualified immigration lawyer or RCIC to guide you through this complex process.