Canada is rated as having a very excellent quality of life, a strong public education system, and easy access to health care on a global scale. In 2020, Canada was ranked second as the best country (overall) in the world by the U.S. News., dominating the rankings with high scores in the quality of life, citizenship and business categories. Some other important factors that make Canada an attractive country on the global stage are its multicultural population and welcoming immigration policies.
Moving to a new country is not only a huge life decision but also requires a substantial financial commitment. In this article, we will share the total cost breakdown for a few key types of applications – Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), a study permit, and a working holiday visa.
As an individual applicant, you would need approximately $15,500 CAD to immigrate to Canada. Couples would need around $21,000 CAD while families with children will require between $25,000 to $30,000 CAD. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of expected immigration costs.
Last updated on January 10, 2023; all figures in CAD.
| Fee Type | Notes | Individual | Couple | Couple + 1 Child |
| Language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) | Average cost. | $300 | $600 | $600 |
| Educational Credential Evaluation (ECA) | Cost excluding international courier delivery charges. | $200 | $400 | $400 |
| Biometrics | Charges for 2 or more people remain the same provided all members are applying at the same time and place. | $85 | $170 | $170 |
| Medical exams | Average cost; fee varies by country. | $100 | $200 | $300 |
| Application processing fee | $850 | $1,700 | $1,930 | |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $515 | $1,030 | $1,030 | |
| Miscellaneous fees (police certificate, transcripts, courier delivery, photos, notaries, translations, etc.) | Average (assumed) cost. | $250 | $500 | $600 |
| Settlement funds | Not applicable for Canadian Experience Class (CEC). | $13,213 | $16,449 | $20,222 |
| TOTAL | $15,498 | $21,019 | $25,252 |
How much money you’ll need
The amount of money you need to support your family depends on the size of your family. To calculate the size of your family you must include
- yourself
- your spouse or partner
- your dependent children and
- your spouse’s dependent children
Include your spouse or dependent children even if they’re
- permanent residents or Canadian citizens
- not coming to Canada with you
This table shows the minimum amount you need to immigrate to Canada as of June 9, 2022. If you have more money, you should list the full amount in your profile or application.
| Number of family members |
Funds required (in Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $13,310 |
| 2 | $16,570 |
| 3 | $20,371 |
| 4 | $24,733 |
| 5 | $28,052 |
| 6 | $31,638 |
| 7 | $35,224 |
| For each additional family member | $3,586 |