Quebec Self-Employed Worker

Table of Contents: Quebec Self-Employed Worker

The Quebec Self-Employed program lets experienced freelancers, consultants, and independent professionals settle in Québec by creating their own job.

You apply to MIFI (Québec’s immigration ministry) for selection (CSQ) and, if approved, you apply to IRCC for permanent residence.

Expect a start-up deposit of C$25,000 (outside Greater Montreal/CMM) or C$50,000 (inside CMM), MIFI fees indexed yearly (C$1,246 in 2025), and a short financial self-sufficiency commitment. This isn’t legal advice; policies change. Check official sources or consult a licensed professional.

Snapshot

Who it’s for: People who’ll work for themselves in Québec (alone or with partners), in a trade or profession.
Key eligibility: Self-employment track record; ability to carry out the activity in Québec; start-up deposit (C$25k outside CMM / C$50k in CMM); meet selection factors; lawful net assets.
Core steps: Apply to MIFI for a CSQ → Apply to IRCC for Canadian permanent residence under the Québec-selected class.
Typical timeline: Varies by stream and volume; MIFI doesn’t publish a fixed timeline; check IRCC’s tool for the federal stage.
Documents (core): A-0520-TF + A-0523-FO, ID/civil status, evidence of self-employment (invoices, contracts), proof/source of assets, plan of activities, proof for regulated professions (if applicable).
Fees (2025): C$1,246 to MIFI (Self-Employed/Entrepreneur category) + federal PR and biometrics.
Next step: Book a 15-minute consult to confirm fit, deposit location (CMM vs. outside), and build your checklist.

✅ Tiny Glossory:
MIFI = Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (Québec’s immigration ministry).
In plain terms, it’s the provincial authority that:

sets and runs Québec immigration programs (e.g., Self-Employed, Quebec Entrepreneur)
evaluates applications and issues the CSQ (Québec Selection Certificate)
manages French-language (francisation) and newcomer integration services
publishes program rules, fees, and self-sufficiency amounts

After MIFI selects you (CSQ), you apply to IRCC at the federal level for permanent residence.

Who’s Eligible for the Quebec Self-Employed Program?

You must intend to settle in Québec and practice your profession/trade as self-employed, creating your own job. You may work alone or with partners, with or without paid help. MIFI assesses your experience, viability of the activity, net assets, and lawful source, and other selection factors. Some sectors are ineligible (e.g., the sex industry, real estate trading/brokerage/development).

Not sure if you fit? Send your résumé and 1-page activity plan, and we’ll give you a quick read on eligibility.

❓ What Counts as “Self-Employed” in Québec?

You’re not an employee. You plan, price, and invoice; you carry business risk; you show market demand in Québec, and your skills/tools support the work. Typical proof includes contracts, invoices, testimonials, portfolios, and a short activity plan.

Key Requirements

Start-Up Deposit (CMM vs. outside CMM)

After MIFI opens your file, you’ll place a deposit with a Québec financial institution: C$25,000 if you’ll work outside CMM, or C$50,000 in CMM. MIFI typically requests it after issuing the file-opening letter, not on day one.

Financial Self-Sufficiency (2025 examples)

You sign a 3-month self-sufficiency undertaking and show liquid funds (e.g., C$3,877 for 1 adult; C$5,686 for 2 adults; C$6,370 for 2 adults + 1 child <18). Amounts increase with each child; C$1,808 per child 18 years and older.

Net Assets & Lawful Source

Show lawful accumulation: bank histories, tax returns, sale contracts, valuations, and explanations for large transfers. No fixed public minimum net-asset number appears on the guide; MIFI focuses on lawful origin and viability.

Language & Education

French helps. MIFI may interview you to verify the level you declared. A secondary-school diploma (or recognized equivalent) is generally expected.

Regulated Professions

If your occupation is regulated (e.g., architects, nurses, electricians), include the specific evidence MIFI lists (PTA/PSTQ tables) so you can legally practice after landing.

Upload your regulator checklist (if any). We’ll confirm the exact proof MIFI expects for your profession.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

Québec Stage (MIFI): CSQ

Prepare forms A-0520-TF + A-0523-FO and your evidence bundle.
Submit; if complete, you’ll receive AOR.
MIFI may invite you to an interview (French level/project).
If your file is opened, expect the deposit request; later, MIFI issues a CSQ (or a decision with conditions).

Federal Stage (IRCC): PR

With your CSQ, apply to IRCC under the Québec-selected stream. Most applicants 14–79 give biometrics; you’ll complete medicals, pay federal fees, and the RPRF (commonly C$575/adult).

Mini-story:

Sara, a UX designer with 5 years of freelance work, compiled invoices, client letters, and a lean activity plan, filed A-0520-TF, paid fees, placed the deposit when asked, and then received her CSQ.

And that’s your turn! start now by filling our free assessment form

Fees & Timelines

MIFI (2025): C$1,246 for Self-Employed/Entrepreneur category; family member fees per official table. Indexed Jan 1 each year.
Federal (IRCC): PR processing fees, biometrics, and RPRF are separate; use IRCC’s calculator for your family.
Timelines: MIFI ≈ has no fixed public standard; IRCC times change, check the online tool for the current months.

Selection Factors & File-Strength Tips

Experience evidence: Contracts, invoices, portfolios, client references, credentials.
Market plan: Target clients, pricing, first-year budget, and why your region (CMM vs. outside) suits your activity.
Funds & source: Clean banking histories, clear source of funds, explanations for large movements.
French: If you declare a level, be ready to prove it (test/interview).
Regulation: Align your regulatory pathway (if any) with your start timeline.
Organization: One folder, clear filenames, recent dates, and translations per rule.

❓ How This Differs from the Federal Self-Employed Program

The federal Self-Employed Persons Program (arts/athletics) is separate and has seen pauses/backlogs. Québec’s program is provincial, runs on MIFI rules, and uses a start-up deposit model. Always follow MIFI → CSQ first, then IRCC → PR.

Final Thoughts

The Quebec Self-Employed route fits experienced independents who can show real demand, lawful funds, and a workable plan, ideally with some French. Want a reality check on fit and deposit location? Book a quick consult, and we’ll review your activity, region choice, and evidence list, no pressure.

FAQs

Can I apply any time, or are there intake windows?

MIFI’s page indicates you can apply at any time; no public intake window is listed right now.

How much is the start-up deposit, and when do I pay it?

C$25,000 (outside CMM) or C$50,000 (in CMM). MIFI typically requests the deposit after your file is opened, not at submission.

What funds do I need for living costs?

You must meet the self-sufficiency amounts for 3 months (e.g., C$3,877 for one adult; C$5,686 for two adults; add per child). Check the current table before filing.

Is French mandatory?

French is a selection factor. If you declare a level, MIFI may interview you or ask for accepted proof. Strong French often improves scores.

Are some activities banned?

Yes. Activities tied to the sex industry and real-estate trading/brokerage/development are ineligible under this program.

Do regulated professions need extra documents?

Yes. Use MIFI’s regulated professions table and include the exact proofs for your order or regulator (PTA/PSTQ).

What happens after I get the CSQ?

You apply to IRCC for PR (Québec-selected). Most applicants 14-79 give biometrics; federal processing fees and RPRF apply. Check current timelines.