Immigrating to Canada: The cost to consider

Immigrating to Canada is an exciting lifetime dream, but it requires being well informed and aware of certain costs. Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for and facilitate your arrival in Canada.

Your budget: Your gateway to peace of mind

Making a budget is an essential part of any goal. That's why it's important to have a good sense of your finances—and your financial capacity—before you immigrate to Canada.

Your budget also needs to take account of various government financial requirements. These requirements will depend on your status in Canada, and will differ depending if you're a temporary foreign worker, an international student, a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) candidate or a permanent resident.

In some cases, you'll need to demonstrate that you can meet your and your family's needs. This is called a proof of funds. You may need to provide this as part of your application.

Good to know 

What costs do you need to consider? Here's a short, non-exhaustive list to help you get started! 

Before you leave

Plane tickets

Be sure to look for flights ahead of time to find a good deal or seat sale (check the websites for different airlines). 

When you arrive

Getting settled

Some of the immediate costs you'll need to budget for are housing, clothing, phone and internet. Take some time to research how much these will cost for you, depending on your family situation and which city or province you'll be living in. 

Housing

Renting an apartment or house – Canada.ca

Looking for housing – Société d'habitation du Québec  (Quebec only)

Housing and accommodations in Canada – EduCanada.ca (Students)

Transportation

Purchase or leasing of a vehicle | Gouvernement du Québec (Quebec.ca) (Quebec only)

Modes of transport – Transports et Mobilité durable Québec  (Quebec, in French only)

Phone and internet

Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission | CRTC

Insurance

Our insurance products – Desjardins

Education

Tuition fees and cost of living | Gouvernement du Québec (Quebec.ca) (Quebec only)

Wages

Search wages – Job Bank (Jobbank.gc.ca)

Health insurance 

Quebec has concluded social security agreements with certain countries. If you're from a country that Quebec hasn't signed an agreement with, you'll need insurance to cover the waiting period of up to 3 months after you register. 

Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)

International transfers

Note that Desjardins offers the possibility of making international transfers. You can send money quickly and securely to most international destinations, in Canada, the United States and many other countries. For more details, click here.

To help you manage your budget and prepare for your arrival in Canada, check out the Your budget tool at Desjardins.com.