Can you start application from India but move to Canada while PR is being processed?

[CaesarReborn]

Hi Guys,

If a person who is in Canada (in Quebec) on a visitor visa decides to go back to their country of origin and apply for a PR (Express Entry) from there, would there be any issues?

I am asking this because if one submits an application from Quebec, then he/she is not be considered for Express Entry as Quebec selects its own applicants.

And while I think that it should be possible to submit an application like that, I am not sure how long is the person required to stay in their country of origin in this situation. If this person gets an ITA and leaves after submitting the necessary documents, then could there be any issues because while the application would be submitted from outside Canada, the person would be living in Quebec while it would be processed.

Thanks.

 

[schilz]

There are some misunderstandings:
For practical purposes, it doesn't matter if *today* you are in Quebec. You are going back to your home country in the near future and applying from there, your residential address would be in your home country at the time of applying.

You are not considered for Express Entry if you intend to settle in Quebec, but you say you would apply *from* Quebec. This is contradictory with your statement where you said you'd go back to your home country and apply from there.
You can live in Quebec and apply for Express Entry given that you intend to reside *outside* of Quebec, it would be hard to prove and if the officer determines you have strong ties to Quebec and intend to settle there: it might be denied.

About re-entering Canada while your application is in progress: Do you have another reason (and authorization) to enter Canada?
I'm thinking as a worker or student. If so, as long as you are honest about your intent when you try to enter Canada you should be fine.
If you don't, and intend to use your visitor visa to enter and settle while your application is in progress you'll be denied and may even put at risk your PR application.

 

[CaesarReborn]

You are not considered for Express Entry if you intend to settle in Quebec, but you say you would apply *from* Quebec. This is contradictory with your statement where you said you'd go back to your home country and apply from there.

Thanks for your response. Let me clarify as I think there are a few misunderstandings. What I mean is:
1.) I go to India and create an Express Entry Profile from there, so I will be putting down my address as the Indian address at the time of profile creation.
2.) Now lets say I get a job in Quebec and I come back here. After I come back, I get the ITA.
3.) Now when I submit all my documents (e.g. Bank Statements from a bank in Quebec or other things that prove some ties to Quebec), could that result in any objections?

I can do this as I have a PGWP that allows me to enter Canada while my application is being processed. Right now I just completed my studies (from QC) and am undecided where in Canada I am going to get/would want to have a job. Since I have my IELTS score and everything else ready, I do not want to wait to first get a job outside QC or delay any plans of going back home for some time and want to apply for Express Entry rightaway.

 

[schilz]

Ah! this clarifies a lot, thanks.
The fact that you would be in Quebec and working with your PGWP shouldn't be an issue. No concern there.
If you relocate to Canada you'd need to update your address, to the one in Canada, not a problem either.

You'll be asked to provide a letter of intent, where you should explain that you intend to settle into a province that is not Quebec and convince the visa officer.

As you can see, being in QC is not a disqualifier by itself but the responsibility is on you to prove your intent in your application.