The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) is a scheme that allows the desired foreign investor to get Canadian permanent residency by investing heavily in the province of Quebec. Since its creation in 1986, the program has drawn thousands of investors interested in immigrating to one of Canada’s most diverse and culturally diverse provinces. This article offers information on the QIIP which includes the category of persons who may apply, how to apply, investment conditions, and so on.
The QIIP is for experienced investors who want to become permanent residents in the province of Quebec. In contrast to the other business immigration programs that necessitate the applicant’s active involvement in the management of a business, the QIIP is based on a passive investment in the economy of the province.
The QIIP stands out for its unique advantages compared to other immigration programs. Here’s a comparative table:
Feature | QIIP | Other Business Programs |
Investment Type | Passive | Active management required |
Investment Amount | CAD $1,200,000 | Varies (usually lower but requires active role) |
Management Role | Not required | Required |
Residency Requirement | 12 months within 2 years | Varies (often continuous residence needed) |
Family Inclusion | Spouse and dependent children | Varies |
Processing Time | 12-24 months | Varies |
Language Requirement | French proficiency required (Level 7) | Varies (usually English or French) |
Upon obtaining permanent residency through the QIIP, investors and their families enjoy several benefits, including:
Healthcare: Healthcare services and coverage within the country predominantly through the provision of universal health care for all citizens.
Education: Free and quality education, and equal opportunity to attend any university of the world.
Social Services: Various social security benefits.
Path to Citizenship: Chance to apply for Canadian citizenship once the person has met the residency test.
To qualify for the QIIP, applicants must meet specific criteria related to net worth, management experience, education, language proficiency, and investment.
Criteria | Requirement |
Minimum Net Worth | CAD $2,000,000 in legally acquired net worth, either alone or with a spouse/common-law partner |
Management Experience | Minimum two years of experience in management 5 years before the application |
Investment | CAD $1,200,000 (CAD $1,000,000 refundable investment + CAD $200,000 non-refundable contribution) |
Education | Diploma equivalent to a Quebec secondary school diploma |
Language Proficiency | Knowledge of spoken French corresponding to level 7 on the Quebec proficiency scale |
Residency Requirement | Minimum of 12 months residence in Quebec within the first two years of receiving the work permit |
The QIIP requires a substantial financial commitment from applicants. Here’s a breakdown of the investment components:
Investment Type | Amount | Conditions |
Refundable Investment | CAD $1,000,000 | 5-year term, guaranteed bythe Quebec government, with no interest |
Non-Refundable Contribution | CAD $200,000 | To support Quebec’s economic development initiatives |
The application process for the QIIP involves several stages, from submitting initial documents to obtaining permanent residency. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
Stage | Description |
Initial Application Submission | Complete and submit the application with all necessary documents. |
Selection Interview | Do an interview if needed. |
Investment and Contribution | Make the required financial commitments. |
Issuance of Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) | Receive CSQ upon investment confirmation. |
Federal Application Submission | Submit CSQ and other documents to federal immigration authorities. |
Medical Examination | Undergo a medical examination as required. |
Final Decision and Visa Issuance | Obtain a permanent resident visa. |
Here is the checklist of the documents you need for the application:
Document Type | Description |
Identity Documents | Passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates |
Proof of Net Worth | Bank statements, property valuations, investment statements |
Management Experience | Letters from employers, tax returns, business registration documents |
Educational Credentials | Diplomas, transcripts |
Police Clearance | Certificates from police authorities in the applicant’s country of residence |
Stage | Time Frame |
Initial Application | 3-6 months |
Selection Interview | 1-3 months (if required) |
Investment Confirmation | 1 month |
Issuance of CSQ | 1-2 months after investment |
Federal Processing | 6-12 months |
Medical Examination | 1-2 months |
Final Decision and Visa | 1-2 months after medical examination |
Candidates for the QIIP are awarded points based on six factors under the Quebec Economic Class selection grid. One needs a passing score of 40 points. The mandatory cut-off scores of 10 points for management experience and 25 points for financial investment must be satisfied.
Factor | Points |
Education Level/Areas of Training | Up to 14 points |
Management Experience | Up to 10 points |
Age | Up to 10 points |
Language Proficiency | Up to 22 points |
Stay and Family in Quebec | Up to 8 points |
Investment Agreement | Up to 25 points |
Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for management experience and financial investment need only five additional points to meet the passing score of 40 points. For example, a post-secondary technical diploma or an undergraduate degree can provide the necessary points.
The review of your application for the Quebec Investor Program can result in three possible outcomes: acceptance, refusal, or rejection. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each outcome:
If you have met all requirements of the program, but you do not have to stay in Quebec, you will be given a notice of intention to select. This notice contains information that is required by the Government of Canada to complete your work permit for your stay in Quebec.
Upon verifying that you have been living in Quebec, you will be issued with the CSQ and those of the members of the family accompanying you.
You will be advised that your application will be refused if you have not met all the requirements for remaining in Quebec.
This letter requires you to provide the documents listed above by the given date to respond to this letter. If you do so before the deadline, the review of the application will proceed. If you fail to respond, your application is likely to be refused.
In case your application has been refused, you can opt to apply for administrative review.
Your application will be rejected if:
One may not believe your declarations or documents are genuine or have been altered in some way.
You have presented a false or forged identity or documents or any other form of false or misleading information.
Some of the documents that were requested to be submitted have not been submitted by the deadline and in the format that was expected.
You have not provided sufficient materials to address the reasons for rejection within the prescribed time.
You did not come for the interview as scheduled on the date and time provided, if any.
For whatever reasons of rejection the letter contained, you have to come with substantiated information.
If you respond by the deadline, further review of your application will proceed. If you fail to do that, your application will be disqualified.
If your application is rejected, you have the choice of applying for an administrative review of the decision.
The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program presents a logical, step-by-step plan for becoming a Canadian permanent resident based on a significant, risk-free investment. This makes it a perfect option for those who wish to invest and migrate to Canada as it has no risks involved, is inclusive of families, and has the clients able to access Canada's social amenities.