Leaving the country owing money?

StevenB12

Hey guys, 

Asking on behalf of a family member as unsure what to do. 

So one of my cousins may be in a sticky situation. He has recently moved to Canada on working visa for 3 years I believe..but strong chance he will remain on permanent residency. He paid off most of his debt here to the tune of about £12000 from personal loans but has about £10000 on a credit card outstanding.., he was apparently going to still use this credit card in Canada, keep his UK bank account open, and pay the balance as usual. He now hasn't paid for four months as he has no intention of returning to the UK so has closed his bank account down etc.

I've told him that it's unlikely they would chase him for that amount, but that if he was to return here for a holiday as an example that he may be caught out somewhere.

Is it likely they could sell his debt on if they found out where he was now living in Canada? 

Thank you! 

sammyjammy

He isn't going to get stopped at the border or anything but given the country he is living in and the ties between Canada and the UK I imagine they will find him and continue to chase.  

Plans of I'll never live here again are often made, sady life happens and things change.

Nothing will happen that wouldn't have happened at home which is not much, CCJ maybe but if that doesn't bother him then its his choice.

StevenB12

sammyjammy said:

He isn't going to get stopped at the border or anything but given the country he is living in and the ties between Canada and the UK I imagine they will find him and continue to chase.  

Plans of I'll never live here again are often made, sady life happens and things change.

Nothing will happen that wouldn't have happened at home which is not much, CCJ maybe but if that doesn't bother him then its his choice.

Thanks, 

I think he is of the opinion if he ever does come back or it catches up then its not a huge amount that is life changing, not sure on his logic to be honest, but I'm assuming that's it. 

Brie

I would be less concerned about being chased for a debt then whether that debt might interfere with applying for permanent residency status or to become a citizen.  Checking gov.ca there's nothing that mentions debt but there is a mention of fraud (link below).  I've no idea if anyone looking at applications for any naturalisation process would run a credit check but presumably that would be the easiest way for anyone to check on this information.

The other concern might be whether any current or future employer would be concerned about debt in the UK.  Again, possibly not but they might also think it says something about the individual's character so the employer(s) or immigration officials might wonder about the individual's suitability to be employed or remain in the country.

Situations that may prevent you from becoming a Canadian citizen - Canada.ca