How Much Would It Cost to Move to Canada?

Moving to Canada involves various financial considerations. The overall cost fluctuates significantly, influenced by individual circumstances, chosen destination city, and personal lifestyle preferences. Understanding these potential expenses is a foundational step for anyone contemplating international relocation. This overview provides insight into the financial aspects, helping prospective newcomers prepare for the monetary commitments of establishing a new life in Canada.

Immigration Application Fees

The initial financial outlays for moving to Canada typically involve various immigration application fees. These mandatory costs cover the processing of applications for permanent residency, biometrics collection, and other required assessments. The fees are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and can vary based on the type of application and the number of family members included.

For most permanent residence applications, the processing fee for a principal applicant is CAD $950. If a spouse or common-law partner is included in the application, an additional CAD $950 is required for their processing. For each dependent child, the processing fee is CAD $260. These fees are distinct from the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), which is a separate charge.

The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is CAD $575 per adult applicant, including the principal applicant and any accompanying spouse or common-law partner. This fee must be paid before permanent resident status is granted, though it can be paid concurrently with the application processing fees to avoid delays. Dependent children are exempt from the RPRF.

Most applicants are also required to provide biometrics, which include fingerprints and a photograph, to confirm their identity. The biometrics fee is CAD $85 for an individual applicant. For families applying together, a maximum fee of CAD $170 applies for two or more eligible people, such as a spouse or common-law partner and dependent children.

A mandatory medical examination is another cost incurred by most permanent residence applicants. These exams must be conducted by IRCC-approved panel physicians, with costs typically ranging from CAD $140 to CAD $280 per person.

Language proficiency tests are often a prerequisite for immigration programs like Express Entry, to demonstrate English or French language skills. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training test, commonly accepted for immigration, can cost around CAD $317 to CAD $350. The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test, another IRCC-approved option, costs approximately CAD $290 plus tax.

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is frequently required to verify that foreign degrees, diplomas, or certificates are equivalent to Canadian ones. Organizations like World Education Services (WES) provide ECAs, with fees for a report typically around CAD $240, plus delivery fees and applicable taxes. Other designated organizations may charge approximately CAD $210 per credential.

Moving and Travel Costs

Physically relocating to Canada involves several significant costs beyond the immigration application process. The expenses for moving household goods and travel for all family members can vary substantially based on the volume of belongings, the distance of the move, and preferred modes of transport. Planning these aspects carefully can help manage the overall financial impact of the transition.

Shipping household goods from the United States to Canada can be a major expense. For larger moves, a 20-foot shipping container typically costs between CAD $2,200 and CAD $4,200, while a 40-foot container can range from CAD $3,700 to CAD $6,500. Costs depend on origin, destination, weight, and volume. Less-than-container load (LCL) options are available for smaller volumes, starting around CAD $385.

Air cargo offers a faster, but generally more expensive, alternative for shipping belongings. Costs for air freight can range from approximately CAD $1,235 to CAD $1,327 for a 200 kg/1 cubic meter shipment. Sea freight is often more cost-effective for larger volumes. Customs duties and taxes may apply to items that have not been used.

Airline tickets for all family members are another considerable travel cost. Average flight prices from the United States to Canada can range from CAD $243 to CAD $396 for a round trip. One-way flights can be found for as low as CAD $46 to CAD $79, depending on the departure city and destination.

Upon arrival, temporary accommodation expenses are almost always necessary before securing long-term housing. Options range from hotels and Airbnbs, costing between CAD $50 and CAD $250 per night, to hostels or rented rooms averaging around CAD $500 per month. Short-term rentals for a house or apartment might cost between CAD $1,000 and CAD $1,500 per month, depending on the city.

Initial Setup Expenses

Upon arrival in Canada, several immediate financial outlays are necessary to establish a new living situation before regular income streams are fully in place. These initial setup expenses cover essential needs and services for the first few weeks or months. Understanding these upfront costs is important for financial planning.

A significant initial expense is the rent deposit for a new apartment or house. In many provinces, landlords commonly require first and last month’s rent upfront. Other provinces may allow security deposits, often capped at one month’s rent.

Connecting utilities also incurs initial costs. For internet service, monthly plans typically range from CAD $65 to CAD $95. For electricity, the average residential cost is approximately CAD $174 per month, though this varies significantly by province.

Natural gas service may involve a one-time account initiation fee. Water costs average around CAD $53 per month across Canada, but can reach over CAD $90 in some areas.

Acquiring essential household items and basic furniture is another upfront cost if not all belongings are shipped. Furnishing a basic living space can involve costs such as approximately CAD $600 for a bed and mattress, CAD $600 for a dining table, and CAD $600 to CAD $700 for a couch.

Initial grocery shopping for the first few weeks is also a necessity. A single person might budget around CAD $200 to CAD $400 for groceries per month. For a family of four, this could range from CAD $500 to CAD $700 monthly.

Local transportation costs will be incurred immediately upon arrival. Monthly public transit passes typically range from CAD $86 to CAD $118 for adults, depending on the city. Setting up a Canadian mobile phone plan is also important; basic plans generally start from CAD $30 to CAD $65 per month.