QUEBEC IMMIGRATION LAW

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Quebec is a great place to work and do business. The Province contributes to administration programs for business and technological development. It boasts of a wide range of business opportunities to immigrants and helps them achieve their professional and personal goals. As one of the most sought-after destinations among the aspirant immigrant, Quebec attracts innovative and talented business people.

Quebec selects business immigrants in the Entrepreneur, Investor and Self-Employed Worker categories. To qualify for selection, applicants must meet the minimum requirements of either the Quebec Entrepreneur Program, Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, or Self-Employed Worker Program, as well as apply for permanent residency. The application assessment process varies. Therefore, depending on your specific assessment process, you may or may not be required to undergo a selection interview in Montreal. If an applicant is selected, they will receive the Quebec Selection Certificate (“CSQ”), at which time they may apply for permanent residence with IRCC.

Our law firm has a great deal of knowledge about the many business opportunities and visa categories available to those migrating from other countries. Whether a temporary or permanent visa is required, our knowledgeable team is more than happy to guide you through the process and help you achieve your business goals.

VISA CATEGORIES

Quebec Entrepreneur Program (QEP)

Foreign nationals may immigrate to Quebec as business owners / entrepreneurs under two streams:

Stream 1 requires the following:

  • A service offer from a Business Accelerator, Incubator or University Entrepreneurship Centre.
  • Settlement in Quebec to create and manage a business that has received a service offer.
  • The ability to carry out a business project alone or with one to three other foreign nationals who have submitted selection applications as entrepreneurs for the same project.
  • Present the project in the form of a business plan.

Stream 2 requires the following:

  • A start-up deposit (minimum deposit required) and security deposit (minimum deposit required, but will be fully refunded) at a Financial Institution that has a Quebec office.
  • A signed deposit agreement with the Quebec financial institution.
  • Settlement in Quebec to create or acquire and operate a business.
  • Submission of a business plan for the project.
  • Minimum net worth applies.

Under either stream, you will not be eligible if you acquire a business that has been purchased in the last five years of your Selection Application by an Immigrant that has applied under the Entrepreneur program. If you choose to start your own business, you must own and control at least 25% of its equity capital. If you choose to acquire another business, you must own and control at least 51% of its equity capital.

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The QIPP is designed to provide high net worth individuals and families the ability to immigrate to Quebec. There are several eligibility criteria, including:

  1. Individual or combined (with your spouse of partner) legally obtained net assets of at least CAD $2,000,000, which can include real estate, bank accounts, stocks and bonds and pensions. Net assets acquired through donation or inheritance are acceptable, but the money must have been acquired at least 6 months to submitting your QIPP application.
  2. Two years (out of the last 5 years) of legally obtained business management experience in a farming, commercial or industrial business; a professional business that employed at least 2 full-time employees (excluding the applicant); an international agency; or with a governmental department or agency prior to applying for a CSQ.
  3. Settlement in Quebec, with an intent to make an investment of $1,200,000 (Refundable guarantee by Government of Quebec) for five years with a signed agreement made with a Financial Intermediary (broker or trust company), that has authorization to participate in the Investor Program.

Like many other Immigration Streams, applicants will be assessed on five selection factors, submission of supporting documents, and an interview process. QIIP is a very detailed-oriented process that may take up to 12 months to acquire a CSQ and then an additional 3 – 4 years with the IRCC. Accordingly, you should work with a qualified immigration lawyer to ensure that you do not neglect or overlook submitting crucial pieces of your immigration package.

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This particular business category is for individuals who wish to come to Quebec and create their own job by practicing a profession or business activities, alone, or with other immigration candidates. This self-employed candidate can choose to work with or without paid help.

To be eligible under the Self-Employed Worker program, candidates must submit and demonstrate the the following:

  1. a start-up deposit of CAD $25,000 if you are practicing your trade or profession outside the Montreal Metropolitan Community (“MMC”) area, or CAD $50,000 if you are practicing your trade or profession inside the MMC area;
  2. have a individual or combined (with your spouse of partner) net worth of CAD $100,000;
  3. proof of source and legal acquisition of funds; and
  4. two years of previous experience working in the profession or trade that you will be practicing in Quebec.

Similar to QIIP, the Self Employed Worker Program is also assessed based on application assessment factors (total of seven). If your profession or trade is regulated in Quebec, you must contact the regulatory body to ensure you meet this program’s requirements. If you are unsure where to start, our law firm welcomes the opportunity to assist you.

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