Total Cost of Migrating to Canada

Canada embraces individuals from different countries to immigrate to its land. It offers good job opportunities, a standard educational system and a conducive and beautiful environment to live in. The good thing is that immigrating to Canada is not as expensive as in some countries, however, you have to save, save and save! There are several means to immigrate to Canada and the amount you would spend depends on the program you choose. In this article, we would be breaking down the cost of immigrating to Canada and other relevant information.

Before we proceed, note that except you have a job waiting for you in Canada, you need to have enough money that can sustain yourself before you settle in Canada. This is why the Canadian government may require individuals to provide proof of funds during their application process.

What is Proof of Funds?

As the name implies, this is evidence that you are financially capable to support yourself during your stay in Canada. The proof of funds depends on the number of people travelling together with you to Canada — you, your spouse or partner, dependents etc. The officials have to be sure that you can cater for yourself and those coming with you to Canada.

Here’s the breakdown of the proof of funds required of you by the IRCC:

Number of Family Members

Categories of individuals exempted from submitting proof of funds include:

• People that have received a job offer from a legitimate employer in Canada.
• People that are authorized to work in Canada.
• People that fulfil the requirements of the Canadian Experience Class program(CEC).

What is the Cost of Migrating to Canada?

Generally, an individual would require about CAD15,000 to immigrate to Canada. Couples must have about CAD21,000 but families which include children should have about CAD25,000 to CAD30,000. However, we shall be looking at the cost of immigration depending on the chosen program and documents you may require to immigrate to Canada. These include:

1. Express Entry Program

One of the most popular ways to immigrate to Canada is through this route. The Express Entry program is made available by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The program is designed for people who want to immigrate to Canada in order to submit an application for permanent status.

The Express Entry program is divided into 3 categories:

• Canada experience class
• Federal skilled worker program
• Federal skilled trades program

Also, the IRCC is responsible for assessing, recruiting and selecting candidates who fulfil the requirements under the three economic programs highlighted above.

How Much does the Express Entry Program Cost?

The cost of the Express Entry program would depend on the documents and processes needed for the program. These documents may include:

1. Passport or Travel Documents

If you don’t have one yet, you can get your passport at your country’s immigration or passport office and this may cost around CAD 50 – 250. Note this price range depends on your country.

2. Language Proficiency Test Results:

An applicant must show their English and/or French language proficiency by passing an accepted language exam in order to be qualified to fill out/submit an Express Entry profile. IELTS General Training or CELPIP are the two options for the English language test and they can cost around CAD 300. The cost of the TEF or TCF Canada which are both French language tests are about CAD350 CAD.

3. Education Credential Assessment (ECA) Report

You need an ECA to certify that your foreign credential (such as a degree, diploma, or certificate) is legitimate and equivalent to a Canadian one. If you wish to apply for permanent residency (PR) under the Federal Skilled Workers program or if you want to earn points to pursue your education outside of Canada, you’ll need to have your educational credentials evaluated. The cost of the ECA depends on the channel you use to deliver documents such as regular mail delivery or courier. Note that the cost of the latter is higher than the former. Between CAD120 (ICAS) and CAD600 (MCC) will be charged for the evaluation of educational credentials. The reference number from your educational credential evaluation report must be entered in your Express Entry profile.

4. Other Additional Expenses

You can pay additional Express Entry fees to the IRCC through your online account:

PR Application Processing Fee — CAD 550

Right of Permanent Residence Fee( RPRF) — CAD 500

If you have children, approximately CAD150 CAD per child for the PR application processing fee. Dependent children are not required to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee.

Medical Examination CAD 200.

B. Provincial Nominee Programs

This is for you if you intend to immigrate and want to live and work in a specific Canadian province. Remember that each province in Canada has its own PNP with unique requirements to address labour shortages. You are allowed to live and work in any Canadian province for a duration of two years as soon as you are nominated by that province. After that, you are free to relocate to anywhere else in Canada.

How much does Immigration through a PNP Cost?

Here is a breakdown of the cost of immigrating to Canada through a provincial nominee program:

As seen above the amount required for payment depends on the province you choose. They are included with the federal immigration fees that successful provincial nominees are required to pay to apply for permanent residence in Canada. It is important to also note that you need to meet the settlement funds of the PNP to be eligible for a nomination. Again, the settlement funds required may differ depending on the province and territory and are based on the cost of living for that province.

C. Business Immigration Processing Fees

If you wish to move to Canada via the Investor, Entrepreneur, or Self-Employed immigration pathways, then you would be required to pay the following processing fees:

Note that a dependent child in this case is under the age of 22 or over the age of 22 who is unable to support himself financially due to a physical or mental condition.

D. Economic Immigration

This is for those moving to Canada to positively impact the economy. Particularly, the processing fees apply to the following people:

• Quebec Skilled Workers
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot
• Federal Skilled Trades
• Federal Skilled Workers
• Canadian Experience Class

Note that for the first two categories, the amount stated also includes the right of permanent residence fee. Also, a dependent child in this case is under the age of 22 or over the age of 22 who is unable to support himself financially due to a physical or mental condition.

E. Family Sponsorship Processing Fees

Permanent residents desiring to sponsor their family to Canada will be expected to pay the following fees:

Spousal and dependent child sponsorship

Note that the fees also include sponsorship fee, principal applicant fee, and right to permanent residence fee

Parent or grandparent sponsorship

Note that the fees also include sponsorship fee, principal applicant fee, and right to permanent residence fee.

F. Right of Permanent Residence Fee

From other categories, you would observe that we have been making mention of the right of permanent residence fee. This is usually paid once your permanent residence has been approved by the officials. All applicants and sponsored persons who are not dependent children are required to pay the fee. Note that it can be paid with your processing fees when you apply to prevent any delays. If the applicant’s application is denied after he has paid the right of permanent residence fee, his or her money would be refunded. However, other processing fees can never be refunded. The right of permanent residence fee usually costs CAD 500.

G. Canadian Citizenship Processing Fees

If you or your family members decide to become a Canadian citizens, then you will be required to pay the following fees:

Bear in mind that permanent residents that are approved for Canadian citizenship will have to pay an additional CAD100 for the Right of Citizenship Fee. They would also have to pay CAD75 to obtain their certificate of citizenship.

H.Temporary Residence Fees

Just as in the case of permanent residence processing fees, temporary resident fees varies depending on the type of visa you want.

1. Visitor Visa Processing Fees

Note that all your family members must apply at the same time.

2. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Processing Fees

This fee does not make it certain that you would be allowed into Canada and it would be valid for about 5 years. Non-Canadian citizens or non-permanent residents will have to pay a CAD7 eTA fee.

3. Work Permit Processing Fees

Bear in mind that all artists and staff must submit their application at the same time.

4. Study Permit Processing Fees

Canada is a top choice university in the world and before students can pursue their education, the following payments must be made by those with student visas in order to apply for a study permit:

5. Biometrics Fees

Each applicant must provide their fingerprints and their photographs when submitting their application. This process is called biometric screening. The applications in this case include:

• Visitor Visa
• Work or Study Permit (excluding US nationals)
• Permanent Residence
• Refugee or Asylum

How much do Biometrics Fees Cost?

Bear in mind that temporary residence applicants (visitor visas, study permits, work permits) only need to provide their biometrics once in 10 years. However, permanent residence applicants are required to provide their biometrics with their application, even if they have done so in the past.

Conclusion

This article has just shown you the amount of money you would likely spend if you want to immigrate to Canada. Please note that the fees are subject to change anytime and you may encounter additional fees in the course of your immigration journey. This is why it is advisable to have extra money in the bank to cover these expenses.