Freedom of Movement?
 

Hello,

Absolutely piles of information here that I've been chewing through over the past couple of days. For a while now myself and my partner have been considering leaving Blighty as we're quite bored by the same old scenery. Canada looks like a great place for outgoing sporty types like ourselves and their are certain cities that attract us more than others.

As far as skilled worker status goes I think we're covered as we've both got diverse backgrounds in Hospitality covering almost all aspects of the industry and most crucially at managerial level in most recent years. I have been digging around and looking at costings and stuff and it appears to me (probably got this totally wrong and am prepared to be shot down in flames) that immigration into Quebec would be the cheapest entry option for us. Going off the Quebec immigration website the costings look considerably cheaper and even the amount of money they wish you to have for the initial three month period seems substantially lower than the main Canadian Skilled Worker program and other Provincial Nominee schemes.

My partner is just concerned that we would then be "locked" into the Quebec for a long period as that is where we applied for entry through. When we were weighing up our cities we had them with Vancouver first, Toronto second and Montreal third so it wouldn't be a total heartbreak to get cracking in Montreal.

Can anybody shed any light on this? I know this seems like an epic post for a new user but any response is gratefully received.

Cheers.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

I'm gobsmacked that anyone can be bored by the glorious English scenery.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

Do you speak fluent French? If not, forget Quebec as a migration option.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

Scenery was not meant to be taken so literally in this context.

Sorry, should've put that down really. Yes.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

That will help.

I think the freedom of movement issue has been discussed on here before.

I don't remember the details. Freedom of movement is enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. There may be some initial limitations placed on immigrants. Someone on here will know, for sure.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

Someone posted recently that you have to make Quebec your first place to try to settle and then can move after that. I don't know if a time scale is specified.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

Surely it's a negligible amount when it comes to emigration? I would have thought it's better to choose somewhere that is right for you, makes sense occupations wise etc, rather than saving a few hundred dollars. The whole thing's going to cost you thousands (if not tens of thousands) anyway!

If you genuinely want to move to Quebec then fair enough, but you would be expected to settle there so need to make sure it's right for you.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

Have to agree with 'Oompa on this one.

It doesn't make a lot of sense to move to a city you plan to move out of cos that's 2 lots of setting up, not to mention moving expenses etc. I doubt you'd end up saving money in the long run.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

Also, wouldn't you need an address in Quebec for your PR card, etc?

Sounds like a whole load of hassle to save a few $'s.

It never ceases to amaze me at the lengths people will go to save a penny.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

Well thanks for the input so far which has been very informative.

As I suggested Montreal was on our shortlist anyway so it makes sense to consider this route. I will be posting elsewhere about the fee schedule for applications which I find a bit confusing to say the least. If the incredulity of some of the posters here is anything to go by then I have got the fees payable totally arse about face.

Thanks again.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

Maybe this will help,

Fees calculator: https://services3.cic.gc.ca/efee/efee.do?lang=en

Minimum funds (Quebec): http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.q...ml#sufficiency

Minimum funds (The Rest of Canada): http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigra...lled/funds.asp

Note that the Quebec funds are to last 3 months only.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

The reality is that as long as you try and settle in PQ and come in good faith then you meet the terms of your agreement.

The other reality is that after 3 years as a PR you can apply to be a citizen, and at that point all bets regarding staying in one location are effectively off as the charter of rights guarantees freedom of movement, so really there is little point making anyone stay in quebec agaisnt their will.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

From what I can make out, on closer reading, Section 6 of the Charter (in-country mobility rights) also covers PRs.

I came to Quebec from Ontario while still a PR without any problems.

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

OK:thumbup:. Did you come on a Quebec selection ticket? Didnt realise...

Re: Freedom of Movement?
 

I came in a Pontiac Sunfire. We just upped sticks and moved.