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Plan Your Move to Canada

A structured, step-by-step roadmap from initial research to landing in Canada — personalized to your situation.

Your Immigration Timeline

A visual roadmap of your journey from research to settlement

12-18 Months Before
  • Research immigration pathways
  • Book and take language tests (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
  • Start Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • Calculate your CRS score
  • Research target provinces and cities
1
6-12 Months Before
  • Submit Express Entry profile or PNP application
  • Gather all supporting documents
  • Get police clearances from all countries
  • Complete medical examination
  • Pay application fees
2
3-6 Months Before
  • Begin job search in Canada
  • Research housing markets in target city
  • Create financial plan and budget
  • Network with professionals in your field
  • Research credential recognition for your profession
3
1-3 Months Before
  • Book flights to Canada
  • Arrange temporary accommodation (first 1-2 weeks)
  • Set up Canadian phone number
  • Pack essentials (documents, medication, winter gear)
  • Notify banks and close unnecessary accounts
4
First 30 Days
  • Apply for SIN (Social Insurance Number)
  • Open Canadian bank account
  • Register for provincial health card
  • Find permanent housing
  • Connect with settlement services
5

Step 1: Research & Assess

Understand your options and eligibility

Step 2: Language & Credentials

Prove your skills with recognized tests and assessments

Language Tests

  • IELTS / CELPIP

    English proficiency — ~$300-400

  • TEF / TCF

    French proficiency (bonus CRS points even at basic level)

Credential Assessment

  • ECA (Educational Credential Assessment)

    WES, IQAS, ICES, or other designated organizations — ~$200-300

  • Professional License Research

    Regulated professions (engineering, medicine, nursing, law) require Canadian licensing

💡 Approximate Costs: IELTS $300-400 | ECA $200-300 | French test $300-400

Plan for 2-3 months processing time for ECA results

Step 3: Financial Preparation

Ensure you meet proof of funds and budget for all costs

Proof of Funds Requirements

Family SizeMinimum Funds (CAD)
1 (Single)$15,263
2 (Couple)$19,001
3$23,360
4$28,362
5$32,168
6$36,280
7+$40,392

Savings Target

Proof of funds + 3-6 months living expenses + settlement costs

  • - Bank statements (last 6-12 months)
  • - Tax returns and pay stubs
  • - Investment account statements

Budget for Fees

  • PR application fee$2,150
  • Medical exam~$500
  • Biometrics$85
  • Total minimum~$2,735

Step 4: Application

Submit your immigration application

1

Create Express Entry profile

Enter your information into the IRCC online system

2

Apply to Provincial Nominee Programs (if applicable)

PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points

3

Gather police clearance certificates

From all countries where you lived 6+ months since age 18

4

Complete medical examination

Must be done by an IRCC-approved panel physician

5

Submit complete application

Ensure all documents are uploaded and fees paid

Processing time: 6-12 months (Express Entry aim: ~6 months)

Step 5: Pre-Departure

Prepare for your move after receiving COPR

✈️

COPR Received

Confirmation of Permanent Residence — your golden ticket

🎫

Book Flights

Compare airlines; consider one-way for flexibility

🏠

Research Housing Market

Understand rent prices in your target city

📱

Canadian Phone Number

Get an eSIM or plan before departure

🏨

Temporary Accommodation

Arrange 1-2 weeks of housing (Airbnb, hotel, hostel)

🧳

Pack Essentials

Documents, medication, winter clothing, and adapters

Step 6: First 30 Days in Canada

Essential tasks after landing

SIN Application

Day 1-2

Apply at Service Canada — required for employment

Bank Account

Week 1

Newcomer packages with fee waivers (RBC, TD, Scotiabank)

Health Card Registration

Week 1

Register for provincial health coverage (may have waiting period)

Find Permanent Housing

Week 1-4

Search rentals on Rentals.ca, Kijiji, Facebook groups

Job Search

Ongoing

LinkedIn, Indeed, company websites, networking events

Settlement Services

Week 1-2

Free government-funded programs for newcomers

Language Classes (LINC)

Week 2-4

Free Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada — for PRs

Interactive Checklists

Track your progress with these comprehensive checklists

Planning Tools

Use these tools to research and prepare for your move

🧮

CRS Calculator

Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System score

🧭

Opportunity Navigator

Find the best province and pathway for you

💼

LMIA Jobs

Browse LMIA-approved job opportunities

💰

Wage Comparison

Compare wages across Canadian cities

🚀

Express Entry

Learn about the Express Entry system

🏛️

PNP Programs

Explore Provincial Nominee Programs

Start Your Personalized Plan

Answer a few questions and get a customized immigration roadmap based on your skills, experience, and goals.

Get Started