01 — Overview
A Québec selection and federal process
Québec operates separate immigration programs for investors, entrepreneurs and self-employed workers who intend to settle in the province and support, acquire or operate a business there.
The applicant generally applies to Québec first and must obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) before applying to IRCC for permanent residence.
02
Business categories to distinguish
Investor program
For applicants who meet Québec's current net-worth, management, financing and agreement requirements.
Entrepreneur program
For applicants who will establish, acquire or operate a qualifying Québec business under the applicable stream.
Self-employed worker program
For eligible applicants who will practise their profession or trade independently in Québec.
Related temporary work options
Some Québec-selected business applicants may have a work-permit option while pursuing permanent residence.
03
Areas requiring detailed review
- A genuine intention to settle in Québec
- The correct Québec business category and current intake status
- Lawful source and accumulation of personal net worth
- Management, ownership, professional or self-employment experience
- Business plan, financing, deposits, agreements and language requirements where applicable
04
Typical application sequence
- 01
Choose the Québec category
Confirm which current program fits the applicant's experience, assets and proposed activity.
- 02
Apply for Québec selection
Submit the provincial application and supporting financial and business evidence.
- 03
Receive the CSQ
A Québec selection certificate is normally required before the federal permanent-residence stage.
- 04
Apply to IRCC
Complete federal forms, biometrics, medical, criminality, security and admissibility processing.
05
Important points
- Québec business immigration is separate from the paused federal Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs.
- A CSQ is a selection decision, not permanent resident status.
- Net worth and source-of-funds evidence must be coherent, traceable and complete.
- Program intake and Québec rules may change independently of federal processing.
Official sources
Verify the current rules at the source.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Program status, criteria and intake can change. Confirm the current official instructions before applying.