Quebec — business immigration

Quebec Investor Program (QIIP) 2026 + Alternatives

The Quebec Investor Immigrant Program (QIIP) has been one of Canada's most prominent passive investor PR pathways — but as of 2026, it's suspended for new applications. This page covers QIIP status + the alternatives (Quebec Entrepreneur Program, Self-Employed, federal SUV, provincial entrepreneur PNPs).

QIIP background (current status: suspended)

The Quebec Investor Immigrant Program historically required:

Net worth: CAD $2,000,000+ (legally accumulated)
Investment: CAD $1,200,000 in Quebec government-guaranteed 5-year zero-interest investment (essentially a no-return loan to Quebec government)
Business or management experience: 2+ of past 5 years
French language: increasingly required (initially optional)

Status as of 2026: suspended for new applications. Quebec government cited program review + policy reassessment. Former applicants with active applications continue processing.

Quebec Entrepreneur Program (QEP) — main alternative

Quebec's active entrepreneur stream. Two sub-streams:

Owner-Operator stream

For applicants buying + actively operating an existing Quebec business:

Net worth: CAD $900,000+ minimum
Acquisition + operation of Quebec business
Active management for minimum period
Selection via MIFI EOI + interview

New Business Creation stream

For applicants starting new Quebec business:

Net worth: CAD $900,000+ minimum
Investment: CAD $300,000+ in Montreal area; CAD $200,000+ outside Montreal
Active business operation
Job creation

Both QEP streams have French language requirements + Quebec values commitment. Quebec selection via MIFI → CSQ → federal PR.

Quebec Self-Employed Workers Program

Different from QEP. For individuals practicing self-employed independent activity in Quebec:

Net worth: CAD $100,000+ (significantly lower than QEP)
Plan to be self-employed in qualifying activity
Suitable for: professionals practicing independently (consultants, designers, healthcare professionals, etc.)
French language requirement

Federal alternatives

Federal Start-Up Visa (SUV)

For entrepreneurs with innovative businesses + designated organization commitment. Investment from venture capital fund (CAD $200,000+), angel investor group (CAD $75,000+), or incubator acceptance. See Start-Up Visa guide.

Owner-Operator LMIA

Buy/establish Canadian business + LMIA-supported work permit + PR via CEC. See Owner-Operator LMIA.

C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit

LMIA-exempt + significant benefit standard. See C11 Entrepreneur.

Provincial alternatives outside Quebec

BC PNP Entrepreneur — Base ($600K net worth / $200K investment) + Regional ($300K / $100K) + Strategic Projects. See BC PNP Entrepreneur.
AAIP Entrepreneur (Alberta) — Foreign Graduate + Rural + International Graduate streams. See AAIP Entrepreneur.
SINP Entrepreneur (Saskatchewan) — net worth $500K+, investment $300K+ urban / $200K+ rural
MPNP Business (Manitoba) — Entrepreneur + Farm Investor streams
OINP Entrepreneur (Ontario) — net worth scaled by region; significant investment
NSNP Entrepreneur, NB PNP, PEI Business Impact, NL International Entrepreneur — Atlantic provinces with various entrepreneur pathways

Strategic considerations

If you wanted QIIP for passive investment, your options now:

Wait for QIIP reopening (uncertain timing)
Pivot to active entrepreneur pathway (QEP, provincial entrepreneur PNP, SUV, Owner-Operator LMIA) — requires actual business engagement
Consider non-Canadian investor immigration programs in other countries

If you can run an active business:

Provincial entrepreneur PNPs may be faster than QEP
Owner-Operator LMIA + CEC PR can be the fastest active entrepreneur pathway
SUV good for innovative ventures

FAQ

Is the Quebec Investor Program (QIIP) still open in 2026?

Suspended/closed for new applications. QIIP had been periodically paused + reopened over the years; status as of 2026 is suspended. Many former QIIP applicants have shifted to alternatives — federal Start-Up Visa (SUV), provincial entrepreneur PNPs, or Quebec Entrepreneur Program (QEP).

What's the Quebec Entrepreneur Program (QEP)?

Quebec's alternative entrepreneur PR pathway. Two streams: (1) Owner-Operator (acquire + operate Quebec business); (2) New Business Creation (start new Quebec business). Both require active management + significant investment. Selection by MIFI.

What's Quebec Self-Employed Workers Program?

For self-employed individuals planning to operate independent business in Quebec. Requires CAD $100,000+ net worth + plan to be self-employed in qualifying activity. Smaller program than QEP.

Are former QIIP applicants stuck?

Those with previously-approved QIIP applications may continue processing. New applicants in former QIIP target demographic typically shift to: SUV (federal), provincial PNP entrepreneur (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, BC, Alberta, Ontario), or Quebec QEP. Each has different criteria + timelines.

Will QIIP reopen?

Uncertain. QIIP has historically reopened periodically (with quotas + closed waitlist). Quebec immigration policy under MIFI is subject to government priorities. Halani tracks announcements.

Business immigration strategy — book your free review

Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) maps QIIP/QEP/SUV/PNP entrepreneur strategy for your profile. Free 15-min review.

Free Business Immigration Review →

Quebec Investor Program