Can I move from Quebec to another province ?

Are you living in Quebec and thinking about moving to another province? Maybe you're wondering if it's legal, complicated, or even frowned upon? Don't panic! Let's demystify it all together.

First of all, ask yourself this question: What's your status in Quebec? Because your current situation will change everything.

What is your status in Quebec?

You may be :

• Temporary resident (such as a foreign student, a worker with a permit, etc.)
• Applicant for permanent residence via Quebec (with a Certificat de sélection du Québec - CSQ)
• Already a permanent resident
• Or even a Canadian citizen

Why is this important? Because the rules change depending on your status.

Why do you want to move to another province?

It's a simple but essential question. Is :

• Would you like to join some family?
• Are you looking for a better job elsewhere?
• Would you rather live in an English-speaking province?
• Does the cost of living in Quebec seem too high?
• You don't like winter (we get it 😅)?

Whatever your reason, it's your right to move. Canada is a free country. But there are rules to follow, especially if you're still in the immigration process.

What does the law say if Quebec has issued you a CSQ?

Have you earned a CSQ (Certificat de sélection du Québec)? Congratulations, that's a big step! But be careful:

👉 The CSQ is not a visa or a permanent residence card.
It's simply confirmation that Quebec has selected you to immigrate.

And here's the point:

When you receive a CSQ, you commit to settling in Quebec.

So what happens if you change your mind?

Well, you can move to another province... but not without consequences.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may ask you why you're not living up to your commitment. And in some cases, your application for permanent residency may be called into question.

Temporary resident in Quebec and Express Entry

You're in Quebec, but want to use the Express Entry system to settle elsewhere in Canada?

Good news: it's possible!

Even if you currently live in Quebec, you can apply via Express Entry. But you must clearly demonstrate your intention to settle in another province. If you don't? 🚨 You risk refusal.

💡 Tip: In your letter of intent or Express Entry profile, specify your motivation for leaving Quebec (work, language, family...).

Burning questions when considering leaving Quebec

You're probably wondering:

• Is it legal to move to another province if I have a CSQ?
  👉 Yes, but it can affect your immigration process if you don't have your Permanent Residency yet.
• Do I need to notify the authorities?
  👉 Not if you're a permanent resident or citizen. But if you're in the immigration process, it's best to talk it over with a lawyer or immigration consultant.
• Will I lose my benefits?
  👉 It depends. Some assistance is provincial (like RAMQ, Aide financière aux études, etc.), so you'll need to register for programs in your new province.

Language: a determining factor

Quebec is French-speaking. If you prefer to live in an English-speaking environment, it's normal to want to change.

But language can also play a role in your integration. In some provinces, it may be easier to find a job if you speak English well. Conversely, your French will be an asset in bilingual provinces like New Brunswick.

Immigration from outside Quebec and residency in Quebec

There are also cases where people do the opposite: they immigrate via Entrée Express, i.e. to another province... and once they've obtained their PR, they come to live in Quebec.

Is it legal? Yes, but...
Is it ethical? That's up for debate.

In fact, Canada allows interprovincial mobility for all permanent residents. But then again, if you've said you want to settle outside Quebec and you move to Quebec three days after receiving your PR... that can be a problem if it's perceived as fraud.

FAQ: everything you need to know

🔹 Can I leave Quebec as soon as I have my permanent residence?
Yes, once you've obtained your PR, you can live anywhere in Canada. Total freedom, but beware of citizenship later when your original intentions are verified...

🔹 Does my CSQ require me to live in Quebec?
No, but if you leave Quebec before obtaining permanent residency, it can complicate or cancel your application.

🔹 Can I use Express Entry if I'm already in Quebec?
Yes, as long as you can prove your intention to settle elsewhere in Canada.

🔹 Do I have to use Express Entry again if I have a CSQ?
Not necessarily. But if you no longer want to settle in Quebec, Express Entry may be a better option.

What about Canadian citizenship? Can changing provinces hurt?

Great question! You may already be a permanent resident thanks to the CSQ, but you're wondering if leaving Quebec could affect your future application for Canadian citizenship.

Here's the short answer:

👉 No, changing province does not prevent you from obtaining Canadian citizenship.

But... (yes, there's a "but") it depends on when and how you did it and what information the citizenship agent has.

What Canadian law says

Once you become a permanent resident, you have the constitutional right to live anywhere in Canada. Quebec can't force you to stay. It's the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that protects you here.

But be careful: when you apply for citizenship, the federal government looks at a few things:

• Have you really lived in Canada for 3 years (1095 days) in the last 5 years?
• Have you complied with immigration laws and regulations?
• Did you lie or cheat at any point in the process?

And this is where the timing of your move and other information about your move to Canada can have a little impact.

Leaving Quebec immediately after obtaining permanent residency?

It's legal. But if you moved very quickly after being selected by Quebec, and seemed to have no real intention of living there, it may raise suspicions about your initial intention.

And that's important, because :

⚠️ If Immigration Canada believes that you obtained permanent residence on the basis of a false declaration (for example: you never intended to live in Quebec), they may launch an investigation.

In extreme cases, it can even lead to revocation of permanent residency. And without PR, there's no citizenship.

In plain English:

• If you've really lived in Quebec, even for a few months or years, there's nothing to worry about.
• If you move immediately after your PR, be prepared to justify your change of plans (new job offer, family elsewhere, change of situation...).
• If you lie from the start, you're taking a real risk with your citizenship (and PR too).

And once you're a citizen, everything changes

The good news is that once you're a citizen, no one can take that status away from you.

You can live where you want, work where you want, without having to justify your choices to anyone. The Canadian passport is yours for good.

In a nutshell

Yes, you can move from Quebec to another province, even with a CSQ.
However, if you haven't yet obtained permanent residency or ultimate citizenship, this choice may affect your future application. Once you become a permanent resident (watch your timing!) or a Canadian citizen, you're free to live wherever you want in Canada.

Conclusion: to sum up?

Changing province is an important decision. You have every right to do so, but you have to play by the rules, especially if you're in the middle of the immigration process.

Before you pack your bags, make sure you :

• Understanding your status
• Assessing the legal impact
• Prepare a clear justification
• And consult a professional if necessary

Need a little help with your letter of intent or your Entrée Express profile? We're here to help! 💬