Cost of Moving to Canada for Singles, Couples and Family

Moving to a new country is a life-changing decision; if that country is Canada, you’ve made the right choice. However, the cost of moving to Canada for singles, couples, and families is something you should seriously consider because it won’t be cheap, whether you like it or not. But the good news is, there’s a lot to be gained by that decision, and no amount of money and time you spend, will detract from the benefits you will gain from making Canada your new home.

Canada has always welcomed foreign nationals, which is why there is a significant influx of international citizens each year to this great country. They are the lucky ones.

There are different pathways of immigration to Canada that favor family, couples, and singles alike. In this article, we will not only look at these pathways, but we will also discuss the cost of moving to Canada for both couples, singles, and families.

Finding the right pathway

There are so many ways through which you can move to Canada as a permanent resident. However, each of these ways will require some financial commitment.

The Express Entry Program.

If you have experience working abroad or are a skilled tradesperson, this pathway is for you. To join the pool of candidates, visit the IRCC website and create an account. Submit your details. After that, if you are selected, you will be invited to apply for Permanent Residence, and you will be required to submit copies of supporting documents. Unquestionably, this pathway is a good choice for couples and families.

Provincial Nominee Program.

Canadian Provinces and territories can nominate foreign nationals who want to live and work in the province. You can apply for a nomination to a province by applying directly to the province or through the Express Entry Program.

Study Work Permit.

You can move to Canada as an international student, and while you gain world-class education, you can settle down to work here. More importantly, you can come to Canada with your family on a study work permit.

Application Costs for Immigration to Canada

Below, you will find a breakdown of the cost of applying through the Express Entry and PNP program.

1. Application Processing Fee

The fees for all permanent residence applications increased on April 30, 2022. Here are the average costs in CAD

1a. singles – 850

1b. a couple – 1,700

1c. a couple with one child – 1,930

1d. couple with two children – 2,160

2. Language Test (IELTS, TEF, TCF, or CELPIP). Here are the average costs in CAD

2a. singles – 300

2b. a couple – 600

2c. a couple with one child – 600

2d. couple with two children – 600

3. Educational Credential Evaluation (ECA) costs in CAD

3a. singles 200

3b. a couple – 400

3c. a couple with one child – 400

3d. couple with two children 400

4. Medical Examination (average cost in CAD)

4a. For singles – 100

4b. a couple – 200

4c. a couple with one child – 300

4d. couple with two children – 400

5. Biometrics (fingerprints and facial recognition) cost in CAD

5a. For singles – 85

5b. a couple – 170

5c. a couple with one child 170

5d. couple with two children 170

As shown above, two or more people’s charges are the same if all members apply at the same time and place.

6. Right of Permanent Residence

6a. singles – 515

6b. a couple – 1,030

6c. a couple with one child – 1,030

6d. couple with two children – 1,030

7. Other fees in CAD

E.g., Police Certificate, transcripts, notaries, translations, courier deliveries

7a. singles – 250

7b. a couple – 500

7c. For a couple with one child – 600

7d. For a couple with two children – 700

This is an assumed cost; therefore, it may be higher or lower than this.

8. Proof of Funds 

(If you have a valid job offer, you don’t need this)

8a. singles – 13,213

8b. a couple – 16,449

8c. a couple with one child – 20,222

8d. couple with two children – 24,553

What is the total cost of an Application for moving to Canada?

Here’s a summary of the average cost of application fees for moving to Canada:

1. singles – 15,498

2. a couple – 21,019

3. a couple with one child – 25,252

4. couple with two children – 30,013

Extra Charges for Applications through PNP (in CAD)

You will pay additional application fees if you’re applying through the Provincial Nominee Program. However, this depends on the province you are applying to. They are:

• Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) – 500
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – 1,150
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – 500
• New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) – 250
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) – 250
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – 0
• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – 1,500 or 2,000
• Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEIPNP) – 300
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – 350

Please note that these are the costs of applying to Canada through the Express Entry pathway. In addition, costs like flight, accommodation, and daily living expenses will depend on where you are migrating from and the province you plan to settle in.

Affordable Provinces in Canada

Accommodation should be a crucial part of your plan when moving to Canada. Here are some affordable cities and rental prices per month in CAD.

1. Saskatoon

• Monthly rent for one bedroom – 830
• Monthly rent for two bedrooms – 1,010

2. Quebec

• Monthly rent for one bedroom – 880
• Monthly rent for two bedrooms – 1,110

3. Edmonton

• Monthly rent for one bedroom – 910
• Monthly rent for two bedrooms – 1,200

4. Winnipeg

• Monthly rent for one bedroom – 970
• Monthly rent for two bedrooms – 1,240

5. St. John’s NB

• Monthly rent for one bedroom – 810
• Monthly rent for two bedrooms – 890

6. Abbotsford

• Monthly rent for one bedroom – 950
• Monthly rent for two bedrooms – 1,080

7. Regina

• Monthly rent for one bedroom – 860
• Monthly rent for two bedrooms – 1,080

Apart from accommodation, there are other things to plan for as you move to Canada.

1. Paying Taxes.

You may be coming from a country where taxes are hardly paid. Therefore, it can be a surprise to discover that you have to pay taxes for every little thing. Sometimes, the same item may cost differently in another shop! Taxes will be deducted from your salary when you start working, but if you are self-employed, you’ll pay your taxes yourself. Subsequently, you will pay federal, provincial, and municipal taxes. It will take a while, but you’ll eventually get used to it.

2. Access to Free Healthcare.

Your national healthcare may not be available immediately after you arrive in Canada. This is because it takes about three months. During that time, you may have to subscribe to private healthcare. Canada’s national healthcare is free as long as you are a resident. However, the free healthcare plan does not cover dental care, ambulance services, etc.

3. Opening a Bank Account. 

Your permanent residence card will be enough identification for you to open a bank account in Canada. You need to open a Canadian bank account as soon as possible because you will need to carry out financial transactions once you settle down. There are banks in Canada that offer special services to newcomers e.g.

• National Bank of Canada.
• Bank of Montreal.
• Royal Bank of Canada.
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

Here’s more about the cost of living in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of moving to Canada for Singles, Couples, and families?

The benefits of moving to Canada for Singles, couples, and family are quite many:

1. Canada is quite friendly to immigrants.
2. The country has many social benefits like free public healthcare and schooling for minors.
3. Canada has many job opportunities for immigrants.
4. The country’s crime rate is low compared to many other developed countries.

What are the most popular ways to move to Canada for Singles, Couples, and families?

The most popular ways would be through the Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program. Another pathway is through the family sponsorship program, but that is if you have family in Canada.

What is the average cost of moving to Canada for Singles, Couples, and families?

This would depend on the number of people moving to Canada. For instance, the average cost of moving to Canada for a single person is about 15,498 CAD. At the same time, for a couple, it is about 21,019 CAD. If you are moving as a family with two children, then you should budget about 30,013 CAD. Bear in mind that this figure is an estimation and does not include accommodation, feeding, or flight tickets.

Why should I move to Canada?

You should move to Canada because if you desire a better life for yourself, your spouse, and your children (if you have any), Canada should be your first choice. Furthermore, Canada is a free country that does not discriminate against people. Above all, in Canada, you will have freedom of movement and speech and endless opportunities.

When is the best time to move to Canada for Singles, Couples, and Family?

The best time to move to Canada is in October. This is because, by that time, the summer holidaymakers would have come and gone, and accommodation prices, transportation, and groceries would return to normal. Also, summers are usually hotter too. So it would help if you moved to Canada when the weather is more pleasant.

Conclusion

Moving to Canada for Singles, Couples, and families can be quite an experience. This is because nothing is unsettling as leaving your comfort zone for a strange land. However, planning is key. The cost of moving to Canada is not so much when considering the benefits of doing so. However, it is up to you to plan and look for the best pathway through which you can enter the country. Above all, with proper planning and budgeting, you can achieve a lot. See you in Canada!

For further reading, visit the website of the government of Canada.