Cost of Immigrating to Canada: How Much Do You Need?

Canada is a dream country for many owing to its multicultural and diverse society and impressive educational and healthcare systems, among other things. To allow aspiring immigrants to move to their dream country and, in turn, contribute to the decreasing labour force of Canada, the government offers different pathways with different eligibility criteria. The cost of immigrating to Canada also varies depending on the pathway.

Nonetheless, moving to Canada generally requires a reasonable amount of money, up to thousands of dollars. This article will discuss the different amounts needed for different immigration programs. It is important to know that these amounts are subject to change at the discretion of the Canadian government.

Work Visa

If you have secured or intend to secure a job in Canada, especially one of the in-demand roles that can lead to permanent residency, you will need a work visa. Canada offers two main types of work permits: Employer-Specific Work Permits and Open Work Permits.

Employer-specific permits require you to work for a particular employer, often contingent on a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA confirms that no Canadian worker is available to fill the position. Open Work Permits, however, provide more flexibility, allowing you to work for any employer without requiring an LMIA.

This pathway provides opportunities for you to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can improve your eligibility for permanent residency programs. Additionally, some work permits, like those under the Global Talent Stream, have expedited processing times to attract highly skilled workers in fields like IT and engineering. These work permits not only address immediate labour shortages but also contribute to the long-term integration of foreign professionals into the Canadian economy.

Cost of Immigrating to Canada Via Work Visa

Visa Application Fees: 2 year work permit Canada costs about CAD 155 per person. If you apply for an open work permit, an additional CAD 100 fee applies. If restoring your status, the total fee is CAD 355. That is a CAD 200 restoration of status fee and a CAD 155 new work permit fee.
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Employers hiring under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program need to pay CAD 1,000. This is typically an employer’s responsibility but may impact job prospects
Biometrics: CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 for a couple or family
Medical Exams: Typically cost CAD 100–200 per person, depending on the physician and location
Police Certificates: Around CAD 20–50 per document, depending on the issuing country
Settlement Funds: You need to show that you have enough money to cover your expenses before you start earning. This starts at CAD $10,000 for one person, with an additional CAD 3,706 for each dependent
Miscellaneous Costs: Translation and notarization fees for documents (CAD 10–40 per document), travel costs, and incidental expenses

Study Visa

To be eligible for a study visa, you must first secure admission from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). You should also be able to provide evidence of financial support for tuition and living expenses. A significant advantage of the study visa is the option to work part-time during studies and full-time during scheduled breaks. This can help you take care of some of the cost of immigrating to Canada that comes with the study program.

Moreover, graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years, depending on the program length. This work experience can serve as a gateway to permanent residency through pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Study Visa Cost

Study Permit Application: Visa fees for Canada student visa application is CAD 150
Biometrics: CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 for a family
Medical Exams: Similar to work permits, costs are CAD 100–200
Tuition Fees: Tuition varies widely depending on the college or university and course of study. It can be as low as CAD 12,000 or as high as CAD 36,100 per year
Living Expenses: All provinces in Canada require proof of living funds of at least CAD 20,635 annually for a single student. However, the province of Quebec requires CAD 15,078 per year
Other Costs: Books, health insurance, and transportation may add an estimated CAD 2,000–3,000 annually

Express Entry

Express Entry is a points-based system designed to streamline applications for permanent residency under three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates create an online profile and are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The CRS evaluates factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. High-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency, with processing times as short as six months for many applicants.

Unlike pathways requiring sponsorship, Express Entry prioritises candidates with strong qualifications. This makes it one of the fastest routes to permanent residency. Additionally, you can improve your CRS scores by securing a provincial nomination or enhancing your language skills.

You can also improve on any other scoring factor as needed. Also, even if you do not qualify for a specific pool, the cost of immigrating to Canada via this program is not lost as your profile stays active for up to 12 months and you can improve your CRS score within this period.

Express Entry Fees

Application Fees: CAD 1,525 including a processing charge of CAD 950 and a right of permanent residence fee of CAD 575
Biometrics: CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 for a couple or family
Settlement Funds (Proof of Funds): CAD 14,690 for an individual, CAD 18,288 for a couple and CAD 22,483 for a couple with a child, However, this is not applicable for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Language test (e.g., IELTS): CAD 300
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD 200–300
Police clearance certificate: CAD 20–50 per document
Medical exam: CAD 100–200

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on regional labour market needs. Each province operates its own streams tailored to specific groups, such as skilled workers, international graduates, or entrepreneurs. Some PNPs are aligned with the Express Entry system, enabling faster processing for candidates who secure a provincial nomination.

PNPs are unique because they address region-specific economic demands, Hence, giving provinces the autonomy to select candidates who can contribute effectively to their economies. This decentralisation allows for tailored solutions, such as attracting tech talent to British Columbia or agricultural workers to Saskatchewan. Additionally, PNPs offer opportunities for candidates who may not meet the criteria for federal programs, broadening access to permanent residency.

Cost of PNPs

Unlike other Canada PR application fees that cut across all the provinces, the application fee for PNP is specific to each province. Note that the last two mentions on the list below are territories, but they also have PNPs. Additionally, Quebec is the only province with a unique immigration program for skilled workers which we will discuss shortly with its cost of immigrating to Canada.

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) – CAD 840
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – CAD 1,475
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – CAD 500
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) – CAD 250
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) – CAD 250
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – CAD 0
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – CAD 1,500 or 2,000 depending on the stream
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEIPNP) – CAD 300
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – CAD 500
Northwest Territories (NTNP) – CAD $230
Yukon (YNP) – CAD 0

Quebec Immigration Programs

Quebec’s immigration program is distinct from those of other Canadian provinces primarily because it operates under its own set of rules and selection criteria. The province has a unique agreement with the Canadian federal government (the Canada-Quebec Accord) that allows it to independently select immigrants who align with its economic and cultural goals. Most other provinces nominate candidates under federal frameworks like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Moreover, Quebec prioritises French-speaking immigrants to preserve and promote the French language and culture. Applicants are assessed on their French proficiency, and many programs require a basic to advanced knowledge of French.

Additionally, as part of the cost of immigrating to Canada via this program, you must obtain a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) before applying for permanent residence. The CSQ confirms that Quebec has selected you for immigration. This is a step not present in other provinces.

Estimated Fees for Quebec Immigration Programs

Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) Application: CAD 1,176 for the principal applicant and an additional CAD 186 for each accompanying family member
Skilled Worker Program Application Fee: CAD 869
Employer Validation (if applicable): $216 CAD
Undertaking Application: The fee for the principal sponsored person or first minor is CAD 310. Plus CAD 124 for each additional sponsored person
Federal Application Fees: After obtaining the CSQ, you must apply for permanent residence at the federal level. The application fee is CAD 950 and the right of permanent residence fee is CAD 575
Language Tests: Approximately CAD 300
Educational Credential Evaluation (ECA): Approximately CAD 200
Medical Exams: Approximately CAD 100
Biometrics Fee: CAD 85
Miscellaneous Expenses: (e.g., police certificates, translations) estimated at around CAD 250

Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residency. This pathway prioritises family reunification and covers spouses, common-law partners and dependent children. There are also specific programs for parents and grandparents. Sponsors must demonstrate the financial ability to support their family members and sign an agreement committing to their financial responsibility.

Key Costs of Family Sponsorship

Sponsorship Fee: CAD 85
Processing Fee: CAD 545 for the principal applicant plus CAD 175 per child if including a dependent child
Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575 CAD
Biometrics Fees (if required): CAD 85

Startup Visa Program

The Startup Visa Program arguably has the most expensive cost of immigrating to Canada. It is tailored for entrepreneurs who wish to establish innovative businesses in Canada. To qualify, you must have a business plan supported by a designated organisation, such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator. Additionally, you must meet language proficiency requirements and demonstrate sufficient settlement funds.

By focusing on startups, Canada aims to attract entrepreneurial talent that can create jobs and drive technological advancements. The program’s emphasis on collaboration with designated organisations ensures that only viable and well-supported businesses receive approval, contributing to its success in fostering innovation.

Visa Fees for Canada Startup Visa Program

Processing Fee: CAD 1,625 for the main applicant plus additional CAD 850 for their spouse and CAD 230 for each child if applicable
Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 515 for the main applicant and the same for their spouse if applicable
Designated Organization Fees: CAD 10,000 to CAD 50,000 for already established startups. A start-up that is yet to be established will need more support and can cost up to CAD 75,000 to CAD 250,000
Settlement Funds: From CAD 13,757 for a single family to up to CAD 25,564 for a family of four
Language Proficiency Tests: Approximately $300 CAD
Medical Exams: Around $100 CAD
Miscellaneous Expenses: (e.g., police certificates, translations) estimated at about $250 CAD

Conclusively,

Immigrating to Canada is an investment in your future, but it’s important to understand the financial commitments involved. The cost of immigrating to Canada varies significantly depending on the pathway you choose. It ranges from application fees and language tests to settlement funds and professional services. While programs like Express Entry offer streamlined processes for skilled workers, pathways such as family sponsorship and provincial programs provide targeted opportunities for different groups. By budgeting thoroughly and preparing ahead, you can make your immigration journey more manageable and increase your chances of success.