Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)

QIIP is Québec’s investor route that grants CSQ, after a CAD 1,000,000 placement + CAD 200,000 contribution, French proficiency, and a 12-month Québec stay, leading to federal PR.

Québec’s immigration plan for 2025 keeps total admissions between 48,500 and 51,500, with roughly 72% in the economic class. Within that, business admissions (including investors) are planned at about 400–500 for 2025. These figures come from MIFI’s 2025 plan tabled in late 2024.

Since January 2024, QIIP has operated with updated rules, including a two-stage selection (an “intention to select” notice before the CSQ), an open work permit option for investors, a defined French level, and a 12-month residency-in-Québec requirement within two years of the work permit.

*CSQ = Certificat de sélection du Québec (Québec Selection Certificate). the document MIFI issues to confirm Québec has selected you for permanent immigration.
*MIFI = Québec’s immigration ministry: Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration.

Who’s Eligible for QIIP?

Net worth, experience, diploma

You must show CAD 2,000,000 in legally acquired personal net assets (alone or with your spouse/partner). You also need 2 years of appropriate management experience in the last 5 years and at least a secondary-school diploma.

French level and where to test

QIIP requires knowledge of spoken French at a defined level (commonly referenced as B2/Level 7 in oral expression and comprehension). Official proofs are typically TEF/TCF results that meet the level.

Investment and mandatory contribution

Your authorized financial intermediary signs the investment agreement with Investissement Québec Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. (IQII) and, within 120 days of MIFI’s request, completes a 5-year CAD 1,000,000 placement (government-guaranteed; no interest) and pays a CAD 200,000 non-refundable contribution.

Residency-in-Québec requirement (12 months/2 years)

Within 2 years after your investor open work permit is issued, you must complete 12 months of physical presence in Québec; 6 months must be by the principal applicant. The remaining 6 months can be done by you or your spouse/partner.

QIIP Process Work (step by step)

Stage 1: Apply to MIFI and get the “intention to select” notice

• Apply any time; MIFI currently indicates no maximum number of investor applications.
• Pay the Québec investor fee and submit your forms and proofs (net worth, experience, French, etc.).
• MIFI reviews for all selection conditions except the stay. If satisfactory, you receive a notice of intention to select (avis d’intention).

Stage 2: Open Work Permit for Quebec investors

• With the intention-to-select notice, you can apply for a special open work permit (province-specific to Québec). This stream has been open since Jan 1, 2024 under IRCC’s special instructions.

Stage 3: Complete the stay, finalize investment, get the CSQ

• Complete 12 months of residence in Québec within 2 years of the work permit; at least 6 months by the principal.
• Finalize the investment and contribution within 120 days when MIFI asks.
• Obtain AVDQ (values attestation) within 60 days of MIFI’s request (online quiz or Objectif Intégration session).
• When all conditions are met, MIFI issues your CSQ (Québec Selection Certificate).

Stage 4: Apply to IRCC for permanent residence

• With your CSQ, file the federal PR application (medical, biometrics, police checks). You can usually renew your work permit while PR is processing, using the CSQ as support.
• AOR (Acknowledgement of Receipt) is the file number IRCC sends after it accepts your PR submission in system.

Document Requirement

• Passports and civil status documents
• Proof of net worth (bank statements, portfolio statements, property, valuations)
• Proof of legal source of funds (sale contracts, tax returns, dividends, loan agreements)
• Management experience evidence (employment letters, corporate docs, org charts)
• French test results (TEF/TCF) meeting the level
• Diplomas (second try or higher)
• Investment agreement with an authorized intermediary
• Police certificates, medical exam (later for PR)
• AVDQ attestation within 60 days when requested

Fees and Costs (Québec and federal)

• Québec (MIFI) investor application fee (2025): CAD 17,875 (principal). Investor files have a different fee structure than skilled worker files.
• Investment/Contribution: CAD 1,000,000 (5-year guaranteed placement) + CAD 200,000 non-refundable contribution.
• Federal (IRCC): PR processing, biometrics, and medicals apply; amounts vary by family size and are separate from Québec fees .
• Representative and due-diligence costs: if you hire advisors, budget for legal/financial verification.

Processing Time

No fixed end-to-end time is published for QIIP. Files vary by background checks, document quality, and volumes .

Practical tips:

• Keep your source-of-funds trail clean and translated.
• Start French early if you’re close to the threshold.
• Plan your 12-month stay (housing, school, business ties) as soon as your work permit is issued.
• Use the Objectif Intégration session to secure the values attestation if you prefer a classroom option.

Risks, refusals, and how to avoid common mistakes

• Funds tracing: unclear transfers or cash deposits can slow or sink a file.
• Insufficient management role: show staffing, budgets, and decision-making authority.
• Missing the 120-day investment window or the 60-day AVDQ window can derail selection.
• Residency shortfall: track days carefully; build a plan to meet the 12-month requirement.

Final Thoughts

QIIP is still a viable route for high-net-worth families who are ready to invest, settle in Québec, and participate in a French-speaking society. If you think you qualify, contact us or fill out the free assessment form so we can check your fit and timing, no pressure, just clear next steps.

This isn’t legal advice; policies change. Always check official sources or consult a licensed professional.

FAQs