How Much Does it Cost to Move to Canada - The Complete Guide

So, if you’ve secured a job offer in Canada, and want to know more about the costs involved when applying for a specific program, as well as other fees that may be required, then this article is for you.

Below, we uncover the most commonly used immigration pathways, eligibility to move to Canada and the costs associated with your application. The data below has been adapted from Canadianvisa.org and the Official Canadian government website due to a slight increase in application fees in 2022.

All you need to know about the Express Entry System

The Express Entry system comprises three immigration programs: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. With Express Entry programs, candidates have to receive an invitation to apply (ITA) before applying to the actual program. The invitation is valid for 60 days so applicants must apply before this period expires.

The Express Entry is not a program but an online, points driven system that branches out to other versatile immigration pathways under the Express Entry umbrella. These pathways are well-renowned for their inclusivity since they aim to accommodate immigrants with various needs and circumstances.

What are the costs for Express Entry?

Because of the vast situations and circumstances of immigrants, the official website of the Canadian government gives you an overview of an extensive fee list. However, for the sake of this article, we will cover the standard and most relevant costs of immigration.

The table below for the Express Entry costs will highlight your biometric fees, Right of Permanent Residence fee (RPRF), permanent resident card and Temporary resident permit fee.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

The PNP is aimed at immigrants with all skill types, though the skill type should match the occupation they’re applying to. Having the right skills, education and suitable work experience that can add value to the Canadian labour market is crucial for the PNP. The standard and processes will differ, since each Canadian province will have different needs within the region or province.

If you qualify for Express Entry, you will most likely have the option of applying for a temporary work permit. Remember, this program is province-specific, which you can apply to if you’re eligible for the Express Entry system.

1. After you select a province or territory of your choice, you will be nominated accordingly. Once a province/territory has nominated you, your application will be assessed by an immigration officer to check if you meet the program criteria. You may be contacted for additional information.

Top tip: Each province has their own set of challenges so we urge candidates to conduct thorough research when choosing a province. Find out about factors such as job opportunities, standard of living and education before choosing a province.

2. Alternatively, create an Express Entry profile that shows the provinces/territories that you would like a nomination from. You can expect to be contacted through your Express Entry profile, also known as a “notification of interest”, informing you to contact them and apply through their stream. Your nomination will be sent electronically through your account if you’re nominated.

Top tip: We urge candidates to double-check which territories/provinces within Canada have the PNP so they can apply under the correct province. Note that the provinces may have different conditions so ensure you’re able to comply with the conditions.

The table below for the PNP will highlight the Right of Permanent Residence fee (RPRF), processing fee, application, processing fee with spouse or partner, fee including spouse or partner, biometrics, permanent resident card and temporary resident permit fee.

What is the Family Class Sponsorship Program?

Ever wondered how you can immigrate to Canada with your relative or have your relative join you at a later stage? Then the Family Class Sponsorship is for you. This program targets permanent residents or citizens of Canada who are 18 years or older, and who want to have their family members join them in Canada

The program assesses eligibility to move to Canada from both parties - the relative and the sponsor. Below is a brief breakdown of the sponsor’s eligibility who wants to have their relative join them:

• The sponsor should be 18 years or older; or registered as a Canadian citizen; or registered under the Canadian Indian Act.
• Alternatively, the sponsor should live and work in Canada as a permanent resident.

Additionally, you can sponsor a family member while you’re out of Canada. If you’re a Canadian citizen who is living abroad temporarily, you should:

• live in Canada or plan to return so you can be there when your relative joins you in Canada and
• sponsor your spouse or common law partner, or dependent child who should have no other dependent children.

You cannot sponsor a relative if:

• you’re convicted of a violent or sexual crime and you’re in prison;
• have not paid child support or in arrears with child support;
• have been declared bankrupt;
• received social assistance when you’re not disable;
• in arrears with immigration payments or loans and
• Fail to meet the sponsorship conditions or any other offense that was not listed.

Eligibility to move to Canada strongly depends on whether or not your relatives meet the criteria. If you’re unsure, feel free to use the “come to Canada tool” on the Official Canadian government website. The tool helps you to find other programs that may be eligible for.

Alternatively, you can contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who can advise you which family program would be ideal for you and your circumstances.

The table below will highlight the fee to sponsor your parent or grandparent, processing fee for principal applicant, sponsorship fee with spouse or partner, fee to include dependent child and biometrics fee.

Furthermore, whichever immigration program you choose, these are the steps involved when applying to immigrate to Canada:

1. Step 1: Check if you Meet the Program Criteria
2. Step 2: Check your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score (under Express Entry or other points driven programs)
3. Step 3: Gather your Documents in Advance
4. Step 4: Create your Online Profile
5. Step 5: Apply to the Program and Submit your Application

Note that candidates must double-check that they have all supporting documents and that they’ve filled out all required fields correctly before officially submitting their application.

Eligibility to move to Canada will depend on whether or not you meet the program criteria and your admissibility to Canada. In addition to this, you need to submit your medical exam results and comply with background checks before a decision can be made.

What Are You Waiting For? Make Your Move to Canada Today

We have taken different circumstances and needs into consideration so you should have an idea of the costs involved for your application, as well as reasons to move to Canada.The application fees have slightly increased for this year 2022, so feel free to find out more here.

A good start would be to get in touch with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to advise and guide you through the process.