Quebec Premier Francois Legault has announced key changes to Quebec’s immigration system, including its Business Immigration Programs like the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP).
The major shift will require all economic immigration candidates to have strong spoken French skills before applying. This move aims to enhance immigrant integration into the province’s business community and economy.
Business class immigrants, including investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals, will be affected. They must now exhibit oral French proficiency.
QIIP, closed since 2019, was set to reopen in April 2023, but due to an announcement in March, it remains closed until January 2024.
Key Changes to QIIP:
Unchanged Criteria:
- Minimum net worth of C$2 million (including spouse’s assets).
- 2 years of management experience in 5 years before application.
Modified/New Criteria:
- Demonstrated spoken French proficiency (level 7 on Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes).
- A diploma equivalent to a Quebec secondary school diploma before application.
- Possession of work permit post (Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration’s) notice.
- 6-month residency in Quebec within 2 years of work permit issuance.
- Risk-free C$1 million investment (0% interest) and non-refundable $200,000 contribution to IQ Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. within 120 days of acceptance.
Quebec Business Immigration Overview:
The QIIP, launched in 1985, is Canada’s sole passive investor immigration program. Business immigration in Quebec targets high-income individuals, contributing to job creation and economic growth.
Investor immigrants seek permanent residence via an interest-free $1.2 million loan to the province, repaid in five years. Unlike entrepreneurs, investors aren’t required to manage a business.
Entrepreneurs under Stream One focus on startups with local support, while Stream Two centers on owner-operated businesses. Business projects and residency intent are key in these applications.
Quebec’s immigration changes prioritize language integration and bolstering its business landscape.
