The Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program provides an immigration pathway for self-employed individuals with relevant work experience and the intent to create their own job in Quebec. Successful applicants can obtain a certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), which makes them eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Requirements for the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program

To be eligible for the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Create Their Own Job:

• Applicants must intend to settle in Quebec to create their own job by practicing a profession or trade on their own account.

2. Net Assets:

• Applicants must have legally obtained net assets of at least CAD $100,000, which can include the assets of their accompanying spouse or common-law partner.

3. Work Experience:

• Applicants must have at least two years of experience as a self-employed worker in the profession or trade they plan to practice in Quebec.

4. Points Assessment Grid:

• Applicants must meet the minimum required points on the Quebec Self-Employed Worker Points Assessment Grid, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria.

Points Assessment Grid

The points assessment grid evaluates various factors to determine eligibility:

1. Education (Maximum 14 points):

• Secondary school general diploma: 2 points
• Postsecondary school technical diploma attesting to 1–2 years of full-time studies: 6 points
• Postsecondary school technical diploma attesting to 3 years of full-time studies: 8 points
• Undergraduate diploma attesting to 1 or more years of full-time studies: 10 points
• Master’s degree or equivalent: 12 points
• Doctorate: 14 points

2. Work Experience (Maximum 6 points):

• Less than 2 years: 0 points
• 2 to 3 years: 4 points
• 4 to 5 years: 6 points

3. Age (Maximum 10 points):

• 18 to 35 years: 10 points
• 36 years: 9 points
• 37 years: 8 points
• 38 years: 7 points
• 39 years: 6 points
• 40 years: 5 points
• 41 years: 4 points
• 42 years: 3 points
• 43 years: 2 points
• 44 years: 1 point
• 45 years and older: 0 points

4. Language Proficiency (Maximum 22 points):

• French: Up to 16 points for listening and speaking proficiency.
• English: Up to 6 points for listening and speaking proficiency.

5. Stay and Family in Quebec (Maximum 8 points):

• Previous stays in Quebec: Up to 5 points
• Family in Quebec: Up to 3 points

6. Spouse/Common-Law Partner Characteristics (Maximum 17 points):

• Education and training: Up to 4 points
• Work experience: Up to 4 points
• Age: Up to 3 points
• Language proficiency: Up to 6 points

7. Financial Self-Sufficiency (1 point):

• Proof of financial self-sufficiency: 1 point

8. Children (Maximum 8 points):

• Each child under 12 years of age: 4 points
• Each child between 13 and 21 years of age: 2 points

Application Process

1. Submit Application for CSQ:

• Complete the required forms and gather all necessary documents.
• Submit the application to the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).

2. Obtain CSQ:

• If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a CSQ, allowing them to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

3. Apply for Permanent Residence:

• Submit a permanent residence application to the federal government along with the CSQ.

Additional Considerations

Applications will also consider other factors such as visits to Quebec and training background. The applicant must demonstrate the ability to become successfully self-employed in their intended profession or trade in Quebec.