Permanent residents
Understanding the Costs of Moving to Canada: Immigration Basics

Key takeaways
Costs of moving to Canada: Proper financial planning is crucial to meet immigration requirements, including application fees and living expenses during your stay.
Understand Government Financial Guidelines: By familiarizing yourself with Canada’s specific financial criteria, you can plan your move effectively, minimizing the likelihood of complications during your immigration process.
Canada consistently ranks among the top countries globally for its exceptional quality of life, robust public education system, and accessible healthcare. In 2020, it secured the second position in the U.S. News rankings of the best countries in the world, excelling in categories such as quality of life, citizenship, and business environment. Canada’s multicultural society and welcoming immigration policies further enhance its appeal, making it a sought-after destination for people worldwide.
Estimated costs of moving to Canada via Express Entry and PNP
Immigrating to Canada requires a substantial financial commitment, with costs varying based on your family size and circumstances. For a single applicant, the estimated expenses amount to approximately $17,100 CAD. Couples should plan for around $23,200 CAD, while families with children may need between $27,800 and $33,100 CAD, depending on the number of dependents. Those applying through the PNP, are required to pay additional application fees based on the province they are applying to.

Breaking down the costs: Applying for a Canadian Study Permit
Here’s a detailed summary of the table outlining the expenses involved in applying for a Canadian study permit and preparing for international studies in Canada:
University/College Application Fees
- Description: Non-refundable fees charged by universities or colleges to process applications.
- Cost: Ranges from $100 to $500 CAD, depending on the institution.
- Note: Some colleges waive this fee entirely.
Study Permit Application Fee
- Cost: $150 CAD.
Biometrics Fee
- Individual: $85 CAD.
- Group (2 or more applicants applying together): $170 CAD.
Language Testing (if required)
- Purpose: English or French proficiency tests like IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.
- Cost: Average of $300 CAD.
Medical Exams (if required)
- Cost: Medical examination costs vary depending on the country, with an average cost of $100 CAD.
Miscellaneous Expenses
- Description: Includes costs for police certificates, transcripts, courier services, photos, notary services, and document translations.
- Cost: Estimated average of $250 CAD.
Tuition Fees
- Varies: Based on program, course, and institution.
- Average Annual Tuition Fees (2024/2025):
- Undergraduate programs: $40,115 CAD.
- Post-graduate programs: $23,233 CAD.
- MBA programs: $86,000 CAD.
Health Insurance
- Cost: Between $600 and $1,000 CAD annually.
Funds to Support Your Stay / Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
- Requirement: Proof of funds to support your living expenses in Canada.
- Amount:
- All provinces except Quebec: $20,635 CAD per year.
- Quebec: $15,078 CAD per year.
- Note: Detailed requirements are available on the Government of Canada website.
This comprehensive breakdown helps international students understand the financial commitments required to apply for and pursue studies in Canada, ensuring they are adequately prepared.

How much does it cost to apply for Canada’s IEC working holiday visa?
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers eligible individuals the chance to apply for a Working Holiday Visa, enabling them to live and work temporarily in Canada. This program is open to young people from over 30 countries with agreements in place with Canada, allowing their citizens to apply for an IEC work permit. The validity of the permit ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship. For further details, refer to the official Government of Canada website.
Breakdown of fees and costs for the IEC program:
Fee Type | Cost ($ CAD) |
---|---|
IEC Participation Fee | 172 |
Open Work Permit Holder Fee | 100 |
Biometrics Fee | 85 |
Medical Exam (if required) | Varies by country; average cost: 100 |
Minimum Funds to Support Your Stay | 2,500 |
Health Insurance | Starts at approximately 400 per year, depending on coverage and deductible |
Ensuring you have adequate financial resources to cover both the application process and your living expenses in Canada is a crucial aspect of immigrating. Familiarizing yourself with the financial requirements established by the Canadian government is highly recommended, as it allows you to plan your transition effectively and with confidence.
Conclusion
Securing sufficient finances is a cornerstone of a successful immigration journey to Canada. From covering application fees to meeting the financial requirements for living expenses, being well-prepared ensures a smoother transition to your new life. By understanding the financial guidelines set by the Canadian government and planning accordingly, you can approach the process with clarity and confidence, making your dream of moving to Canada a well-organized and achievable reality.