QUEBEC CITY, Dec. 21, 2022 – After the Premier of Quebec’s inaugural speech and with the will to act to curb the decline of French in Quebec, the Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration , Ms. Christine Fréchette, makes a first step to strengthen the permanent immigration of Francophones to Quebec.
As of December 28, 2022, the receipt of applications for non-French-speaking candidates is suspended in Component 1 of the Entrepreneur Program (component for support for a business accelerator, a business incubator or a university entrepreneurship center) and in the Self-Employed Worker Program. In addition, candidates declaring a level of 7 or more in speaking on the Quebec scale of French proficiency levels for adult immigrants will be able to submit an application. No cap will be imposed on these applications. As for Component 2 of the Entrepreneur Program (creation or operation of a business), the receipt of applications remains suspended.
This decision will make it possible to begin a review of programs aimed at promoting the attraction of entrepreneurs and self-employed Francophone workers whose profile and business projects better meet Quebec’s economic needs.
“ We are making every effort to promote economic and Francophone immigration. This is why only people who are fluent in French will be able to submit their application in 2023 for these two specific programs for entrepreneurs and self-employed workers. Thanks to this decision, we are acting for the sustainability and vitality of the French language while promoting the successful integration of immigrants into Quebec society. »
Christine Fréchette, Minister of Immigration, Francisation and Integration
This announcement stems from the Minister’s decisions by ministerial order that will be published in the Gazette officielle du Québec on December 28, 2022.
To know more about the program, you can refer to the government of Quebec website here.
Bakouni 