As a permanent resident of Canada, you have the right to live and work anywhere in the country. However, if you obtained your permanent residency through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), it's important to understand the expectations and potential implications of moving to a different province.

Intent to Reside in the Nominating Province

When applying through a PNP, you declare your intention to reside in the province or territory that nominated you. This commitment is a fundamental aspect of the nomination process, as provinces select candidates to meet their specific economic and demographic needs. While the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees mobility rights to permanent residents, including the right to move to and take up residence in any province, relocating shortly after obtaining permanent residency might raise questions about whether you fulfilled your initial intent to reside in the nominating province.

Potential Implications of Moving

If you decide to move to another province soon after becoming a permanent resident, immigration authorities may assess whether there was a genuine intention to reside in the nominating province at the time of your application. A perceived lack of commitment could lead to complications, such as questions about the legitimacy of your application or potential issues in future immigration processes, including citizenship applications.

Recommendations

·     Fulfil Initial Residency Intent: It's advisable to reside in the nominating province for a reasonable period to demonstrate your commitment and fulfil the purpose of the nomination.

·       Document Your Intent: Maintain records that reflect your genuine efforts to settle in the nominating province, such as employment searches, housing arrangements, and community involvement.

·       Seek Professional Advice: Before making decisions about relocating to another province, consider consulting with an immigration professional to understand the potential consequences and ensure compliance with immigration policies.

In summary, while you have the legal right to move anywhere in Canada as a permanent resident, honouring the commitment made through the PNP by residing in the nominating province for a reasonable time is crucial to avoid potential complications.

Source: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1113&top=6

Note: None of the above statements are legal advice and are not meant to be the same for everyone. You must check the latest policy from the IRCC website before applying. Although everything is clearly stated on the official website, you can seek legal advice if you don't understand something.

Contact Paragi Shah – Your Trusted Licensed Immigration Consultant

Paragi Shah is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB) and the CEO of Apaar Immigration Services Inc. She is a Licensee in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). She is also a university professor and believes in providing ethical, reliable, and trusted services to meet your immigration and citizenship goals.

Call/WhatsApp: +1 (306) 250 9078

Email: [email protected]