Is moving to Canada worth it?
Updated on March 05, 2025
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Table of Contents
Whether to immigrate or not is a personal question. You may not like everything about your own country or any other country. So, it makes sense to settle in Canada if you choose to immigrate.
Canada invites immigrants to find promising careers, earn decent earnings, and create a bright future for their families. In addition, the government has continued to bolster policies that support immigration, from its healthcare system to violence regulations. There is so much cultural diversity and multiculturalism already embedded in the country that you might just feel at home.
What are the benefits of Canadian citizenship?
Here are some of the notable key benefits of being a Canadian:
- Travel and passport benefits: Canadian passports are one of the most respected passports, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries.
- Legal and voting rights: Gaining the right to vote in federal, provincial, and municipal elections and having enhanced legal protections, including the inability to lose citizenship unless voluntarily renounced or revoked for fraud.
- Stable political environment: The country offers a secure and predictable political climate, ensuring stability for individuals and families.
- Low crime rates: Canada is recognized for its safety, having one of the world’s lowest rates of gun violence.
- Economic and work benefits: Having access to work in any province or territory without restrictions with exposure to strong job markets, fair wages, and robust social benefits.
- High quality of life: Canada provides a high standard of living with excellent healthcare that is primarily free and readily available, education, and a clean environment.
- Citizenship for future generations: Children who are born to Canadian citizens or permanent residents inherit the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
- Diverse cultures and beliefs: Canada’s cultural mosaic diversifies and fosters inclusivity and respect for various traditions and beliefs.
How much money should I save to move to Canada?
It entirely depends on your immigration pathway, family size, and initial settlement plans. But here is an estimate based on major factors and requirements:
- Immigration application fees: With express entry, it is now easier to immigrate to Canada with just CAD $1,365 for a single applicant, CAD $850 for a spouse/partner, and CAD $230 per child.
- Proof of funds: Starting at CAD $13,757 per single applicant, CAD $17,127 for a family of two, and CAD $24,733 for a family of four. However, this is not required if you are moving with a valid job offer or through specific programs
- Travel costs: International flights to Canada typically cost CAD $500 – $2,000 per person, depending on your location.
- Initial settlement costs: You need to prepare your housing costs, food expenses, transportation, and other essentials which can reach CAD $5,000 – $8,000 per single person and CAD $12,000 – $15,000 per family of four.
Be ready to prepare around CAD $20,000 to $25,000 per single person to cover the initial cost of migrating and CAD $40,000 to $50,000 for a family. And remember to budget extra for unforeseen expenses.
Do I need a job offer before immigrating?
Not necessarily, Many immigration programs, like Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program), do not require a job offer, but having one can significantly improve your chances of being selected.
There is a huge availability of employment opportunities in Canada, which could greatly benefit newcomers. You can now utilize online job platforms to look for jobs before going to Canada.
What industries have the most job opportunities in Canada?
Some of the most in-demand occupations come from the following industries:
- Technology (e.g., software development, IT)
- Healthcare (e.g., nurses, doctors, personal support workers)
- Skilled trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers)
- Transportation and logistics (e.g., truck drivers)
- Finance and accounting
- Agriculture and hospitality in rural areas
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How does Canada’s healthcare system work?
Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system where the government pays for medically necessary services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and even some surgeries and mental health services.
These services are accessible to residents at the point of care without direct charges. However, additional and specific services like dental care, prescription drugs, and eye care are not covered and may require private insurance or out-of-pocket payment.
What is Canada’s climate like?
Canada is also known for its extreme weather conditions, particularly its cold winters and how they affect daily life. However, there are also mild summers in the north and more temperate climates in coastal areas like British Columbia.
But Canadians are well-prepared for the winter with heated buildings, insulated homes, winter clothing (e.g., thermal jackets, boots), and snow removal services.
You can adapt to changing weather by using snow removal services, adjusting travel plans during storms, and embracing winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
What are the common challenges for newcomers in Canada?
Newcomers often face challenges when adapting to life in Canada, such as finding employment due to a lack of Canadian work experience or credential recognition, as well as financial pressures from the initial living costs, limited credit history, and settling-in expenses.
In addition, loneliness and potential discrimination can impact your settlement process. Fortunately, these challenges can be managed effectively with access to settlement services, language programs, and community support.
What are the available social services and benefits in Canada?
Here are some of the social services and benefits that are designed to improve the quality of life of Canadians:
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): These are tax-free monthly payments to Canadian families with children under 18 to help with childcare and living expenses.
- Employment Insurance (EI): A temporary financial support to individuals who lose their jobs, take parental leave, or cannot work due to illness or caregiving responsibilities.
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP): This plan offers retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to individuals who have contributed to the plan during their working years.
- Affordable housing programs: Provides affordable housing initiatives for low-income individuals and families.
- Free public education: This is available for children from kindergarten to Grade 12. While post-secondary education is subsidized, with financial aid available.
- Disability Tax Credit (DTC): A tax credit for individuals with disabilities or their caregivers to reduce tax burdens.
- Seniors’ discounts and subsidies: Benefits like discounts for transportation, utilities, and other services are available for seniors.
- Small business loans and grants: Provides financial support and advisory services for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
- Immigration Loans Program (ILP): Gives financial assistance for refugees to cover travel costs, medical exams, and initial settlement expenses.
Apart from these, there is a wide range of social services and benefits that could help Canadians with specific needs and foster a high quality of life for all residents.
Is income tax higher than in the US?
When looking at the combination of federal and provincial/state taxes, Canadians often face higher marginal rates across various income levels.
Some argue that you get more for your tax dollar but there are many people on each side of that argument.
However, US citizens and Green Card holders must file US tax returns no matter where they live or work. So, they typically get a rough time because they have to file Canadian tax returns with the CRA and US tax returns with the IRS.
Luckily, a modern tax treaty between the United States and Canada prevents US citizens from paying double taxes. It does protect most Americans most of the time, but it’s not perfect. As a US citizen or a Canadian with dual US nationality, it’s important to keep abreast of US tax laws and get good advice before planning too far.
