Admissibility criteria for the Quebec Entrepreneur Program - Stream 1 (Innovative Business)

1. Innovative business project and support from a designated organization

• The applicant must submit an innovative business project supported by an organization designated by the Ministère (incubator, accelerator, or technology transfer centre).

• A formal service offer from the organization, outlining the support provided (mentoring, training, funding assistance), must be included in the application.

2. Entrepreneurial and management experience

• The applicant must demonstrate entrepreneurial or relevant management experience, proving the ability to lead an innovative project and manage resources effectively.

3. Financial capacity

• While there is no fixed net worth threshold, the applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to:

  • Carry out the business project, and

  • Cover personal and family settlement costs in Québec.

• Proof of the lawful origin and accumulation of funds is required.

4. Education requirement

• The applicant must hold a diploma equivalent to a Québec secondary school diploma, obtained prior to application.

5. French language proficiency

• Applicants must demonstrate oral French skills equivalent to Level 7 of the Québec scale.

• Accepted proof includes recognized test results (TEF, TEFAQ, TCF, DELF, DALF) or certain secondary diplomas (French Baccalaureate, Belgian CESS, Swiss Maturity Certificate).

• Test results must be dated within two years of application.

6. Québec values attestation

• The applicant, spouse (16+), and dependent children (18+) must obtain the Québec values attestation within 60 days of file opening.

7. Establishment and active management in Québec

• The applicant must commit to reside in Québec and actively manage the innovative business supported by the designated organization.

8. Notice of intention to select

• If the conditions are met, the applicant receives a Notice of Intention to Select, enabling an application for a federal work permit.