Quebec Investor Program: Complete Requirements and Process Guide

Current Program Status and Latest Updates

The Quebec Investor Program has experienced significant changes over the past few years. Here’s what you need to know about the current situation and what’s coming next.

Program Suspension and Reopening Timeline

The QIIP was suspended in July 2019 and has remained closed while the Quebec government reviews and updates the program structure. Based on government announcements and policy discussions, we anticipate a reopening in late 2025 or early 2026.

What this means for you: Use this suspension period strategically. The application process traditionally takes 4-6 years from submission to permanent residence, so preparing your documentation now ensures you’re ready when applications reopen.

Recent Policy Changes

The Quebec government has signaled several key changes for the program’s eventual reopening:

• Increased emphasis on French language proficiency
• Stricter due diligence on source of funds
• Enhanced requirements for Quebec settlement intentions
• Potential changes to investment amounts and net worth thresholds

Real insight from AVID experts: Clients who prepared during the suspension period and had their documentation ready consistently secured faster processing times when similar programs reopened in other jurisdictions.

Future Program Structure

While specific details remain under government review, industry insiders expect the renewed program to maintain its core structure while implementing stricter vetting processes and higher financial thresholds.

If you’re from countries with historically high application volumes like China, India, or Iran, expect increased scrutiny on documentation and longer processing times. Starting your preparation now is essential.

Eligibility Requirements: What You Need to Qualify

The Quebec Investor Program sets specific financial and professional criteria that applicants must meet. Understanding these requirements upfront helps you assess your eligibility and identify any gaps to address.

Net Worth Requirements

Minimum Net Worth: CAD $2,000,000

Your net worth must be legally acquired and demonstrable through comprehensive documentation. This includes all assets minus liabilities, calculated at fair market value.

What counts toward net worth:

• Real estate properties (residential and commercial)
• Business ownership interests
• Investment portfolios (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
• Bank deposits and cash equivalents
• Valuable personal assets (art, jewelry, collectibles)

What this means for you: The net worth calculation is complex and requires professional valuation. Many applicants underestimate the documentation required to prove asset values and legal acquisition.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Applicants often fail to account for currency fluctuations when calculating net worth. Always work with current exchange rates and consider getting professional asset valuations in Canadian dollars.

Management Experience Criteria

You must demonstrate at least three years of management experience within the five years preceding your application. This experience must involve planning, supervising, and controlling financial and human resources.

Qualifying management roles include:

• Senior executive positions (CEO, President, VP)
• Department head or division manager roles
• Business owner with management responsibilities
• Government department leadership positions

Documentation requirements:

• Employment letters detailing responsibilities
• Organizational charts showing reporting structure
• Evidence of financial and personnel management authority
• Professional references from colleagues or supervisors

If you’re a business owner: Simply owning a business doesn’t automatically qualify. You must demonstrate active management of at least two full-time employees (or equivalent) and show financial management responsibilities.

Investment Amount

Required Investment: CAD $1,200,000

This investment must be made through an approved financial intermediary and guaranteed by the Government of Quebec. The investment is returned after five years without interest.

Alternative financing option: You can choose to pay approximately CAD $350,000 as a non-refundable financing fee instead of making the full investment. This option appeals to many applicants who prefer not to tie up the full amount for five years.

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Even if you choose financing, demonstrating ability to make the full investment strengthens your application and shows genuine financial capacity.

Language Requirements

While French language skills aren’t mandatory, they significantly strengthen your application and demonstrate integration intentions.

French proficiency levels that help:

• Basic conversational ability (A2 level minimum)
• Intermediate proficiency (B1-B2 levels)
• Advanced fluency (C1-C2 levels)

What this means for you: The Quebec government prioritizes French-speaking immigrants. Even basic French skills can differentiate your application from others.

If you’re applying from predominantly English-speaking countries: Consider intensive French language training as part of your application preparation. The investment in language skills often correlates with faster processing and approval rates.

Health and Security Requirements

All applicants must pass medical examinations and security background checks conducted by the Canadian government.

Medical examination requirements:

• Comprehensive physical examination by panel physicians
• Chest X-rays and blood tests as required
• Additional tests based on age and medical history

Security screening includes:

• Criminal background checks from all countries of residence
• Military service records if applicable
• Financial crime investigations
• Terrorism and security threat assessments

Application Process: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

The Quebec Investor Program application process involves multiple stages, each with specific requirements and timelines. Understanding what happens at each stage helps you prepare effectively and avoid delays.

Phase 1: Document Preparation (6-12 months)

What really happens behind the scenes: This phase determines your application’s success more than any other factor. Quebec immigration officers make preliminary assessments based on document quality and completeness.

Critical documents to prepare:

Financial Documentation:

• Audited financial statements for the past five years
• Professional net worth evaluation report
• Source of funds documentation with legal acquisition proof
• Banking records showing transaction history
• Investment portfolio statements and trading records

Professional Experience Documentation:

• Detailed employment letters with specific management responsibilities
• Organizational charts showing your position and reporting structure
• Evidence of financial management authority
• Performance reviews and professional accomplishments
• Business registration documents if self-employed

Personal Documentation:

• Passport and travel history
• Educational credentials and professional certifications
• Marriage certificate and family documentation
• Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence

Real insight from AVID experts: Applications with incomplete or poorly prepared documentation face rejection rates exceeding 60%. Invest time in thorough preparation rather than rushing to submit.

Phase 2: Application Submission and Initial Review (3-6 months)

Once you submit your complete application with supporting documents, Quebec immigration authorities conduct an initial review to ensure all requirements are met.

What happens during initial review:

• Document completeness verification
• Preliminary eligibility assessment
• Assignment of file number and processing priority
• Request for additional information if needed

Common requests for additional information:

• Updated financial statements if documents are older than six months
• Additional source of funds documentation
• Clarification on management experience details
• Updated police clearance certificates

If you’re from countries with high refusal rates like Nigeria, Pakistan, or Bangladesh: Expect additional scrutiny during this phase. Ensure all documents are perfectly prepared and authenticated according to Canadian standards.

Phase 3: Detailed Assessment and Interview (12-18 months)

Interview requirements: Most applicants must attend an in-person interview at a Quebec immigration office or Canadian consulate. The interview assesses your genuine intention to settle in Quebec and verifies information in your application.

Interview preparation essentials:

• Comprehensive knowledge of Quebec economy and culture
• Clear articulation of settlement and business plans
• Ability to discuss your professional background in detail
• Basic French conversational ability (strongly recommended)

What this means for you: The interview isn’t just document verification—it’s an assessment of your commitment to Quebec and ability to integrate successfully.

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Applicants often underestimate interview preparation. Officers expect detailed knowledge about Quebec’s economy, culture, and your specific settlement plans. Generic answers about “good education system” aren’t sufficient.

Phase 4: Investment Execution and Final Approval (6-12 months)

Upon conditional approval, you must execute the required investment within 30 days and complete final processing steps.

Investment execution process:

• Selection of approved financial intermediary
• Transfer of investment funds or financing fee payment
• Receipt of investment certificate from Quebec government
• Submission of investment proof to immigration authorities

Final processing steps:

• Medical examinations for all family members
• Updated police clearance certificates
• Final document verification
• Permanent residence visa issuance

Financial Documentation: Proving Your Wealth

Financial documentation represents the most complex aspect of the Quebec Investor Program application. Quebec authorities require comprehensive proof that your net worth meets requirements and was legally acquired.

Net Worth Verification Requirements

Professional asset valuation: All major assets require professional appraisal by qualified valuators recognized by Quebec authorities.

Real estate appraisals must include:

• Current market value assessment
• Comparison with similar properties
• Property ownership documentation
• Mortgage and liability details
• Historical purchase and improvement records

Business ownership valuation requires:

• Professional business valuation report
• Financial statements for the past five years
• Auditor’s reports and tax filings
• Ownership structure documentation
• Market analysis and industry comparisons

What this means for you: Asset valuations can take 2-4 months to complete and cost $5,000-$15,000 depending on complexity. Start this process early in your application preparation.

Source of Funds Documentation

Quebec requires detailed documentation showing how you acquired your wealth legally. This goes beyond simple bank statements—you need comprehensive transaction histories and legal acquisition proof.

Required source documentation:

• Employment income records with tax filings
• Business profit documentation with audited statements
• Investment gain records with transaction histories
• Inheritance documentation with legal probate records
• Property sale records with legal transfer documents

If you’re a business owner: Prepare detailed records showing business growth, profit distribution, and personal wealth accumulation through legitimate business activities.

Real insight from AVID experts: Source of funds rejection represents the leading cause of application denial. Officers look for consistent patterns between your declared income, tax filings, and wealth accumulation. Any gaps or inconsistencies trigger additional investigation.

Banking and Investment Records

Banking documentation requirements:

• Five years of bank statements for all accounts
• Large transaction explanations and supporting documentation
• Foreign exchange records for international transfers
• Credit facility agreements and repayment records

Investment portfolio documentation:

• Brokerage statements showing investment history
• Trading records with buy/sell transaction details
• Professional investment management agreements
• Dividend and interest income records

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Consider consolidating your banking relationships before application preparation. Having fewer, well-documented accounts simplifies the documentation process and reduces potential questions.

Professional Services for Financial Documentation

Qualified professionals you’ll need:

• Chartered accountant for financial statement preparation
• Professional appraiser for asset valuation
• Immigration lawyer for document review
• Financial advisor for investment structuring

What this means for you: Professional services typically cost $15,000-$30,000 but significantly improve application success rates and reduce processing delays.

Management Experience: Demonstrating Your Qualifications

Management experience requirements focus on your ability to plan, supervise, and control financial and human resources. Quebec authorities evaluate both the scope of your responsibilities and evidence of successful management outcomes.

Qualifying Experience Types

Corporate executive roles: Senior positions with profit and loss responsibility, strategic planning authority, and multi-departmental oversight qualify as management experience.

Business ownership: Entrepreneurs must demonstrate active management of operations, not just ownership. This includes employee supervision, financial management, and business strategy development.

Government positions: Senior civil service roles with departmental responsibility, budget authority, and personnel management qualify as management experience.

Non-profit leadership: Executive positions in non-profit organizations with budget responsibility and staff supervision meet management experience requirements.

Documentation and Verification Requirements

Employment verification must include:

• Official company letterhead with authorized signatures
• Detailed job description with specific management responsibilities
• Organizational chart showing reporting relationships
• Performance evaluations and achievement records
• Salary progression and promotion history

For business owners:

• Business registration and incorporation documents
• Organizational structure with management hierarchy
• Employee records showing supervision responsibilities
• Financial statements demonstrating business management
• Professional references from business partners or clients

Real mistake we’ve seen—and how to avoid it: Generic employment letters stating “management position” without specific details about responsibilities, reporting relationships, and achievements lead to application delays or rejections.

Investment Options: Understanding Your Choices

The Quebec Investor Program offers two primary investment approaches, each with distinct advantages and considerations for different applicant situations.

Government-Guaranteed Investment

Full investment option: Invest CAD $1,200,000 through an approved financial intermediary for five years. The Quebec government guarantees return of principal without interest after the investment period.

Advantages of full investment:

• Demonstrates complete financial capacity
• Strengthens application credibility
• Provides investment security through government guarantee
• Maintains eligibility for program benefits

Considerations:

• Opportunity cost of funds tied up for five years
• No interest or investment returns during investment period
• Requires full liquidity of investment amount

Financing Alternative

Financing option: Pay approximately CAD $350,000 as a non-refundable financing fee to an approved financial intermediary who provides the required investment on your behalf.

Advantages of financing:

• Significantly lower upfront cost
• Maintains liquidity for other investments or business opportunities
• Simplified investment process
• Faster application processing in some cases

Risk considerations:

• Non-refundable fee represents permanent cost
• Still requires demonstration of full financial capacity
• May face additional scrutiny during application review

If you’re choosing financing: Ensure you can still demonstrate the full CAD $1,200,000 investment capacity even though you’re not making the full investment. Quebec authorities want confidence in your financial ability regardless of chosen investment method.