How Much Would It Cost to Move to Canada? [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: Moving to Canada typically costs between CAD $15,000–$30,000 for a single applicant, covering visas, settlement funds, flights, and initial living expenses. The exact amount depends on your immigration pathway, family size, and destination city—use Evola AI’s Success Predictor to estimate your personalized budget.

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What Are the Mandatory Government Fees for Canadian Immigration?

The Canadian government charges non-negotiable fees for visas, permits, and processing. For a single applicant under Express Entry in 2025, expect to pay:

• Permanent Residence Application: CAD $1,365 (main applicant + right of permanent residence fee)
• Biometrics: CAD $85 per person
• Language Tests (IELTS/CELPIP): CAD $300–$340
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD $200–$300

According to IRCC’s fee list, family applications cost significantly more—add CAD $1,365 for a spouse and CAD $230 per child. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) may charge extra nomination fees (e.g., CAD $1,500 in Ontario).

Pro Tip: Evola AI’s CRS Calculator includes a fee estimator to avoid surprises.

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How Much Settlement Money Do I Need to Show?

You must prove sufficient funds unless you’re immigrating through a job offer. As of 2025, IRCC requires:

Family Size	Required Funds (CAD)
1 person	$14,690
2 people	$18,288
4 people	$25,797

These amounts are updated annually—verify them on IRCC’s proof of funds page.

Key Notes:

• Funds must be liquid (savings, stocks, or cash equivalents).
• If you’re already working in Canada with a valid job offer, this requirement is waived.

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What Are the Hidden Costs of Relocating to Canada?

Beyond government fees, budget for these often-overlooked expenses:

1. Flights: CAD $800–$2,000 per person (varies by season and origin country)
2. Shipping Belongings: CAD $3,000–$8,000 for a 20-ft container
3. Health Insurance (First 3 Months): CAD $600–$1,200 for private coverage until provincial healthcare activates
4. Rent Deposits: First/last month’s rent (e.g., CAD $3,000+ in Toronto or Vancouver)

Evola AI users save an average of 22% on relocation by using our Cost of Living Comparator to choose affordable cities.

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Which Immigration Pathway Is the Most Affordable?

The cheapest options are:

1. Express Entry (FSW/CEC): CAD $2,000–$5,000 total (lowest fees, no PNP costs)
2. Study Permit + PGWP Route: CAD $25,000+ (includes tuition but allows part-time work)
3. Caregiver Programs: CAD $3,000–$6,000 (employer often covers flights/insurance)

According to Ontario’s immigration site, some PNPs offer fee waivers for in-demand occupations like healthcare workers.

Warning: Avoid "low-cost" scams—legitimate applications always involve government fees.

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How Can I Reduce My Moving Costs?

Cut expenses with these proven strategies:

✅ Apply for Express Entry first—PNPs add $1,500–$2,500 in nomination fees
✅ Take language tests early—retakes cost 100% more
✅ Use pre-arrival services—free IRCC-funded support for job searches and housing (see eligibility)
✅ Target smaller cities—Halifax rents are 47% cheaper than Vancouver’s

Evola AI’s relocation planner prioritizes high-savings steps based on your profile.

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Ready to Start Your Canadian Journey?

While moving to Canada requires careful budgeting, thousands succeed yearly by planning ahead. Use Evola AI’s free tools to calculate your exact costs and avoid overspending. **Begin your personalized plan today.