Introduction
There are various fees and expenses that you must plan for when you immigrate to Canada. Learn how much Canada immigration costs. A lot depends on your situation. Not all of the Canada immigration costs will appear here.
Settlement funds
Settlement funds are announced by the government. You should check the latest information to make sure you have enough. This is the amount you need to show in order to prove that you can support yourself and your family. The amount will vary depending on the size of your family.
In 2018, the amount for a single person is $12,474 and the amount for a family of four is $23,181. These settlement funds are minimal. You may want to save more for a safety net. Finding a job in Canada as a newcomer is not easy as many employers rely on the “hidden job market”, which means they get referrals or meet people in day-to-day life and through networking. Many jobs are not advertised. Be sure to declare how much money you are bringing into Canada at customs.
Skilled worker fees
If you are applying to come to Canada as a skilled worker, you will need to provide fees to the Canadian government. Currently, the fee is $550 each for the main applicant and spouse (or other accompanying adult) and $150 for any dependents under 19 (or an adult who is dependent due to a disability).
Sponsorship fee
The fee is $475 for the principal applicant being sponsored and $75 for the sponsor. The fee for a spouse or other accompanying adult of the principal applicant is $550. The fee for a dependent child to accompany the adult is $150. If the principal applicant is under 19, the fee is $75.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you want to apply to immigrate as a skilled worker under Express Entry, you will need to pay to have your credentials assessed. The fee depends on the organization. It is usually around $200 plus mail or courier costs. This assessment does not qualify you to work in Canada. If you work in a regulated profession, you will need additional licensing in order to work in the province where you plan to reside.
Language Testing
You may need to take a test to prove your fluency in one of Canada’s two official languages – English or French. This could cost around $300. These tests are administered by private agencies. Some people also take preparatory courses before taking the test.
Police checks
You will need to prove that you don’t have a criminal record to move to Canada. The cost and process of getting a police certificate will vary depending on your country. For example, the US FBI Certificate is $18. You will also need to get fingerprints taken, which will vary depending on the accredited company or agency.
Medical exams
To come to Canada as a permanent resident you will need to provide a medical exam by a panel physician approved by Immigration Canada. You cannot visit a family doctor for this, and it most likely won’t be covered by insurance. The fee for this will vary depending on the provider and is usually $150 to $500 in Canada and the United States.
Moving
Moving should be calculated in your Canada immigration costs. Fees for moving will vary depending on where you live and how much you want to bring. If you plan on moving a household, consider that you will need to set aside at least $5,000. If you are a bachelor who plans to sell everything and travel with just a suitcase, you will need to plan for the costs of furnishing a new apartment. Thrift stores, dollar stores, Walmart and IKEA may become your favourite places, at least at the beginning of your life in Canada. Single people can also find furnished rooms if they don’t mind sharing with others, but there are very few furnished homes or apartments.
If you are entering Canada from the United States, you may want to bring your car. It costs around $200 plus tax to import a car. You will need to pay for a new drivers licence within your new province and get insurance and registration for your car. Plan at least $1,200 for Canadian car insurance or more depending on your driving record and the type of vehicle.
Budgeting and planning for your move to Canada are essential for success. There are a variety of Canada immigration costs that you will need to take into consideration. If you want to move to Canada, be realistic about the requirements in order to avoid disappointment and stress.
