WHAT IS THE QUEBEC START-UP VISA?
The Quebec Entrepreneur Program is designed for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas who will spur economic growth and entails the consequent commitment from a designated organization. This program requires a minimum financial commitment of USD70,000 and grants permanent residency in Canada. Applicants may apply for Canadian citizenship after 3 years.
Advantages
- Permanent residence for successful applicants
- Dependents included:
- Spouse or common law spouse
- Children under 22 who do not have a spouse or common law partner
- No quota for French speaking candidates
- English speaking candidates are subjected to a quota
- Pathway to citizenship after 3 years of permanent residence
- Up to 4 entrepreneurs for the company project including a maximum of 3 foreigners
Type of Investment
- Incubation investment costs: 70,000 USD
- The incubation period must include a Research & Development phase
- The incubation period must include a market study as well as a competitor’s analysis
- Commitments set in the Business Plan must be met
Procedure
- Quebec Start-up Visa Eligibility assessment and selection by the incubator’s Selection Committee
- Submission of the application along with the supporting documents to the Quebec immigration authorities (“MIFI”)
- Issuance of the Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC) and landing procedure
- Application for work permit and study permit to relocate immediately and filing of the Permanent Residency application to IRCC
- Processing time:
- QSC: 8 to 12 months
- Permanent Residence: 3 to 4 years following QSC issuance
Conditions
- The applicant must demonstrate that they are innovative entrepreneurs who will spur economic growth
- The applicant must be selected and obtain the commitment certificate from a designated Incubator
- A legal entity must be incorporated in Québec and the applicant must set his main residence in Québec to manage the project
- Hold a secondary education degree
- The applicant must obtain the Attestation of Learning about Democratic Values and the Québec Values
- The applicant must show that he has enough funds to live in Quebec and support his dependents
- The funds to be invested must have been obtained from a lawful source
- At least one of the entrepreneurs must be fluent in French or English
The present document is intended for guidance and general information only and does not constitute or purport to provide you with legal advice. Such information is subject to changes without notice. Each case is unique and depends on the facts and circumstances of the individual and due consideration should be taken if applying the general information to your personal situation. For an evaluation of your personal circumstances one of our legal team would be happy to assist.