Business Immigration to the Province of Quebec

1. Business Immigration for Investors - Investor Quebec. Previously, this type of immigration did not require demonstrating language proficiency, but from January 1, 2024, not only has it become mandatory, but also a level 7 (B2) is requested. Other requirements and changes include: mandatory residence in Quebec for at least 12 months before receiving the selection certificate, cancellation of the point-based selection system for investors (now the main focus is money and French), investing one million dollars for 5 years plus an additional "non-refundable" investment of 200,000 dollars (previously it was 1.2M in investments without the "gift" part). 

2. Entrepreneurs (starting your own business in Quebec or buying an existing one) - Entrepreneur Quebec. The same approach applies - French at level 7 is mandatory (previously, language was not required). It will be allowed to open your business project before applying for the selection certificate. The point-based selection system for this group of immigrants is canceled, and the requirement for the amount of finances to be demonstrated is reduced (now you need to show 600,000, previously it was necessary to show 900,000 dollars). 

3. Self-Employed Entrepreneurs (doctors, engineers, electricians, plumbers, estimators, and many others) - Self-employed worker Quebec. The same requirement - French at level 7 (B2). The point-based selection system is canceled, but a requirement is introduced to obtain a license for entrepreneurial activity before applying for the selection certificate. It will also start to require a minimum of 2 years of work experience in the last 5 years in their self-employed field. For this immigration category, it is necessary to demonstrate having 100,000 dollars, as well as the ability to make a deposit of up to 50,000 dollars. 

As we can see, if previously the business immigration program was considered by entrepreneurs from all over the world as one of the options to obtain PR without knowing the French language, now they are also required to know French. What this will lead to and whether it is the right decision - we will see in the future, but one thing can be noted now: be prepared for an influx of entrepreneurs from French-speaking Africa (Maghreb countries) and French-speaking countries of Europe.