I have completed my landing (FSW, not PNP) and obtained my SIN in Ontario more than a year ago. After staying in Canada for more than two months, I left. Since then, I am living outside of Canada and requesting my personal network for job opportunities/referrals anywhere in Canada (other than Quebec). Now a Quebec based employer is offering me a job. If I accept this job, relocate to Quebec, and complete my settlement (first driver’s license and health card), would it potentially cause a problem during/after my citizenship application three years down the line?
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While residency requirements apply across Canada, Quebec has its own immigration system for selecting newcomers. However, your permanent resident status issued by the federal government remains valid throughout Canada, including Quebec.
To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you generally need to have been a permanent resident of Canada for at least 3 out of the 5 years (1,095 days) before you apply. While your previous stay in Ontario counts, leaving Canada for an extended period might raise questions about your intention to reside in Canada.
When subsequently seeking for Canadian citizenship, accepting a job offer in Quebec after becoming a permanent resident in Ontario through Express Entry shouldn’t present any major challenges. According to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you have the freedom to live and work anywhere in Canada, including Quebec, once you’ve arrived. Filing taxes in Quebec is common if, after landing, you make sincere efforts to establish in Ontario. Getting a verified employment offer can also make the Quebec immigration process go more smoothly.