Is it possible to get PR/citizenship through Quebec immigration programs without physically being in Quebec?

Quebec immigration programs are designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors to the province. Part of the agreement, however, is often that the nominated individuals must live and work in Quebec. But what if you cannot or do not want to live there? Here, we'll explore the possibility of obtaining permanent residency (PR) and citizenship through Quebec immigration programs without residing in the province.

Living in Quebec is Not a Must

Therefore, it is entirely possible to obtain PR through Quebec without having to physically relocate to the province. The process typically involves two main steps:

Applying for a settler visa Obtaining permanent residency status

Once you obtain permanent residency, you can visit Quebec anytime you like and still consider yourself a resident of the country.

Permanent Residency vs. Citizen Residency

While permanent residency offers numerous benefits, it's not without its requirements. For instance, most programs require you to reside in the designated country for at least half a year every year and maintain a physical address, file tax returns, etc. This can be a deal-breaker for those who prefer to stay in their current country of residence.

Alternatives to Quebec for PR/Citizenship

One interesting example is the Global Investor Programme (GIP) in Singapore, which allows successful entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency without having to live in the country.

Global Investor Programme (GIP) in Singapore

The Global Investor Programme, organized by the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Singapore, aims to attract foreign entrepreneurs by providing permanent residency and citizenship. Here are the key requirements:

The applicant must own at least 30% of the shares within a company The annual turnover of the business must be at least S$50 million, audited over the most recent three years The nature of the business must be in one of the recognized industries listed by EDB The applicant has two options to invest S$2.5 million to secure PR status The applicant must pay an application fee of S$7,000 to the EDB and S$100 per applicant to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) The application process can take between 6 to 9 months after an in-principal approval (IPA) Upon completing the formalities within six months, the applicant and their family will gain PR status, renewable after five years The applicant can apply for citizenship and a Singapore passport after two years of residency, but must renounce their existing citizenship (with exceptions for certain nationalities like Argentina and Cuba)

For more detailed information or assistance with Singapore immigration matters, you can visit the official website or contact the authorities directly.

Conclusion

Quebec immigration programs traditionally require physical residency, but it is indeed possible to obtain PR through alternative programs that do not require living in the specified province. The Global Investor Programme in Singapore is a prime example where successful entrepreneurs can secure PR without having to live in the country.

If you are considering immigration and have questions about the process, feel free to reach out for more information.