As a newcomer to Canada, it’s important to understand the costs involved in immigrating and settling in a new country. At Connect Canada, our mission is to support newcomers and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.

In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of the different costs you can expect to encounter during your journey to Canada. We’ll cover everything from pre-arrival expenses like visa fees and language proficiency tests to settlement costs like housing, transportation, and food. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect financially as a newcomer to Canada.

Pre-Arrival Costs:

Before you even set foot in Canada, there are several expenses you’ll need to take care of, these include:

• Visa fees: Depending on your country of origin, you may need to pay anywhere from $100 to $1000 CAD for your visa.
• Language proficiency tests: To prove your language skills, you may need to take tests like the IELTS or CELPIP, which costs around $300 CAD.
• Education credential assessments: If you plan on studying or working in a regulated profession, you’ll need to get your credentials assessed, which can cost up to $500 CAD.
• Medical exams: Some visas require a medical exam, which can cost around $300 CAD.
• Travel expenses: Depending on where you’re coming from, airfare and other travel expenses can add up to thousands of dollars. The expected range for one way is between 700 CAD to 1500 CAD

Settlement Costs:

The estimated expenses for a newcomer in Canada will depend on various factors, such as the province/city of residence, the individual’s lifestyle, accommodation choices,

transportation needs, and other personal expenses. However, to give you a rough idea,

here is a breakdown of some of the typical expenses a newcomer might encounter in

the first few months of arriving in Canada:

• Accommodation: The cost of housing in Canada varies depending on the city and the type of housing you choose. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment can range from $800 CAD to $2,500 CAD per month. If you choose to share an apartment or house with others, you can split the rent and save on costs.

• Food: The cost of food in Canada is generally reasonable, and it is possible to save money by cooking at home. A weekly grocery bill for a single person can range from $50 CAD to $150 CAD.

• Transportation: The cost of transportation in Canada varies depending on the city and the mode of transportation. Public transit passes can range from $100 to $150 CAD per month. Owning a car can be expensive, with costs for insurance, maintenance, and gas averaging around $500  to $800 CAD per month.

• Healthcare: In Canada, most medical services are covered by the publicly funded healthcare system. However, newcomers to Canada must wait for a certain period (usually three months) before they are eligible for coverage. In the meantime, private health insurance can cost from 60 CAD to 150 CAD per month.

• Phone and Internet: The cost of phone and internet services in Canada can range from $50 CAD to $100 CAD per month, depending on the provider and plan.

• Other expenses: Other expenses may include clothing, furniture, household items, and entertainment. The cost of these items will depend on individual preferences and needs.

Overall, the estimated monthly expenses for a newcomer to Canada can range from

$1,500 CAD to $3,000 CAD, depending on individual circumstances. It is important to plan and budget accordingly to ensure a comfortable transition to life in Canada.

We are here for you!:

At Connect Canada, we’re dedicated to helping newcomers navigate the challenges of immigrating to Canada. If you have any questions about the costs of moving to Canada, or if you need support with your settlement or job search, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you on your journey.