If you are in search of a reliable pathway to permanent residency in Canada, the Quebec Investor Visa offers a solution worth considering. With this visa, investors and their families gain access to various benefits that make Canada an ideal destination for long-term settlement.

Canada, often termed ‘the great white north,’ is a vast country with a huge amount of natural beauty and diversity. Canadians enjoy cold, snowy winters and beautiful warm summers, as well as political stability, a strong economy, and world-class health care and education.

In 2022, Canada was ranked number 3 in the world, ranking of the best countries to live, and came 8th and 10th in the entrepreneurship and open-for-business categories, respectively. It is an ideal destination for investors looking to build a fruitful and happy life.

We at High Net Work Immigration are experts in our field and have all the information you need to make a smart investment. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about Quebec Investor Visa and why it is an excellent route to Canadian permanent residency.

 

Overview of the Quebec Investor Visa 

Following the government’s announcement, the Quebec Investor Visa is relaunching on January 1, 2024. Check out our article on the recent program’s developments.

What is the Quebec Investor Visa?

The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, QIIP in short, is an investment pathway to permanent residency in Canada.

Eligible investors can secure Canadian permanent residence by contributing CAD  $200,000 to the Government of Quebec and investing CAD $1,000,000 in a government bond. This investment can be made through an approved financial intermediary, or investors can choose to finance the investment.

How Does It Work?

The Quebec Investor Visa requires you to meet certain conditions and submit an application, including all the necessary documents and supporting evidence. The initial criteria applicants must meet is having the intention to settle in Quebec.

Furthermore, the applicant must meet the minimum net worth requirement and have management experience in an appropriate sector.

 

 

Eligibility Requirements for the Quebec Immigration Investor Program

What is the QIIP Investment Amount?

The minimum investment for the Quebec Immigration Investor Programme is CAD  $1,200,000, along with the CAD $200,000 contribution to the Government of Quebec.

As this is a passive investment program, the government protects the amount, and the total amount will be returned to investors after five years.

Calculate Your QIIP Score

To calculate your QIIP Score, you can consult the official points framework here. You must score at least 40 points out of 94 to be eligible. The criteria awards points in areas such as education level, age, and proficiency in English and French.

If you satisfy the minimum requirements for management and financial investment, which award you 10 and 25 points, respectively, you only need to qualify for 5 extra points in any of the different areas in order to meet the overall minimum of 40.

Requirements for QIIP

1. Net Worth Requirements

The net worth requirements for the program are currently set at CAD $2,000,000. You can combine assets with your spouse, but both parties must be able to provide evidence of the legal acquisition of all assets submitted towards your net worth amount.

2. Investment Requirements

To be eligible for the Quebec Immigration Investor Programme, you must be willing and able to invest CAD $1,200,000, plus make a contribution of CAD $200,000. As this is a passive investment with fixed terms, you can use a financial intermediary to help finance your investment, though this route obviously has its cost implications.

3. Management Experience Requirements

Another eligibility requirement for the Quebec Investor Visa is management experience. You must demonstrate at least two years of management experience in the five years before your application.

Your role must have been full-time and included planning, management, and financial, material, or human resources control. The work experience can be from any area of the agricultural, industrial, or commercial sectors or governmental or international work, providing it meets the abovementioned criteria.

4. Language Requirements

Primary applicants must demonstrate an intermediate level of French equivalent to B2 (level 7).

5. Other QIIP Requirements

You also must provide a ‘narrative document’ detailing your employment history as part of the proof of your net worth. If your spouse is contributing to a combined net worth, they must also complete the document. A guide and example form can be found here (in French only).

Further accreditation may be required depending on the applicant’s profession and that of your spouse. If any person included in the application works in a regulated trade or as a doctor or teacher and wishes to continue to do so in Canada, extra documentation is required.

Lastly, you need to provide official proof that you understand both ‘democratic values’ and ‘Quebec values’ as part of your application. 

Benefits of the Quebec Investor Visa 

Permanent Residency in Canada

1. Permanent Residency in Canada


As a successful applicant for Quebec Investor Visa, here’s what you need to know in simple steps:

  • Get a 3-Year Work Permit: First, successful applicants receive a work permit valid for three years.
  • Qualify for Permanent Residency: After the initial three years, you’ll be granted permanent residency if you've lived in Quebec for at least 12 months during this time. This includes 6 months by the main applicant and another 6 months by either the main applicant or their spouse.
  • Enjoy Permanent Residency Benefits: Once you're a permanent resident, you get access to healthcare, education, and government services, similar to Canadian citizens. You can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. After 3 years of living in Canada, you can apply for citizenship.
  • Note the Restrictions: As a permanent resident, you cannot vote or run for political office.
Happy kids travel by the car

2. High Quality of Life


Canada consistently scores highly on global rankings of quality of life. Life expectancy is higher than average at 82 years, and Canada achieves 7.03 out of 10 on the Global Happiness Index, far surpassing the global average of 5.54.

Strong Economy

3. Strong Economy


Canada has a robust economy thanks to a steady, favorable immigration policy and a wealth of natural resources. Financial services, tourism, and the film industry also contribute to Canada’s wealth. The GDP per capita is currently 54,917.7 USD, and sensible lending policies have managed somewhat to avoid the booms and busts of recent years. 

Access to High-Quality Healthcare and Education

4. Access to High-Quality Healthcare and Education


Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system regulated federally under the 1984 Canada Health Act. Each province or territory has its specific healthcare system, so there is some variation from place to place. In Quebec, all residents registered with the Health Insurance Plan have access to free medical care, subsidized dental care, and optometry.

Canada also has a high-quality public education system. Public trust in the education system is so high that over 95% of children attend state-operated public schools. Furthermore, Canada is home to several world-class universities, such as McGill University, which is in Montreal, Quebec.

Stable Political System

5. Stable Political System


Canada has a stable, democratic political system with provincially and federally elected governments. In 2021, Canada had a political stability score of +0.94 compared to the global average of -0.07. 

Canada also ranks highly in safety rankings; this year, it is the 1st safest country in the world, according to Forbes. This is much higher than in countries surrounding Canada.

Multicultural Society that Values Diversity

6. Multicultural Society that Values Diversity


Canadian multicultural society and commitment to valuing diversity are enshrined in law through the 1971 Multiculturalism Policy, which encourages all citizens to retain and celebrate their heritages, languages, cultural practices, and religions. The 2021 census recorded more than 450 cultural or ethnic origins. 

 

Quebec Investor Visa Application Process 

1. Initial Application

To apply for the Quebec Investor Visa, you must fill in all the appropriate forms:

  • Complete and Sign Forms: Submit correctly filled and signed application forms.
  • Provide Identity Documents: Include your identity and civil status documents.
  • Showcase Financial Status: Attach documents proving your net worth.
  • Educational Qualifications: Provide documents for your educational background.
  • Business Experience: Include documents relevant to your business experience and qualifications.
  • Police Clearance: Submit police clearance certificates.

2. Selection Process

Next, an agent from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration will review your application to check all of your documentation is accurate and that you are eligible for the program.

If there are any queries regarding your application, you may be required to attend an interview.

3. Investment and Financing

If all your information is verified and your application is accepted, the next step is to obtain your Quebec Selection Certificate. At this stage, you will be asked to provide your required investment, and upon receipt of the funds, the government will issue your certificate.

4. Background Check and Medical Exam

Once you reach this stage of provincial approval, you have to submit your application to the federal authorities. You must then provide all relevant identity documents, criminal record checks, and a medical examination for the applicant and all dependents as part of the normal immigration process.

5. Your Passport is Requested and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee is Due

Once the Canadian Immigration Visa Office has received your medical results, they will then ask for the Right of Permanent Resident Fee (RPRF) payment. Additionally, they will require your passport to issue a Canada Immigration (Permanent Resident) Visa.

FAQ About Quebec Investor Visa

A: Under the Quebec Investor Visa Program, the candidate's immediate family members, including their spouse and dependent children, can be included in the application and will be granted the same status as the candidate. This means that the entire family can benefit from the advantages of Canadian permanent residency.

A: Quebec Investor Visa holders have freedom of movement within Canada, but the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program is specific to Quebec, requiring investors to demonstrate their intention to settle there. Moving to another province soon after obtaining the visa may result in additional scrutiny and affect citizenship eligibility.

A: The Quebec Investor Program will be reopening on January 1, 2024.

A: The Quebec Investor Visa program considers legally acquired assets, alone or jointly with their spouse or common-law partner if they are accompanied.

A: Yes, you might be asked to demonstrate an intermediate level in French, equivalent to a B2 (Level 7).
A: To qualify for management experience under these criteria, a candidate must have a minimum of two years of management experience accumulated over the last five years before their application. This experience should be in a full-time managerial role within a specific enterprise (be it agricultural, commercial, or industrial), a government, or an international agency. The enterprise doesn’t need to be profitable, but if the experience is in a professional setting, the organization must have at least two full-time employees, excluding the candidate. Even retired candidates are eligible if they can demonstrate two years of relevant management experience within the past five years. The experience must encompass responsibilities like the planning, supervision, and control of financial, human, or material resources. However, experience gained through apprenticeships, training, or any educational specialization processes that lead to a diploma is not considered valid management experience.

A: The Quebec Investor Visa processing time can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of the application, the volume of applications being processed, and the complexity of the applicant's case. Generally, it takes around 12 to 24 months.

 

Conclusion

The Quebec Investor Visa is an excellent option for those who want to use their net worth to make a new, happy, safe home in Canada. The process is relatively simple, and with experts like ourselves at High Net Worth Immigration on your side, all the heavy lifting is taken care of.

Book a Free Consultation with Us

 vicky-page-author

Vicky Katsarova, CEO

“My world travels and my own immigration experiences have given me a deep understanding and clear insight into each of our clients’ specific requirements, aspirations and concerns. It is this intense personal association with client expectations and needs that helps to set our company and our service apart.”

If you are in search of a reliable pathway to permanent residency in Canada, the Quebec Investor Visa offers a solution worth considering. With this visa, investors and their families gain access to various benefits that make Canada an ideal destination for long-term settlement.

We at High Net Work Immigration are experts in our field and have all the information you need to make a smart investment. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the Quebec Investor Visa and why it is an excellent route to Canadian permanent residency.

Get Your Free Consultation
" >