Quebec Self-Employed

The Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program enables qualified individuals the opportunity to establish themselves as permanent residents so that they can effectively establish themselves as an independent traders or professional in the province.

Note: The Quebec government reached the intake quota assigned for the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program in December 2018. However, candidates with approved and recognized language test results having an intermediate-advanced proficiency in Speaking and Reading in French can still apply and have until October 31, 2019, to do so.

The Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program

Quebec is all open for self-employed foreign nationals who are interested in immigrating Quebec to work as an independent trader or professional. Besides meeting the minimum requirements for the program, the Government of Quebec says the self-employed worker must accept the following conditions:

  ● Select the means and method of performing the work;

  ● Organize the work;

  ● Deliver the tools and equipment for the work;

  ● Perform most of the specialized duties; and

  ● Support the loss risks resulting from the work after collection of the profits.

 Requirement for the Quebec Self-Employed Work Program

Foreign citizens who wish to apply for permanent residence in Québec through the Self-Employed Worker Program must be at least 18 years old, as stated by the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Diversité et de 

l’Inclusion (MIDI), the province’s Immigration Minister

In order to be eligible for selection, self-employed Montréal residents must open an account with a specific Montreal bank and put $50,000 or more. Applicants located in areas other than Montréal are required to put up a minimum of $25,000.

If you’re applying to the Québec Self-Employed Program, you need to get at least the minimum number required by the economic class selection matrix for Quebec. Candidates are awarded up to 99 points for factors including education level, experience, language proficiency in French and English, stay duration and family in Quebec, age, financial sufficiency, amount of deposit, and financial resources. Candidates can score up to 112 points if accompanied by a spouse or common-law partner. 

Applicants for the Québec Self-Employed Worker programme are required to provide proof of their own desire to settle permanently in Quebec. As part of the hiring process, a screening session may be scheduled with a self-employed applicant in Québec.

● All participants must meet the following prerequisites to participate in the programme:

Take into account Suggested minimums

Level of Education: Diploma from a Senior Institution

Background working in a self-employed capacity

Have worked for at least two years in the job or craft they plan to pursue once they settle in Québec.

Economic independence

Do your best to demonstrate your financial independence by submitting a contract.

Funding to launch

If you’re in the Montréal region, open a business bank account and put at least $50,000 to get things rolling. Anyone applying from outside of Montréal will need to put down $25,000 to secure their spot.

Bare-bones minimum wealth

Be lawfully able to demonstrate a minimum of C$100,000 in net wealth, either individually or jointly with a husband or common-law partner.