Canada is well regarded worldwide for its access to healthcare, public education system, and good quality of life. However, the cost of moving to Canada can vary greatly depending on your immigration route.
Applying for a study permit, business immigration, family sponsorship, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or the Express Entry system involves costs!
Relocating to Canada is a major life decision that should be handled with proper planning. This guide summarizes the costs of each immigration route to Canada and other charges you should consider. Â
So, prepare to embark on an exciting journey towards your new life in Canada, and let us guide you through the financial steps to make your dream a reality.
Costs of Common Immigration Paths to Canada
When making plans to immigrate to Canada, it’s essential to remember that the expenses related to each immigration route can differ significantly.
Selecting the course that best fits your circumstances and financial constraints is crucial because every program has different requirements and fee structures.
Below is an outline of the most popular immigration routes and their approximate costs. We advise you to review the comprehensive guides carefully to understand each course’s precise expenses.
1. Express Entry
The Express Entry system is one of the most popular ways to immigrate to Canada. It is designed for skilled workers who wish to become permanent residents.
The system includes three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Furthermore, the main costs associated with Express Entry include application fees, language test fees, and educational credential assessments.
The application fee for a single applicant is approximately $1,325, including the processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee. Additional costs include language tests (about $300) and educational credential assessments (around $200).
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province. Each province has its specific streams and criteria.
The costs for the PNP vary by province. Generally, applicants can expect to pay a nomination fee ranging from $250 to $1,500, depending on the province. Additional costs include language tests, educational credential assessments, and federal application fees like those for Express Entry.
3. Family Sponsorship
Family Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their relatives to come to Canada as permanent residents. This program aims to reunite families by allowing close relatives to live, work, and study in Canada.
The main costs for Family Sponsorship include the sponsorship fee and the application fee. The total fee for sponsoring a spouse, partner, or child is approximately $1,050. Additional costs may include biometrics fees ($85 per person) and medical exams.
4. Business Immigration
Business Immigration programs are designed for individuals who can invest in or start businesses in Canada, contributing to the economy and creating jobs. This category includes programs like the Start-up Visa Program and the Self-employed Persons Program.
The costs associated with Business Immigration can be substantial, including investment requirements and application fees. For example, the Start-up Visa Program requires a minimum investment of $200,000 from a designated Canadian venture capital fund, and application fees are approximately $1,575.
5. Study in Canada
Obtaining a study permit allows international students to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. This path can also lead to permanent residency through various programs available to graduates.
The main costs of studying in Canada include tuition fees, which range from $7,000 to $29,000 per year, depending on the institution and program. Additional costs include the study permit application fee ($150), biometrics fees, and living expenses.
6. Temporary Worker in Canada
The Temporary Worker program allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific employer and period. This program is beneficial for those looking to gain Canadian work experience.
A temporary work permit costs include the application fee ($155) and biometrics fees. Employers may also be required to pay additional fees, such as the employer compliance fee ($230).
Other Costs that are Related to Immigration
Passport Updates
One of the side costs you need to consider when immigrating to Canada is ensuring that your passport is valid for at least the duration of your study or work permit. Otherwise, your application could be denied.
Depending on your country of origin, updating or renewing your passport can vary in cost and time. On average, passport renewal fees range from $50 to $200.Â
Flying Tickets
The cost of flying to Canada can vary significantly depending on your departure location, the time of year, and the airline. On average, one-way tickets to Canada can range from $500 to $2,000.
Booking your flight well in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you find the best deals. Consider additional baggage fees if you bring more than the standard allowance.
International Insurance
International health insurance is essential when immigrating to Canada. It covers medical emergencies and health care needs until you become eligible for a provincial health care plan.
Students are also required to have international insurance and work permits. International insurance costs vary based on age, health condition, and coverage plan, typically ranging from $50 to $200 monthly.
Ensuring you have comprehensive coverage can save you from unexpected medical expenses.
Living Costs
The cost of living in Canada varies greatly depending on the city and province in which you choose to settle. We’ve compiled a breakdown of some typical living expenses:
- Housing:Â The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $1,200 in smaller cities to $2,500 in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
- Utilities:Â Monthly utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) can cost around $150 to $200.
- Groceries:Â On average, a single person may spend about $300 to $500 monthly on groceries.
- Transportation:Â Public transportation costs can range from $100 to $180 per month, depending on the city. Consider additional insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs if you plan to drive.
What are the Steps to Relocate to Canada?
- Check if you qualify for any of the current immigration programs based on your specific background. If you don’t qualify, the next step is to look for a job in Canada. You can secure employment with a Canadian company or transfer to a Canadian branch of your existing company.
- Ensure you are not inadmissible to Canada. This could be for several reasons, including a previous arrest or conviction or an existing medical condition.
- If you qualify for a current permanent immigration program, the next step is typically to do an English or French language test. Family class applicants do not need to take a language test.
- Suppose you’re applying through Express Entry (including CEC and FSW) or another program that requires proof of education. In that case, you must have your foreign educational credentials assessed by one of Canada’s approved credential-assessing bodies. They will verify whether your credentials are equivalent to a Canadian credential.
- Ensure you have a valid passport.
- Suppose you are applying as a Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Tradesperson, or a member of the Canadian Experience Class. In that case, you will enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. You must check the application process if you are applying through a different program.
- Express Entry applicants will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System Score (CRS score), which the government will use to select individuals from the Express Entry pool of candidates for permanent residence.
- If your CRS score is high enough for Express Entry applicants, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in an Express Entry draw. In this case, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence.
- Wait for your PR application to be processed. IRCC strives to process 80 percent of Express Entry applications within 6 months of receipt. However, pandemic-era backlogs have delayed processing times for many Canadian immigration applications.
- Once your PR application is approved, it’s time to move to Canada!
Final Thoughts
Thorough research and careful planning are essential to manage the financial aspects of immigrating to Canada. Consider all potential costs and create a detailed budget to ensure a smooth transition.
