🇨🇦 Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP)
The Quebec Investor Immigration Program (Québec Immigrant Investor Program, QIIP) is administered by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration. The program was suspended from 2019 to 2024 and will restart in 2024 under stricter conditions, requiring a legal net worth of at least approximately CAD 2 million and a 5-year investment of about CAD 1 million with IQ-affiliated institutions, along with new requirements for French proficiency and residence in Quebec. This is a neutral summary of publicly available information; the status and conditions are subject to frequent changes, so please refer to the latest official announcements from Quebec for accuracy.
Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP) Key Requirements Overview
| Type | Investment Immigration (leading to Permanent Residency) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Threshold | A 5-year investment of approximately CAD 1 million (about US$730,000) is required, along with a net worth of at least approximately CAD 2 million. |
| Primary investment methods. | Make a 5-year designated investment with IQ Immigrants Investisseurs Inc. and pay a non-refundable contribution of CAD $200,000. |
| French language proficiency requirement | Must achieve Level 7 in speaking on the Échelle québécoise (Quebec French proficiency scale), and the test result must be dated within 2 years. |
| Residency Requirements | Within 2 years of obtaining the work permit, you must complete at least 12 months of residence in Quebec, with the principal applicant personally residing for at least 6 months; the remaining 6 months may be fulfilled by the principal applicant or their spouse. |
| Pathways to citizenship. | Citizenship in Canada may be applied for after obtaining permanent residency and meeting residency requirements. |
| Dependent relatives | Can include spouse and dependent children (as per regulations). |
| Processing Timeline | Processing times depend on the review and availability of quotas, often requiring a considerable amount of time. |
| Recent Changes | Official application fees will be adjusted to CAD $18,241 for the principal applicant effective January 1, 2026 (spouse/dependent children exempt), with further adjustments made annually on January 1. |
Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP) Key considerations
- The acceptance status and quotas of the program have been adjusted multiple times over the years; it is essential to confirm whether it is currently open and the conditions before applying.
- Post-reform, new requirements for French language proficiency and residence in Quebec have been introduced, with substantial differences from the previous version; old information may be outdated.
- The investment, net assets, and the CAD $200,000 contribution are three separate requirements; each must be satisfied individually, with proof of lawful source of funds prepared.
Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP) Application Process
- Provide proof of legal net assets and sources of funds, along with the necessary documentation.
- Submit an intention/application to the Quebec immigration department during the open period.
- Compliance with specified investment and conditions related to language and residency is required.
- After being selected by Quebec, an application for permanent residency is submitted to IRCC.
Quebec Investor Immigration Program (QIIP) Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Quebec Investor Immigration program currently open?
According to public information, the program is set to restart in 2024, and the official investor page indicates that applications may be submitted at any time; however, acceptance status and quotas have varied over the years, so it is advisable to confirm the current situation with the latest official announcements from Quebec before applying.
What are the differences between QIIP and the federal startup visa?
QIIP is a Quebec provincial investment immigration program focused on designated investments and net worth, including language/residency requirements; the federal startup visa centers on obtaining a commitment of support from designated institutions for startup projects, with differing conditions and governing authorities. Actual requirements are subject to their respective official regulations.
What are the French language requirements for QIIP?
Following the reform, a new French proficiency threshold has been added: applicants must attain a speaking level of 7 on the Échelle québécoise (Quebec French Proficiency Scale), and test scores must be valid within 2 years of the application date. This differs from the previous rules that applied before the 2024 relaunch and is an essential point to verify when assessing eligibility.
After obtaining a work permit, how long is the residency requirement, and can it be fulfilled in separate periods?
You must complete at least 12 months of residency in Quebec within 2 years of obtaining a work permit, of which the principal applicant must personally reside there for at least 6 months; the remaining 6 months may be completed by either the principal applicant or their spouse. The final determination will be subject to the latest official Quebec regulations.
How to verify if an investment immigration program is still valid and avoid misleading claims?
The conditions of investment immigration programs often change or may even be suspended. Recommendations: ① Check official announcements from the country's immigration or investment authority (official source links are provided at the bottom of this page). ② Verify the data date indicated on this page. ③ Before engaging a consultant, check whether they are registered with the relevant regulatory body (e.g., Australia's OMARA, Canada's CICC; for lawyers, check with the local bar association). ④ Be wary of exaggerated claims such as "guaranteed approval" or "exempt from review." This site provides a neutral compilation of public information, and all content is subject to the latest official announcements.
Official sources: Quebec Government (Gouvernement du Québec) Investor Immigration · Data Date: 2026-08-06.This page is a neutral compilation of public data for reference only; it is not immigration/legal advice. Programs are subject to the latest official announcements.