The Québec Entrepreneur Program offers 3 streams, Innovative Business, Business Start-Up, and Business Takeover, for founders who speak French at level 7 (Québec scale) and meet stream-specific business rules.
You first apply to MIFI for selection (CSQ), then submit your permanent residence application to IRCC under the Québec-selected business class. This isn’t legal advice; policies change. Check official sources or consult a licensed professional.
Quick Overview
- Eligibility (core): Age 18+, at least a secondary diploma, spoken French level 7, a short self-sufficiency commitment after landing, and stream-specific business conditions.
- Key steps: Pick your stream → prepare forms & business plan → apply to MIFI → possible interview/Notice of Intent to Select → get CSQ → apply to IRCC for PR.
- Typical timeline: End-to-end times aren’t officially posted; expect variation by stream and volume.
- Core documents: Government forms, stream-specific business plan, proof of French (level 7), IDs/civil status, self-sufficiency proof, plus takeover or service-offer evidence if applicable.
- Fees (MIFI review): As of Jan 1, 2025, principal applicant $1,246, spouse/partner $197, each child $197. Federal (IRCC) fees and biometrics are separate.
- Next step: Check eligibility or book a 15-minute consult to choose the right stream and checklist
Simplified Your Path
| Step | What it is | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Choose a stream | Stream 1, 2, or 3 | Goals, sector, French level |
| 2. Build your file | Forms + business plan + proofs | Plan template, French proof, financials |
| 3. Apply to MIFI | Québec selection (CSQ) stage | Complete application; interview if invited |
| 4. CSQ / Notice | CSQ or Notice of Intent to Select | If a notice issued, you may pursue a work permit |
| 5. Apply to IRCC | Québec-selected business class PR | Federal forms, biometrics, medicals, police |
Quebec Entrepreneur Program Streams
Stream 1 – Innovative Business
Launch or grow an innovative company in Québec, supported by a supporting organization (incubator, accelerator, or university entrepreneurship centre) that signs a service offer and completes the program form. Use the Québec business plan template.
You’ll also need: age 18+, secondary diploma or higher, spoken French level 7, and a 3-month self-sufficiency commitment after PR.
Start-up Visa invites innovative founders to partner with a designated incubator, accelerator, or VC and build their company in Canada’s vibrant market,
Stream 2 – Business Start-Up
- Start-Up profile: You plan to start a company in Québec. Expect to show management experience, invest in start-up/operating expenses, and hold ≥25% equity in the new business. Some minimum spend thresholds apply [VERIFY amounts]. You may first receive a Notice of Intent to Select, which can support a work-permit request so you can build before CSQ.
- Already-Started profile: You’ve lived in Québec ≥2 years with work authorization and started the company ≥1 year ago. Requires a minimum net worth of $300,000 (CAD).
Helpful CTA: Not sure which profile fits? Book a quick consult and bring a one-page summary.
Stream 3 – Business Takeover
Acquire or run a company you’ve taken over. Two profiles: in the process of acquisition and the acquired company. You’ll submit an offer to purchase and show takeover expenses.
Practical tip: Ask the seller early for 2–3 years of financials and a letter of intent, these speed reviews.
Who’s Eligible? (core conditions across streams)
- Age & education: 18+ with at least a secondary school diploma.
- French ability: Spoken French level 7 (Québec scale); you may be interviewed to verify.
- Self-sufficiency: Sign a 3-month financial self-sufficiency contract after PR. 2025 examples: $3,877 (single adult) and $5,686 (two adults); amounts rise with children.
- Values attestation: Obtain an Attestation of learning about democratic and Québec values for you and your accompanying family (minors/medical exceptions exist).
- Stream-specific rules: Service offer (Stream 1), equity/share and spend (Stream 2), takeover documents (for Stream 3).
✅ This isn’t legal advice; policies change. Check official sources or consult a licensed professional.
Required Documents
Use Quebec’s forms and checklists. Expect to include:
- Application for permanent selection + stream appendix (official forms).
- Business plan (Stream 1 or 2 template) and, for Stream 1, a service offer signed by the supporting organization.
- Identity/civil status (passports, birth/marriage certificates).
- French proof (accepted tests/certificates that map to level 7).
- Financial self-sufficiency proof (per 2025 schedule).
- Takeover evidence (offer to purchase, due diligence) for Stream 3.
- Any work-permit support docs if you received a Notice of Intent to Select.
From CSQ to Canadian PR (federal stage)
- Apply to MIFI. If complete, you’ll get an AOR (acknowledgement of receipt). You may be invited to an interview. Outcomes include CSQ or a Notice of Intent to Select (often used to seek a work permit).
- Apply to IRCC for PR under the Québec-selected business class (Investors/Entrepreneurs). You’ll complete federal forms, biometrics, medicals, and police certificates. Federal fees are separate.
- Land as a permanent resident. Your self-sufficiency commitment covers the first 3 months.
When you receive your CSQ or notice, set a 15-minute call to map your IRCC stage.
Processing Time and Fees
- Processing times: Québec and IRCC don’t publish fixed timelines for these streams. Files vary by stream, volume, and quality.
- Québec review fees (as of Jan 1, 2025): $1,246 main applicant; $197 spouse/partner; $197 per child. Adjusted each Jan 1.
- Federal fees: IRCC PR fees, biometrics, and medicals are additional.
- Business spend: Stream-specific minimums apply (e.g., ≥25% equity in certain Stream 2 cases; takeover costs for Stream 3). Exact thresholds depend on the profile.
Make your application stronger
- French first: If you’re close to level 7, book a test date and schedule study time now.
- Pick the right story for the right stream: Innovation/support (Stream 1), equity & management (Stream 2), or robust takeover proof (Stream 3).
- Proofs ready: Corporate docs, financials, service offers, and letters of intent, before you file.
- Local ties: Add Québec market validation (letters of intent, pilot users, supplier quotes).
- Stay organized: Save labeled PDFs and receipts in one dated folder.
Final Thoughts
You’ve got real options in Québec. If you’re building something new:
- Stream 1, an Innovative Business with a supporting organization, might fit.
- If you’re launching or already running a company here, look at Stream 2, Business Start-Up.
- Buying a solid local business? Business Takeover could be the match. The common thread: French level 7, a focused business plan, and a clean path from CSQ → IRCC PR.
FAQs
Yes. All three streams require spoken French level 7 on the Québec scale. MIFI may interview you to confirm your level.
Yes. Look at Stream 2 (Already-Started) if you’ve lived in Québec for ≥2 years with work authorization and your company has operated for ≥1 year. A $300,000 minimum net worth applies.
A Québec incubator, accelerator, or university entrepreneurship centre that supports your innovative project and issues a service offer included in your file.
An Acknowledgement of Receipt, the notice, and file number you receive when MIFI (and later IRCC) accepts your application as complete.
Possibly. If MIFI issues a Notice of Intent to Select, you may use it to request a work permit while you continue building the project.
You must sign a 3-month self-sufficiency commitment. 2025 examples: $3,877 (single adult) and $5,686 (two adults); add amounts for children .
Some profiles set minimum spending on start-up/operations or takeover costs, and ≥25% equity for certain Stream 2 cases. Thresholds vary by stream/profile; confirm current numbers
Source: quebec.ca
