Quebec Provincial Nominee Programs

FAQ About Quebec Provincial Nominee Programs

• What are the Quebec Provincial Nominee Programs (QPIP)?

  The Quebec Provincial Nominee Programs (QPIP), also known as the Québec Provincial Nominee Programs (QPNP), are a series of immigration pathways designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals to Québec. These programs operate independently from the federal immigration system, allowing Québec to set its own selection criteria.

• What is the Québec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)?

  The Québec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) is a points-based immigration program aimed at skilled workers who have the education, work experience, and language skills to integrate into Québec's labor market. Applicants are assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and family ties to Québec.

• How does the Québec Experience Program (PEQ) work?

  The Québec Experience Program (PEQ) is a fast-track immigration option for individuals who have already lived in Québec. It has two categories: one for international graduates who have obtained a diploma from a Québec institution, and another for temporary foreign workers with at least 12 months of work experience in Québec. The program requires applicants to demonstrate French language proficiency.

• What are the eligibility criteria for the Québec Entrepreneur Program?

  The Québec Entrepreneur Program is designed for individuals who wish to establish or acquire a business in Québec. Eligibility criteria include submitting a viable business plan, having a legally acquired net worth of at least CAD 900,000, and investing a minimum amount in the business. Entrepreneurs must also demonstrate active and ongoing management of the business.

• What is the Québec Investor Program?

  The Québec Investor Program is for individuals who wish to make a passive investment in Québec. Applicants must have a legally acquired net worth of at least CAD 2 million and invest CAD 1.2 million in a passive investment for five years. Management experience is also required. This program offers a pathway to permanent residency for investors and their families.

• How can self-employed workers immigrate to Québec?

  The Québec Self-Employed Worker Program is for individuals who wish to create their own job by practicing a profession or trade in Québec. Applicants must have relevant work experience, a legally acquired net worth of at least CAD 100,000, and make a start-up deposit. They must also obtain a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and meet other criteria, such as language proficiency.

• What happens after receiving a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ)?

  After receiving a CSQ, candidates must apply to the federal government for permanent residence. This involves submitting a complete application, including supporting documents and fees, to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The federal government conducts medical, security, and criminality checks before granting permanent residence.

• Can family members be included in my Quebec Provincial Immigration Programs application?

  Yes, family members, including your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children, can be included in your Quebec Provincial Immigration Programs application. It is important to provide all necessary documentation and meet the eligibility criteria for family members as part of your application process.

• How does the points system work for the Québec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), and what factors influence the score?

  The QSWP uses a points-based system to assess candidates. Factors influencing the score include: Education: Up to 14 points based on the level and area of education. Work Experience: Up to 8 points based on years of full-time employment in a skilled occupation. Age: Up to 16 points, with the highest points awarded to applicants aged 18-35. Language Proficiency: Up to 22 points for French and 6 for English. Validated Job Offer: Up to 14 points if you have a valid job offer in Québec. Family in Québec: Up to 8 points if you have family members residing in Québec. Spouse’s Characteristics: Up to 17 points based on the spouse's education, age, and language skills. Children: Up to 8 points if you have accompanying children. Financial Self-Sufficiency: 1 point if you have financial resources to support yourself. To be eligible, a single applicant must score at least 50 points, while an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner must score at least 59 points.

• What are the specific French language requirements for the Québec Experience Program (PEQ)?

  For the PEQ, applicants must demonstrate advanced intermediate proficiency in spoken French. This can be proven through: French Language Courses: Completion of an advanced intermediate-level course in French at a Québec educational institution. Standardized French Tests: Achieving required scores in recognized French tests such as TEFAQ, TCF, or DELF. Québec Secondary or Post-secondary Education: Completion of a secondary or post-secondary study program in French in Québec. Professional Order: Proof of meeting French language requirements by a recognized professional order in Québec.

• How does the Québec Entrepreneur Program’s Stream 1 differ from Stream 2, and what are their specific requirements?

  The Québec Entrepreneur Program has two streams: Stream 1: For entrepreneurs who wish to create a business in Québec with support from a business incubator, accelerator, or university entrepreneurship center. Requirements include: Submitting a business plan. Securing a minimum financial commitment of CAD 200,000 from a designated entity. Active and ongoing management of the business. Stream 2: For entrepreneurs who wish to establish or acquire a business without the need for support from a designated entity. Requirements include: Submitting a business plan. Having a legally acquired net worth of at least CAD 900,000. Investing a minimum of CAD 300,000 in the business if located in the Montreal metropolitan area or CAD 200,000 elsewhere. Creating or maintaining at least one full-time job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

• What is the investment breakdown for the Québec Investor Program, and how does it compare to other provincial investment programs in Canada?

  The Québec Investor Program requires: A legally acquired net worth of at least CAD 2 million. An investment of CAD 1.2 million in a passive investment with Investissement Québec for five years, guaranteed by the Québec government, after which the full amount is returned without interest. Compared to other provincial programs: Ontario: Requires an investment of CAD 600,000 to CAD 1 million, depending on the location and sector. British Columbia: Requires an investment of CAD 200,000 to CAD 400,000, depending on the location. Manitoba: Requires an investment of CAD 250,000 to CAD 500,000, depending on the business sector.

• How can applicants ensure their business plans meet the requirements for the Québec Entrepreneur Program?

  To ensure a business plan meets the requirements: Detailed Description: Provide a thorough description of the business project, including the nature, market analysis, and potential clients. Financial Projections: Include detailed financial forecasts for at least three years, demonstrating profitability and sustainability. Management Plan: Outline the management team’s roles and responsibilities, qualifications, and experience. Job Creation: Clearly state how the business will create or maintain jobs in Québec. Compliance with Regulations: Ensure the business complies with all local, provincial, and federal regulations. Support from Incubators or Accelerators: If applying under Stream 1, include proof of support from a business incubator, accelerator, or university entrepreneurship center.

• What are the key steps and timelines involved in applying for a Québec Selection Certificate (CSQ) through the QSWP?

  The steps and timelines include: Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through the Arrima portal. There is no fixed timeline for receiving an invitation. Invitation to Apply: If selected, receive an invitation to apply for a CSQ. You have 90 days to submit a complete application. Application Review: MIFI reviews the application, which can take several months to process. Interview: Some applicants may be required to attend an interview to verify the information provided. Decision: If approved, receive a CSQ, which allows you to apply for permanent residence with the federal government.

• How does the processing time for Québec immigration programs compare to federal and other provincial programs?

  Processing times for Québec immigration programs vary: QSWP: Can take 12-24 months from EOI submission to CSQ issuance. PEQ: Typically faster, around 6-12 months. Entrepreneur and Investor Programs: Can take 18-36 months. Comparatively: Federal Express Entry: Processing time is around 6-8 months. Other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Vary by province, generally between 12-24 months.

• What specific documents are required to prove the legal acquisition of funds for the Québec Investor Program?

  Applicants must provide: Financial Statements: Detailed personal financial statements and those of any businesses owned. Tax Returns: Personal and corporate tax returns for the past few years. Proof of Ownership: Documents proving ownership of assets, such as property deeds and business ownership certificates. Bank Statements: Detailed bank statements showing the history of funds. Legal Declarations: Notarized declarations regarding the legality of funds

• How does Québec's selection criteria for skilled workers differ from the federal Express Entry system?

  Differences include: Language Proficiency: Québec places a higher emphasis on French proficiency, while Express Entry gives equal weight to English and French. Points Allocation: Québec’s points system includes different categories and weightings, such as detailed spouse’s characteristics and validated job offers. Job Offer: Québec gives more points for a validated job offer in the province, whereas Express Entry has a broader approach. Educational Background: Québec considers specific areas of training as advantageous, whereas Express Entry focuses on overall education level.

• What are the benefits of choosing Québec’s immigration programs over other provincial or federal programs?

  Benefits include: French-Speaking Environment: Ideal for French speakers looking to integrate into a francophone community. Diverse Programs: A variety of pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals. Strong Economy: Québec offers a robust economy with diverse industries, including technology, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. Quality of Life: High quality of life with excellent healthcare, education, and cultural amenities.