Your Ultimate Guide to the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)

The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is a specialized immigration pathway designed by the Quebec provincial government to attract experienced business people and investors from around the world. As one of the most established and respected programs in Canada, the QIIP aims to stimulate the provincial economy by leveraging the skills and capital of high-net-worth individuals.

By making a significant, secure investment in Quebec, you can obtain permanent residency and contribute to the economic growth and development of the province. This program is structured to ensure a seamless and efficient immigration process, making it an attractive option for you if you’re looking to establish a new life in Canada.

Why Choose the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program?

The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is a good choice for you if you’re looking to secure permanent residency in Canada and have funds available to invest. This program offers several unique advantages and benefits such as:

Your Investment is Secure

One of the primary benefits of the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is the security of your investment. The CAD $1.2 million investment required for this program is guaranteed by the Quebec government, making your investment risk-free. There are two options for how you can fulfill the investment requirement:

1. Option 1: You can make a five-year term investment of CAD $1 million. At the end of the five-year period, your financial intermediary will reimburse the full amount of CAD $1 million without interest, within 30 days.
2. Option 2: Alternatively, you can opt to make a non-reimbursed payment of CAD $550,000. In this case, your financial intermediary will send CAD $200,000 from your account to the Government of Quebec as the contribution portion, and the remaining balance will be used to arrange the financing of the CAD $1 million investment.

While this is a significant sum of money, both options provide the assurance that your capital is safe, allowing you and your family to benefit from permanent residency in Canada with peace of mind.

You Don’t Have to Manage a Business

Many other investor programs mandate active involvement in business operations which could be a cumbersome burden for you if it’s not your preferred life-path. The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program will become particularly appealing for you because it does not require you to manage a business in Quebec. With the QIIP, you can live in Canada and enjoy the benefits of permanent residency without having to navigate the complexities of running a business in a new country.

Your Family is Included

Another major advantage of the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is its inclusivity for family members. The program not only grants permanent residency to the principal applicant but also extends this benefit to your spouse and dependent children. This means that your entire immediate family can reap the privileges and opportunities that come with Canadian permanent residency. Right off the bat, your children can access quality education, and your spouse can also seek employment or pursue further studies, making the big transition smoother for your whole family.

Your Choice of Business Opportunities

While the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program does not require you to manage a business, it does open the door to numerous business opportunities for you to dive into. Canada’s stable and prosperous economy is an ideal environment for exploring new ventures or avenues in business. So whether you’re interested in investing in existing businesses or starting your own, the Quebec market offers a supportive and thriving ecosystem for you as an entrepreneur.

Book a consultation with our Quebec RCIC/QRCI – Judith, who will be able to advise you on your Quebec Immigration needs.

Eligibility Criteria to Qualify for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program

To qualify for the QIIP, there are a few critical eligibility requirements to take note of. These expectations ensure that applicants have the financial capability and relevant experience to contribute to Quebec’s economic landscape. Before you set out on the application process for the QIIP, be sure you meet all the following criteria:

• Minimum Net Worth

You must have a minimum net worth of CAD $2 million, which can be acquired alone or with the help of your spouse or common-law partner if they are immigrating with you. This net worth must be legally obtained and can include assets such as property, bank accounts, pension funds, stocks, and shares.

• Business or Management Experience

In order to be eligible for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program you need to have a minimum of two years full-time management experience within the last five years. This experience must be in a specific enterprise (agricultural, commercial, industrial), or in a government or international agency. Your experience should involve the planning, supervision, and control of financial, human and/or material resources. If you acquired your management experience in a professional capacity, the company you managed must have employed at least two full-time employees, not including yourself.

• Investment in Quebec

As mentioned, the QIIP hinges on you making a five-year term, risk-free investment of CAD $1 million, and a $200,000 financial contribution to Investissement Quebec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. This CAD $1 million investment is refundable and the CAD $200,000 is a non-refundable financial contribution. These investments do not collect interest and must be made within 120 days of receiving an immigration acceptance decision.

• Language Proficiency

As the primary applicant to the program you will need to have a level 7 knowledge in oral French (according to the Quebec scale of French proficiency). We suggest taking a language test to ascertain your proficiency level before entering into any immigration journey to Canada, especially for the QIIP.

• Your Education Level

Before applying for the QIIP, the main applicant will need to have an education level that equates to at least a Quebec secondary school diploma (high school diploma).

• Intention to Settle

In order to ensure you are committed to living and integrating into Quebec society, you will be required to live in the province for at least 6 months. And after receiving a positive decision on your QIIP application, you will be granted a work permit from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). Within the next two years of the issuance of the work permit, you must complete a stay in Quebec of at least 12 month. The 12 month stay in Quebec can be split 6 months between spouses, if applicable. During this period, at least 6 months must be completed by you as the main applicant, and the remaining 6 months can be completed by you or your spouse or common-law partner.

Application Process for the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program

There are 9 key steps in the QIIP application process:

1. Step 1: Submission of Application
   Submit a complete application, including all mandatory forms and documents. Ensure that your application is meticulously prepared to avoid delays. The required forms include the Application for Permanent Selection and the narrative document. Any supporting documents should be translated into French or English if necessary​​.
2. Step 2: Payment of Fees
   The principal applicant must pay a non-refundable application review fee of CAD $17,380. Fees must be paid in full and can be done via credit card, postal money order, or bank draft.
3. Step 3: Initial Review and Possible Interview
   Your application will be reviewed to verify the accuracy and authenticity of the provided information. You may be invited for an interview to further assess your qualifications. If selected for an interview, you will receive details about the date, time, and documents to bring​.
4. Step 4: Investment
   If your application is initially approved, you must make a five-year term investment of CAD $1,000,000 through an authorized financial intermediary and a financial contribution of CAD $200,000.
5. Step 5: Issuance of CSQ
   Upon confirmation of your investment, you will receive a Notice of Intention to Select, allowing you to apply for a work permit for you and your family. Following this, you will obtain the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) if all conditions are met, including the mandatory stay in Quebec​.
6. Step 6: Federal Application
   With your CSQ, you must apply to the Government of Canada for permanent residence. This step involves additional processing by federal authorities, including security and medical checks. It is crucial to submit this application promptly to ensure continuous processing​​.
7. Step 7: Medical Examination
   All applicants and accompanying family members must undergo a medical examination by an approved physician. This step ensures that all applicants meet the health standards required by the Canadian government​​.
8. Step 8: Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
   Upon approval of your federal application, you will need to pay the RPRF and submit your passport for visa issuance. This fee confirms your status as a permanent resident of Canada​.
9. Step 9: Arrival in Canada
   Once your permanent resident visa is issued, you must arrive in Canada before its expiry date. Ensure you carry all necessary documents for your landing process in Quebec​.