Quebec Entrepreneur Immigration Program Reaches Intake Cap, Though French Speakers May Still Apply

The Quebec Entrepreneur program, one of Quebec's three business immigration programs, has reached the maximum number of applications that may be accepted for the most recent application cycle. The program has reopened for new applications on April 1, 2016, with a limit of 50 applications that were to be accepted.

However, the program remains open for eligible applications who demonstrate, by means of a test recognized by the government of Quebec, that they have an advanced intermediate knowledge of French. This level is equivalent to level B2 or higher in the Test d'Evaluation du Français, or TEF.

At this time, the Quebec Investor program and Quebec Self-Employed program remain open for new applications. The Investor program has the same cap-exempt provision for french-speaking applicants that is in place for the Entrepreneur program, while the Self-Employed program has no such provision.

Quebec Entrepreneur Requirements

Criteria	Requirements
Intended destination	Quebec
Minimum Net Worth	Have legally acquired a minimum of CAD$300,000 in net worth, alone or with the help of their spouse or common-law partner in the event that the spouse or common-law partner is accompanying.
Business and/or Management Experience	Have acquired a minimum of two years work experience in business management (planning, supervision and control of human, physical and financial resources) over the course of five years prior to the submission of the candidate's application and controlled at least 25% of the capital equity. Must also have accumulated this work experience in a profitable business (agricultural, commercial or industrial enterprise) and in a position defined as full time.
Miscellaneous	Medical examination and a security background check.

After arriving in Canada, successful applicants will be required to adhere to a number of conditions for at least one year during the three years after obtaining their permanent resident status. The applicant must:

Successfully create or acquire an agricultural, commercial or industrial business in the province of Quebec;
Control at least 25 per cent of the capital equity of that business, accounting for a minimum of CAD$100,000;
Employ a Quebec resident in the business (other than the Entrepreneur or accompanying family members) in a position of at least 30 hours a week (note: the agricultural Entrepreneur is not bound to this obligation);
Actively participate in the management of the business.

Learn more about Quebec or fill out a free Canadian business immigration assessment form to learn more about your options.