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*IMPORTANT: Following a decision by the government of Quebec, the self-employed worker program is temporarily closed for an unknown period of time.

In order to be eligible under the Quebec Self-Employed program, the applicant must first meet the following requirements:

  • The applicant must have the intention to reside in Quebec and create their own employment by practicing their profession or trade on their own account;
  • The applicant must have legally obtained net assets of at least $100,000 CAD. This amount may be obtained by including the net assets of the applicant’s spouse, so long as the spouse will be accompanying the applicant.
  • The applicant must have at least two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the profession or trade that he or she will be practicing in Quebec.

Point Requirements

Applicant must also meet certain number of points based on a number of factors similar to the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.  The number of points required depends on the circumstances of the applicant and the stage of their applicant (preliminary evaluation stage vs. selection stage. Unmarried applicants must achieved a score of at least 44 points out of 81 points at the selection stage whereas an applicant who is married must at least achieve a score of 51 points at the selection stage. Note that the points required are lower at the preliminary evaluation stage (unmarried applicants must score 38/75 while married applicants must score 44/81). Factors that will be taken into consideration during the assessment of the application include, but are not limited to:

  • The age of the applicant and the applicant’s spouse, where applicable.
  • The nature and duration of professional training, for both the applicant and the applicant’s spouse.
  • The applicant’s knowledge of French and English.
  • The applicant’s personal qualities and knowledge of Quebec

Regulated trades and professions

If the applicant practices in a regulated profession or trade in a self-employed capacity, then the applicant must ensure that they are also legally permitted to practice in Quebec by verifying with the appropriate regulatory bodies in Quebec. It is necessary that the applicant meets the full licensing requirements necessary to practice in Quebec. This Quebec immigration program is similar to the Federal Self-Employed Immigration program, except that the Quebec program allows for a broader number of occupations to apply. The Federal program limits application to those who have experience in cultural, athletic or farming.

Preliminary Evaluation Stage vs. Selection Stage

There will be a preliminary evaluation by the Québec government or the immigration office in the country of the applicant to verify whether all the supporting documents of the applicant have been submitted. This ensures that the application is complete and that he or she meets the criteria for the desired program. Once successfully completing the preliminary evaluation stage, the applicant must move on to the selection stage which is the application process for the Quebec Selection Certificate (QSC) and their Canadian permanent resident visa.

Two-Step Selection Stage Process

Like all other Quebec immigration categories, applicants must go through a two step process. First, the applicant must apply to the Quebec provincial government for the Quebec Selection Certificate. Second, once having received the QSC, the applicant must then apply to the federal government for a review of the applicant’s admissibility and for their permanent residency visa. It necessary to complete both steps in the order described.

If you have questions about the Self-Employed Persons Program, contact our Canadian immigration law firm to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.