When it comes to quality of life, best countries where to raise a child, best country where to live and work, safest country, best financial system, Canada stands in the top five year after year. No wonder Canada regularly has 3 cities in the top 10 best cities to live worldwide.

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In 1986, Canada was one of the first countries to launch what has become today a global trend: permanent residency by investment. The province of Quebec was able to launch its own Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP) the same year, under an agreement with the federal government which grants the province jurisdiction to select immigrants, while the federal government retains jurisdiction to grant permanent residence in Canada.  Although the federal program closed in 2014, the province of Quebec still continues with its QIIP.

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There are several types of Entrepreneur program. Each have similarities and differences. It's a very dynamic area and each program can close and open frequently. They also change their regulations often, so it's best to get the general information about the investors and see what program is best suited for them, if any. 

 

Here is a general look at the minimum requirement of candidates that could qualify:

• Minimum asset is $600,000 CAD - This includes property, cash in the bank and shares/stocks

• Minimum investment of $200,000 CAD

• Language: All programs require at least 4 in General IELTS. 

Processing time: around 3 years

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The Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP):

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Requirements of the Quebec Investor Immigration Program

To obtain an initial work permit in Quebec (leading to permanent residence), applicants must fulfill both of the following investments:

1. Five-year interest-free investment of CAD 1 million, guaranteed by the Government of Quebec

2. Non-refundable contribution of CAD 200,000 to Investment Québec

Investors are also required to:

• Have at least two years’ management experience, which must be acquired within the five years preceding submission of their application

• Have a net worth of at least CAD 2 million

• Have a qualification equivalent to a secondary school diploma in Quebec

• Be proficient in spoken French (at least level 7)

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The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP):

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For instance, the Manitoba Business Investor Stream wishes to attract qualified international business investors and entrepreneurs. Candidates submit an initial Expression of Interest explaining their background, their abilities and their plans.  There are two options: (1) the Entrepreneur Pathway for people who wish to open a business or invest in an existing business in Manitoba; (2) the Farm Investor Pathway for people interested in operating a farm in rural Manitoba.

In both cases, the investors will sign a Business Performance Agreement stating the conditions they have to meet within the first two years of their arrival in Canada. They will receive a temporary work permit, and once the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement have been met – within 6 to 18 month –, they will be nominated for permanent residence in Canada.

 

Carol Hilling & Julien Tétrault, President, Ex-Board Member AHQ (Quebec Lawyers Abroad), Founder and ex-Section Head of the AHQ-Immigrant Investor Section

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* Manitoba MPNP

                  Young Farmer        farming experience of 3 years

                                                  net worth   $350,000                                                         $ 150,000                            stay on farm

 

                   Entrepreneur        age : no limit                                                        urban area  $ 250,000                   7 days visit  mandatory.  

                                                  experiences of 3 years (owner/manager)         rural area $ 150,000                      english basic(no  IELTS)  

                                                  personal net Worth +$500,000                                                                                   online process 

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The Province of Quebec offers a variety of advantages: great quality of life, quality universal education and health care systems, a vibrant and diversified economy, a mix of cultures where newcomers can feel at home. It also offers an efficient and accessible immigration program for investors that is not affected by the moratorium on the Federal Immigrant Investor Program.

 

On April 1st 2017, new rules were adopted regarding applications for a Quebec Selection Certificate under the Investor Program.  They limit the number of applications to 1900 including 1330 for Chinese applicants.  However, applicants who demonstrate, by means of a test recognized by the Quebec immigration authorities, that they have an advanced intermediate knowledge of French, are not subject to this maximum limit of applications.

 

The intake dates for applications submitted under the Investor Program are assumed to be from May 29th 2017 until maximum quota is met, or February 23rd, 2018 at the latest. Applicants who can demonstrate an advanced intermediate knowledge of French can assume to submit their file anytime until March 31st 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In order to qualify you must:

 

1. Have a minimum net worth of $1,600,000 obtained legally, alone or with your accompanying spouse;

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2. Have at least two (2) years of management experience* in the last 5 years;

Management Experience may have been acquired in a legal farming, commercial or industrial business, or in a legal professional business where the staff, excluding the investor, occupies at least the equivalent of two full-time jobs, or for an international agency or a government or one of its departments or agencies.

 

The Investor must have at least two years of experience within the last five years in duties related to the planning, management and control of financial resources and of human or material resources. The experience does not include experience acquired in the context of an apprenticeship, training or specialization process attested to by a diploma.

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3. Intend to settle in Quebec and sign an agreement to invest $800,000 with a broker or trust company authorized to participate in the Investor Program.

Once selected by the Province of Quebec, you may apply to the federal immigration authorities for a permanent resident visa, which will be issued if you pass a medical exam and criminal background check.

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If you assume being eligible to the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, contact us. 

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                            _____________________________________________________________________________

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Investor programs:

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Immigrant Investor Venture Capital Pilot Program:

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Canada welcomes successful business people and international investors with the skills and abilities needed to contribute to the Canadian economy and integrate into Canadian society. Investors seeking new opportunities and challenges may be eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Pilot Program. This program is designed to encourage and facilitate the admission of such people to Canada.

Who can qualify?

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* Personal net worth

 

Investors must have a personal net worth of CDN $10 million or more. The net worth must have been acquired through lawful, private sector business or investment activities. For example, these could include:

• income or capital gains acquired through the ownership or management of commercial, for-profit entities

• funds acquired through private sector activities, such as public equity investments or private equity placements

Note that personal net worth acquired through inheritance or in the value of applicant’s primary residence does not count, as these are not considered “business or investment activities” for the purpose of this program.

Proof of personal net worth – Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires applicants whose applications can be considered for the second stage review to obtain a due diligence report at their expense from one of the following designated service providers:

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• BDO USA, LLP

• Deloitte Forensic Inc.

• Ernest Young

• KPMG LLP

• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) LLP

• Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Consulting Inc.

 

The due diligence report is an independent examination and validation of the applicant’s past business or investment experience, source of funds and personal net worth.

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* Non-guaranteed investment in a venture capital fund

 

The applicant must be willing and able to make an at-risk investment (non-guaranteed) of CDN $2 million in the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) Fund. The applicant is required to enter into an agreement with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) committing a sum of CDN $2 million to the IIVC Fund for approximately 15 years.

As with any venture capital investment, the applicant could receive proceeds over time or at the end of the investment term. Proceeds will depend on the fund’s performance and will be based on its gains or losses, including expenses and fees incurred to manage it.

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