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How Much Does it Cost to Move to Canada in 2026?
you know the cost to move to Canada in 2026 the next thing to do is find out which of over 100 visas and immigration programs you’re eligible for in order to live and work in Canada!
Cost of Moving to Canada
Canada continues to remain one of the most popular immigration destinations globally, and in 2026, the country is welcoming historically high numbers of newcomers to support workforce shortages, economic growth, and population sustainability. Canada’s immigration targets now exceed 450,000 new permanent residents annually under long-term immigration planning, which makes understanding the total cost of moving to Canada more important than ever for applicants and families planning relocation.
Moving to Canada involves multiple cost categories, including immigration application fees, settlement fund requirements, travel expenses, initial housing setup costs, and monthly living expenses after arrival. While Canada offers strong long-term earning potential and quality of life benefits, proper financial planning before applying can significantly reduce stress and improve settlement success. This guide explains updated immigration costs, visa program fees, settlement fund expectations, and real cost of living estimates based on 2026 averages.
Popular Canada Immigration Programs and Their Costs
Canada offers multiple immigration pathways, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and Family Sponsorship pathways. Each program has different fee structures and additional costs such as biometrics, medical exams, language testing, and documentation preparation.
Express Entry Immigration Cost
Express Entry remains Canada’s fastest and most popular economic immigration system for skilled workers. In 2026, Express Entry continues to prioritize candidates working in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, trades, STEM, transportation, and French-speaking occupations through category-based draws.
Express Entry continues to attract thousands of applicants because of faster processing times, transparent selection scoring, and strong permanent residency success rates.
Express Entry Government Fees
Express Entry Fee Type | Cost (CAD) |
PR Application Processing Fee (Per Adult) | 850 |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (Per Adult) | 515 |
Total PR Cost Per Adult | 1,365 |
Dependent Child Processing Fee | 260 |
Biometrics Fee (Per Person) | 85 |
Biometrics Family Maximum | 170 |
PR Card (After Landing) | 50 |
Additional Express Entry Costs (Typical)
Additional Requirement | Typical Cost Range (CAD) |
IELTS / CELPIP Language Test | 300 – 350 |
French Test (TEF / TCF) | 350 – 450 |
Education Credential Assessment | 220 – 350 |
Medical Exam | 200 – 400 |
Police Clearance Certificates | 50 – 150 |
Settlement Funds Requirement
| Family Size | Required Funds (CAD) |
| Single Applicant | 14,500+ |
| Couple | 18,000+ |
| Family of 3 | 22,000+ |
| Family of 4 | 26,500+ |
Settlement funds change each year slightly and must be verified before application submission.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Cost
Provincial Nominee Programs remain one of the strongest immigration pathways, especially for applicants with moderate CRS scores or specific provincial job offers. In 2026, PNP allocations continue increasing as provinces request more immigrants to support regional labour shortages.
Federal PR Fees After PNP Nomination
PNP Federal PR Fees | Cost (CAD) |
PR Processing Fee (Per Adult) | 850 |
Right of PR Fee | 515 |
Dependent Child | 260 |
Biometrics | 85 |
Provincial Application Fees (Varies by Province)
Province | Typical Fee Range (CAD) |
Ontario | 1,500 – 2,000 |
British Columbia | 1,150 – 1,400 |
Alberta | 500 – 1,000 |
Saskatchewan | 350 – 500 |
Manitoba | 500 – 700 |
Family Sponsorship Immigration Cost
Canada continues prioritizing family reunification immigration and accepts thousands of sponsored applicants every year. Sponsorship costs depend on family relationship category.
Family Sponsorship Fees (2026 Updated)
Sponsorship Category | Cost (CAD) |
Spouse / Partner Sponsorship Total | ~1,080 |
Dependent Child Sponsorship | ~175 |
Parent / Grandparent Sponsorship | ~1,200+ |
Biometrics Family Maximum | 170 |
Cost of Moving to Canada
Beyond immigration fees, new immigrants must budget for relocation setup costs.
Typical One-Time Moving Costs
Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
Flight Tickets (One Way Per Person) | 900 – 2,000 |
Initial Rental Deposit | 1 – 2 Months Rent |
Temporary Accommodation (2–4 Weeks) | 1,000 – 2,500 |
Basic Furniture Setup | 1,500 – 3,500 |
Winter Clothing | 300 – 800 |
Cost of Living in Canada
Living costs vary significantly depending on city, province, and lifestyle choices.
Affordable Canadian Cities (2026 Rent Estimates)
City | 1 Bedroom Monthly Rent | 2 Bedroom Monthly Rent |
Winnipeg | 1,200 | 1,600 |
Regina | 1,150 | 1,550 |
Saskatoon | 1,250 | 1,650 |
Quebec City | 1,300 | 1,750 |
Edmonton | 1,350 | 1,850 |
Halifax | 1,450 | 1,900 |
Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are significantly more expensive.
Monthly Living Cost Estimate (Single Person)
Expense Category | Monthly Cost (CAD) |
Rent | 1,200 – 2,500 |
Food & Groceries | 350 – 600 |
Transport | 100 – 180 |
Phone & Internet | 120 – 180 |
Utilities | 150 – 250 |
Why Canada Continues to Attract Immigrants in 2026
Canada continues to rank among the top countries globally for quality of life, healthcare access, education quality, and economic stability. The country also provides clear immigration pathways from temporary visas to permanent residency and citizenship.
Benefits include:
- Free public healthcare for PR holders
- Free public schooling for children
- Strong worker protection laws
- High average wages
- Multicultural society
Future Outlook for Immigrants Moving to Canada
Canada’s economy continues ranking among the world’s top developed economies and continues to rely heavily on skilled immigration. With workforce shortages projected to continue for the next decade, immigration pathways are expected to remain strong and stable.
For many families, moving to Canada remains one of the most strategic long-term life decisions because of education access, job opportunities, healthcare quality, and long-term citizenship pathways.
Conclusion
Moving to Canada in 2026 requires careful financial planning, but the long-term benefits often outweigh the initial costs. By understanding immigration fees, settlement fund requirements, relocation costs, and cost of living expectations, applicants can prepare realistically for their Canada journey.
With strong job opportunities, high quality education, and long-term immigration pathways, Canada continues to remain one of the best countries globally for skilled immigrants and international families planning a better future.
