QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM - HOW TO IMMIGRATE TO CANADA AS AN INVESTOR?

PLEASE NOTE THAT ACCORDING TO THE MINISTRY OF IMMIGRATION, FRANCIZATION AND INTEGRATION OF QUEBEC, THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM IS SUSPENDED UNTIL APRIL 1, 2023.

The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program allows investors to obtain Canadian permanent residency by investing CAD$1.2 million risk-free through a licensed financial intermediary or by financing the investment themselves.

Since 2014, this Quebec program has been the only passive investor immigration program in Canada.

WHAT IS THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM?

The Quebec immigrant investor program has been the one and only permanent immigration program for passive investors in Canada since 2014. Investors who wish to obtain permanent residence in this way are awarded points according to six factors taken from the selection of the Belle Province economic immigration category.

A minimum pass mark of 40 points is required and the mandatory pass marks of 10 points and 25 points for management experience and financial investments, respectively, must be met.

Applicants to the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program are assessed on factors that include level of education/areas of training, management experience, age, French or English language proficiency (linguistic skills), stay and family in Quebec, and the Investment Agreement. The maximum points available are 94 points for candidates with or without a spouse or common-law partner.

Thus, candidates who obtain the respective marks of 25 and 10 points for management experience as well as financial investments will only need 5 more points to reach the pass mark which is 40.

These points can be earned if candidates meet only one of the following requirements:

  • A technical diploma from a post-secondary school (post high school in France) which demonstrates one (1) OR two (2) years of full-time study (value: 6 points).
  • An undergraduate university degree that demonstrates two (2) years of full-time study (value: 6 points).

 

Applicants to the Quebec Investor Program may be invited to a selection interview following the review of their application.

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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS ARE REQUIRED?

There are different “levels” of immigration, so to speak. Thus, one starts with a temporary immigrant level which takes the form of a visa with an expiry date either as a temporary worker or a student. Then, one becomes a permanent resident, which constitutes an open work permit with no real end date. Finally, the last and most logical step is to become a Canadian citizen and have the same rights as people born on Canadian soil.

BUSINESS OR MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

In order to meet the management or business experience requirements, you must demonstrate a minimum of two years of management experience within the five years preceding the application. It is imperative that this experience has been obtained within a specific company (in the agricultural, commercial or industrial sectors for example), or in a governmental or international agency, as well as in a position defined as being at full-time. The business does not have to be profitable. If you got your management experience as a professional, the company where you got it must have at least two full-time employees (not including the candidate). Applicant may be retired at time of application, provided they can demonstrate two years of recent management experience within the past five years. Applicant must be able to demonstrate planning, supervision and control of financial resources AND human resources OR material resources, under his authority. If you have obtained this experience within the framework of an apprenticeship, professional training or even a specialization sanctioned by a diploma, then it cannot be counted.

MINIMUM NET WORTH

A minimum of CAD 2,000,000 of legally acquired net worth, alone or with the assistance of his or her spouse or common-law partner if accompanying the applicant. Assets such as properties, bank accounts, pension funds, stocks and shares can be included.

INVESTMENT

Agreement to invest the sum of 1,200,000 Canadian dollars through an approved financial intermediary (this investment can be financed).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM?

HOW PATRICK JACQUES CAN HELP YOU WITH THE QUEBEC INVESTOR PROGRAM?

As an immigration lawyer, Patrick Jacques is the best person to help you navigate the Quebec immigrant investor program. Whether you have questions or need help with management experience, the amount to invest or the processing times for your file, you can count on us.

CONTACT US NOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM?

STAGE 1 OF THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM

All applications must include the following necessary documents (and possibly additional documents):

  • Properly completed and signed application forms
  • Identity and civil status documents
  • Documents proving your net worth
  • Documents attesting to your educational qualifications
  • Documents attesting to your professional experience and qualifications
  • Police certificate.

Incomplete applications are returned to the applicant. Complete applications are placed in the processing queue and an acknowledgment is sent to the applicant.

STAGE 2 OF THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM

A Quebec immigration officer will carefully assess your application and analyze the files to ensure that you meet the net worth requirements and that it was obtained legally. Your business experience and other qualifications are also reviewed at this stage.

STAGE 3 OF THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM

If your application meets Quebec immigration standards in the investor category, you will be called for an interview with an immigration officer. You are required to submit updated forms and documents as well as any additional documents that may support your application within ten business days of receiving an interview appointment. Applicants are requested to bring the originals of all documents previously submitted to the immigration authorities, in the form of copies. In some cases, it is possible to waive an interview.

STAGE 4 OF THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM

Following the conclusion of a successful interview (or notice of interview waiver), you will receive instructions to wire the required funds to Quebec immigration authorities. Your Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) is issued after receipt of the bank transfer.

STAGE 5 OF THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM

Once your CSQ has been issued, your application must be submitted to the federal authorities within one year. Applications must include the issued CSQ, identity and marital documents, police certificates and federal government processing fees. Incomplete applications are returned to the applicant.

STAGE 6 OF THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM

After assessment of your application by the Canadian visa office, medical instructions will be sent to you. You and your accompanying family members, if any, must undergo a medical examination by a doctor approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

STAGE 7 OF THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM

After receiving the results of the medical examination, the Canadian visa office will request payment of the right of permanent residence fee and your passport in order to issue a Canadian immigration visa (document of permanent residence).

STAGE 8 OF THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM

Your Canadian immigration visa will have an expiry date, when you and your accompanying family members must enter Canada, or “mainland”.

CONTACT US NOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM.

QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?

No. Since 2014, the immigrant investor program in Quebec has been the only one of its kind for all of Canada. That said, once you become a permanent resident, you are free to move to any other province or territory.

Unlike some other countries that allow certain investors to obtain citizenship after an investment, Canada does not. Thanks to the Quebec immigrant investor program, you will be able to obtain permanent residence, which gives you the same rights as other Canadians, except for the right to vote and to stand for election. For citizenship, you will have to follow the same path as other permanent residents, i.e. accumulate 1,095 days in the country as a permanent resident before you can apply for Canadian citizenship.

Absolutely! Thanks to the Quebec immigrant investor program, your application as a permanent resident will be accelerated from the moment you meet all the criteria.

Yes. Investissement Québec offers financing ranging from $40,000 to $250,000 and covering up to 10% of project costs. This is a non-refundable financial contribution.

The income generated by your investment is used in particular to subsidize assistance programs for Quebec businesses such as the Assistance Program for the Integration of Immigrants and Visible Minorities in Employment (PRIIME).

CONTACT US NOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE QUEBEC IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PROGRAM.