Moving to Canada

The visa application process for moving to Canada as an expat depends on the immigration pathway you choose, with the most common being the Express Entry system for skilled workers.

To apply, you first need to determine your eligibility under one of the federal programs managed through Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program. Key requirements include language proficiency, education credentials, and relevant work experience, typically at least one year of skilled work within the last three to ten years.

Once eligible, you create an online profile expressing your interest (Expression of Interest) and enter the pool of candidates. Your profile is scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for factors like age (best between 18-35 years), education, language skills, and Canadian work experience. Higher scores increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

You must also demonstrate sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family unless you have a valid job offer in Canada. For example, a family of four needs about CAD 24,083. After receiving an ITA, you submit a complete application with supporting documents and pay fees. Processing times for Express Entry applications are typically six months or less.

Other pathways include Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), where provinces nominate candidates based on local labor needs, and family sponsorships for relatives already in Canada. New pilot programs in 2025 target caregivers, rural communities, and francophone immigrants to address specific labor shortages.

Visitors from many countries may require a Temporary Resident Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for short stays, but permanent residency requires a formal application process through IRCC

The cost of living in Canada for expats varies by city and lifestyle, but generally, food and groceries cost around CAD 250–400 per month for one person, with eating out adding extra expense.

Transportation costs depend on location and habits: a monthly public transit pass typically ranges from CAD 80–150, with higher rates in big cities like Toronto. Utilities-including electricity, heating, water, and garbage-average about CAD 100–250 per month, while high-speed internet adds roughly CAD 50–85 monthly.

Accommodation is often the largest expense, with one-bedroom apartments renting for CAD 500–1,300 depending on the city, and shared housing options starting around CAD 400–800. Other regular expenses include entertainment (about CAD 100–200 per month), health insurance if not covered by the province, and personal items.

Overall, a single expat can expect total monthly living costs (including rent) to range from CAD 2,200–3,900, with higher figures in major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver.

Here is a breakdown of the living costs in Canada for expats, covering food and groceries, transportation, utilities, and other common expenses:

When looking for accommodation, it is advisable to consider factors such as proximity to work, access to public transportation, and local amenities to ensure a comfortable lifestyle.

Additionally, it’s important to evaluate the safety of the neighborhood, as well as the overall atmosphere and community vibe. Visiting the area at different times of the day can provide insights into noise levels and traffic patterns.

Budget is another critical consideration; ensure that rent or mortgage payments align with your financial situation, factoring in utility costs and any additional fees.

How is the renting for expats moving to Canada?

Renting in Canada for expats varies significantly depending on the city and type of accommodation. Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver are the most expensive, with average rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center around CAD 2,500–2,700 per month and two-bedroom units exceeding CAD 3,300–3,400.

Smaller cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and Ottawa offer more affordable rents, with one-bedroom apartments typically ranging from CAD 1,300 to CAD 2,000 monthly. Shared accommodations can reduce costs substantially, often between CAD 400 and CAD 800 per month.

On-campus housing for students costs about CAD 8,000 to 10,000 annually. Rent prices fluctuate based on location, proximity to city centers, and demand, with suburban or less central areas generally cheaper.

Expats should budget carefully as housing can consume a large portion of monthly expenses, and it is advisable to secure accommodation before arrival or shortly after, using online platforms and local support services.

Overall, renting in Canada is manageable but requires planning, especially in high-demand urban centers.

What are the best neighbourhoods to live in Canada for expats

Canada offers many great cities and neighborhoods for expats, each with unique advantages depending on lifestyle, job opportunities, and budget.

Expats moving to Canada have several education options for their children, tailored to different needs and preferences. The most common choice is the free public school system, which is open to permanent residents, work permit holders, and study permit holders.

Public schools offer instruction primarily in English or French (especially in Quebec), with some providing French immersion programs. Schooling is mandatory from around age 6 to 18 and includes elementary (grades 1–8) and secondary (grades 9–12) levels, preparing students for college, university, or the workforce.

For families seeking international curricula or continuity with their home country’s education system, international schools are available in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. These schools often offer programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), UK national curriculum, or US-style education, which can ease transitions for globally mobile children and provide advanced placement options.

Overall, expat families can choose from a well-regarded public system that is free and accessible, international schools offering familiar curricula, or private schools with specialized offerings, depending on their budget and educational goals.

While the public system covers hospital and physician services, some services like dental care, vision, prescription drugs, and physiotherapy often require private coverage or out-of-pocket payment.

Canada’s healthcare system is highly regarded internationally for quality but faces challenges such as long wait times for specialists and uneven access in rural areas.

Expats should also be aware that foreign-trained medical professionals face licensing barriers, impacting healthcare availability.

To access healthcare, expats need to register with their provincial health plan and obtain a health card. Finding a family doctor can take time, so walk-in clinics are commonly used initially.

Overall, Canada offers comprehensive healthcare coverage for residents, but expats must plan for initial private insurance and understand provincial differences in coverage and access.

Expats moving to Canada face tax implications primarily based on their residency status for tax purposes. If considered a resident, you must report and pay Canadian income tax on your worldwide income, including earnings from outside Canada. Residents also qualify for various tax credits and deductions. If you are a non-resident, you only pay tax on income sourced within Canada, such as Canadian employment income, business income, or rental income.

Canada’s tax system is progressive, combining federal and provincial/territorial taxes. Federal tax rates for 2025 range from 15% on income up to CAD 57,375, rising to 33% for income above CAD 253,414. Provinces add their own rates, varying widely-for example, Ontario’s top rate is about 13.16%, while Quebec has a separate tax system with rates up to 25.75%. Non-residents may face a standardized additional tax on income not allocated to a province.

Expats may benefit from foreign tax credits if they have already paid taxes on income abroad, reducing double taxation. However, the effectiveness of these credits depends on the relative tax rates between Canada and the other country. Careful application of tax treaties and claiming all eligible deductions (such as moving expenses, home office costs, and RRSP contributions) is essential to optimize tax liability.

Tax filing deadlines are generally April 30 for most individuals, with June 15 for self-employed persons, but any taxes owed must be paid by April 30 to avoid penalties and interest. Newcomers must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to file taxes.

Overall, expats should assess their residency status early, understand both federal and provincial tax obligations, and consider consulting tax professionals to navigate complexities and maximize benefits under Canada’s tax system.

What tax credits are available specifically for expats in Canada?

Expats who become residents of Canada for tax purposes can access several tax credits and benefits designed to reduce their tax burden and support families.

These credits require filing a Canadian tax return and establishing residency status. Some benefits, like the GST/HST credit and CCB, are contingent on timely annual tax filings. Expats should also explore tax treaties and foreign tax credits to avoid double taxation on income earned abroad.

Overall, newcomers to Canada can access a range of tax credits to ease their financial transition and support family needs.

When moving to Canada as an expat, some key cultural differences to be aware of include the country’s strong emphasis on politeness and courtesy-using “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” frequently is expected in daily interactions. Canadians value personal space and privacy, so maintaining an arm’s length distance in social settings and respecting boundaries is important. Punctuality is highly regarded; being on time for appointments and meetings is a sign of respect.

Canada is celebrated for its multiculturalism and inclusivity, with people from diverse backgrounds coexisting and maintaining their traditions-embracing this diversity and showing openness to other cultures will help you integrate smoothly. Communication tends to be polite and indirect, so subtlety and diplomacy are appreciated in conversations. Queuing in an orderly fashion and waiting your turn is standard etiquette everywhere.

Language is generally not a barrier outside Quebec, where French is the primary language and learning some French is helpful for daily life. Finally, adapting to Canada’s climate-especially its long, cold winters-may require adjustment, but it also offers opportunities to enjoy winter sports and seasonal activities.