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Your move, step by stepYou’re at: Research
  1. ResearchYou’re here
  2. Making the moveOffer accepted, packing up, or just landed
  3. Living hereSettled in: renewals, seasons, careers, permanent residence, wills
  4. Helping othersComing soon
  5. Moving onLeaving Canada, back to the UK or on to the next country
Your move · Research

Is Canada right for us?

Work out whether the move adds up for you before you commit: permits, jobs, cities and costs. Start with the numbers, then read the guides that apply to your household.

Start with the numbers

How much do I need to move to Canada?

Answer a few questions. The total updates as you go.

Adults
Area
Have this much ready before you moveC$64,173about £34,688 · first 6 months · includes a 1-month safety buffer
Costs in your first 6 monthsC$92,680
Running costs a monthC$7,127
See month by month and employer help →
Cost of living in Toronto: 2 adults and 2 childrenC$7,127 a monthChange it → £85k UK salary vs C$120k in Ontario−£1,054 a monthCompare an offer →

Is it right for us?

3 guides

Is Canada right for you?

Who it suits, what the weather is really like, the time difference and how far you are from home.

What people wish they’d known

The surprises British movers mention most: winter, rents, getting a family doctor, credentials and the distance.

What rules catch Brits out in Canada?

Declaring food and cash at the border, cannabis, drink-driving tests, phones at the wheel, school buses, right on red and wildlife.

Work and pay

5 guides

How do I get a job in Canada?

Where jobs are advertised, how employer sponsorship (LMIA) works, a Canadian-style résumé and how to check what a job pays.

Will my UK qualifications be recognised?

Educational credential assessments (ECA) for immigration, and licensing with provincial regulators for nurses, doctors, teachers, engineers and trades.

What’s it like to work in Canada?

Hours, holidays, politeness, hybrid work, the right to disconnect in Ontario, and French at work in Quebec.

Home, family and health

2 guides · 3 coming soon

Which Canadian visa or permit do I need?

Visitor eTA, work permits, the Working Holiday, Express Entry, provincial nominations, family routes, fees and the 2026 cuts.

How does healthcare work in Canada?

Provincial health plans, waiting periods, what isn’t covered, finding a family doctor and cover for the gap.

How much does it cost to live in Canada?

We’re writing this guide now.Coming soon

Where next

Move on to the next step when you have a work permit or permanent residence route and a moving date.