Arrival budget for newcomers to Canada

Estimate arrival and setup costs, then connect them to local income and cost-of-living planning.

1) Select your pathway
2) Tune costs by phase
3) Set monthly savings target

Immigration planner

Estimate arrival costs, then map a savings timeline.

1
Program
2
Phase costs
3
Monthly target
Estimated total
$8,307
Estimates only. Confirm costs with IRCC and service providers.
Monthly savings target
$692
Use a realistic timeline so the monthly target makes sense.
Additional people
Use this for extra flights, deposits, and setup costs for family members.
City baseline rent is $1,761. Use 2x for first month + deposit.
Application
IRCC application fees
Required
$
Biometrics
Required
$
Documents
Medical exam
Required
$
Language test
Required
$
Credential evaluation (ECA)
Required
$
Police certificates
Optional
$
Translations and notarization
Optional
$
Arrival
Flights to Canada
Optional
$
Settlement
Housing setup (first month + deposit)
Optional
$
Initial setup (phone, basics)
Optional
$

How This Planner Works

1

Select your immigration program to see typical costs for that pathway.

2

Adjust costs based on your specific situation (family size, city, etc.).

3

Use your discretionary income from the Income Calculator and city cost pages to plan savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an official IRCC calculator?

No. This is a planning tool to help estimate costs, not an official immigration resource. Always check IRCC website for official fees.

How much should I save before moving?

We recommend having at least 6 months of living expenses saved, plus initial settlement costs. Use the planner to customize for your situation.

Can I work immediately after arriving?

It depends on your visa type. Some require waiting for work permits to be processed. Study permits may have work restrictions.

Calculation transparency

Data, sources, and assumptions

Results combine Canadian tax rules, city cost baselines, and market assumptions versioned with the site code.

Data synced
May 22, 2026
Federal/provincial tax
City cost baselines
Market rates and assumptions
Estimates do not replace tax, financial, or legal advice.
Sources and methodology
statcan_rent_34100133: ok 2025; statcan_gasoline_18100001: ok 2026-04; boc_valet_mortgage_5yr: ok 2026-05-20; tax_fallback_2026: ok 2026-01-03

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