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by ImmiLaw Global

What Will It Cost You to Immigrate to Canada in 2025?

Are you planning to immigrate to Canada in 2025? If so, you will be excited like many newcomers. Many people are excited about the opportunities that await in this beautiful country.

However, before you pack your bags and book your flight, you must answer one big question: 

How much will it cost?

Understanding the financial side of your immigration journey is crucial. The expenses may vary widely depending on your chosen pathway, from application fees and language tests to provincial nominations and federal processing costs.

Whether you prefer the Express Entry system, consider the Provincial Nominee Program, or plan to bring family members over through sponsorship, knowing what to expect financially will help you plan effectively for this life-changing adventure.

We will break down the costs of each immigration route, ensuring you are well-prepared for your exciting move to Canada in 2025.

Common immigration pathways to Canada

  1. Express Entry Stream
  2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  3. Family Sponsorship
  4. Business Immigration
  5. Study Visa
  6. Temporary Worker in Canada

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online immigration system by the Canadian government that manages applications for skilled workers seeking permanent residency.

Candidates create an Express Entry profile and are assessed using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest CRS scores get invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.

It manages applications under three federal programs: 

Total Estimated Costs for Express Entry

  • Application Fees: Around CAD 1,325 for one applicant (includes processing fee and right of permanent residence fee)
  • Language Test Fees: Approximately CAD 300 for approved language proficiency tests
  • Educational Credential Assessments (ECA): CAD 200 for assessment of foreign educational credentials

These costs are calculated on an estimate basis and are essential to consider when planning for the Express Entry immigration process. This may vary with individual circumstances. You may contact us for more accurate personalised expenses.

About Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers who wish to immigrate to a specific region in Canada. Every province has distinct streams and standards designed to satisfy regional economic demands. The Provincial Nominee Program targets skilled workers, business people, and international students.

Total Estimated Costs for PNP

  • Nomination Fees: Typically range from CAD 250 to CAD 1,500, depending on the province.
  • Additional Costs may include:
  • Language tests (approximately CAD 300)
  • Educational credential assessments (around CAD 200)
  • Federal application fees (same to those for Express Entry)
  • Biometrics fees (CAD 85 per person)

About Family Sponsorship

Family sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to get together with close family members by sponsoring them for permanent residency. Sponsors can bring spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and parents or grandparents to Canada. Sponsors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including attaining 18 years old and demonstrating financial capability to support the sponsored individual for a designated period.In Canada, the sponsored family member is able to live, work, and pursue education.

  • Sponsorship Fee and Application Fee: Approximately CAD 1,205 for sponsoring a spouse, partner, or child.
  • Sponsorship Fee: CAD 85
  • Principal Applicant Processing Fee: CAD 545
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 575

Additional Costs may include: 

  • Biometrics Fees: CAD 85 per person
  • Medical Exams: Varies by provider
  • Dependent Children Fees: Approximately CAD 175 per child (if applicable)

About Business Immigration 

Business immigration programs in Canada are for individuals who wish to invest in or establish businesses that contribute to the Canadian economy and job market.

These programs include the Start-up Visa Program, which invites innovative entrepreneurs with the potential to create jobs and compete internationally.

  • Minimum Investment: CAD 200,000 from a designated Canadian venture capital fund or CAD 75,000 from a designated angel investor group
  • Application Fees: Approximately CAD 1,575.

Self-Employed Persons Program aims to target individuals with experience in cultural or athletic fields who can significantly contribute to these sectors.

  • Processing Fee: CAD 1,810 (without the right of permanent residence fee).
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 575.

Please note that these costs may vary based on individual circumstances and additional legal services or business setup expenses.

Study Permit in Canada

International students are permitted to attend Canada's designated learning institutes (DLIs) with a study permit. To obtain one, students must secure a letter of acceptance from a DLI and prove sufficient financial resources. The application process involves submitting various documents, including proof of identity, health, and possibly a medical exam or police clearance.

Studying in Canada is also an excellent pathway to obtain permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs, leveraging Canadian education and work experience.

Estimated Costs for Studying in Canada

  • Tuition Fees: CAD 7,000 to CAD 29,000 yearly, depending on the institution and program.
  • Study Permit Application Fee: CAD 150.
  • Biometrics Fees: CAD 85 per person (if necessary).
  • Living Expenses: Estimated at approximately CAD 15,000 annually.

These costs can vary based on the province in which you live, university, program level and specific programs chosen. You may check with the university website for more details. Also, you may contact us, as our overseas study consultants at ImmiLaw Global can help you get updates and payment details.

Temporary Worker in Canada

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) enables Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labour shortages when qualified Canadians are unavailable. Employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the local job market.

Estimated Costs for a Temporary Work Permit

  • Application Fee: CAD 155.
  • Biometrics Fees: CAD 85 per person (if required).
  • Employer Compliance Fee: CAD 230 (if applicable).

Depending on the particular needs of the company, these expenses may change.

What are the Additional costs for Newcomers in Canada?

1. Airfare Cost

When planning your trip to Canada, the cost of airfare is a significant factor to consider. Prices for one-way tickets can vary widely based on your departure location, the time of year, and the airline you choose. On average, you can pay between CAD 500 and CAD 2,000 for a one-way flight.

If you want the cheapest and best rates, you need to book the tickets well in advance. Also, check the baggage weight with the specific airline's guidelines, as they can vary significantly based on the airline, route, and class of travel. Always verify the details on your airline's website or ticket to avoid unexpected fees and ensure compliance with their regulations.

2.International Health Insurance for Newcomers

Securing international health insurance is vital for individuals immigrating to Canada. Health insurance provides essential coverage for medical emergencies and health care needs until you become eligible for provincial health care plans.

Study and work permits mandate proof of international insurance as part of the application process. The cost typically ranges from CAD 50 to CAD 200 per month, influenced by age, health status, and the chosen coverage plan. Comprehensive insurance protects you from unexpected medical expenses during your initial transition period in Canada.

3.Valid Passport for Immigrating to Canada

When selecting immigration to Canada, it's vital to ensure that your passport is valid for the entire period of your study or work permit. You may face rejection if your passport is not valid.

It is essential to update or renew your passport, which varies in cost and time depending on your country of origin. The typical cost to renew a passport is between CAD 50 and CAD 200. So, keep your travel documents up to date to avoid any potential delays in your application.

4.Living Costs for Newcomers 

Canada is a vast and diverse country in North America, consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Each province and territory has a unique culture, geography, and governance structure. The living cost in Canada varies based on the city and province you choose to settle in. Alternatively, compared to smaller towns or rural areas, housing expenses in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver can be significantly higher.

Let us explore general living expenses that any newcomer immigrating to Canada may face in detail:

  • Housing: A one-bedroom apartment's monthly rent can begin from CAD 1,200 in smaller cities to CAD 2,500 in larger cities similar to Vancouver and Toronto.
  • Utilities: Monthly utility services (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) typically cost about CAD 150 to CAD 200.
  • Groceries: One person may need to spend about CAD 300 to CAD 500 monthly on groceries.
  • Transportation: Public transportation costs slightly vary by city, ranging from CAD 100 to CAD 180 on a monthly basis. Take extra insurance, petrol and maintenance expenses into account if you intend to drive.

In conclusion, for a newcomer planning to immigrate to Canada, thorough research and planning are essential to manage the budget properly. Assessing all possible expenses and crafting a proper budget will facilitate a smoother transition.

By anticipating costs such as application fees, housing, and insurance, newcomers can avoid surprises that might disrupt their settling-in process. Newcomers can enhance their integration experience and successfully establish themselves by overseeing all the expenses related to their Canadian stay.

ImmiLaw Global offers invaluable services for newcomers navigating the complexities of immigration to Canada, particularly in cost planning and budgeting.

Our team of experienced immigration and overseas study consultants provides detailed information on all associated costs, ensuring clients are well-informed about application fees, living expenses, and other financial requirements. By assisting with meticulous budget preparation and offering insights into potential costs, we help our clients make informed decisions and avoid unexpected financial challenges during their transition to Canada.

Contact us for a thorough consultation, and together, let's start this immigration process.