Moving from India to Canada involves costs that most guides either undercount or overstate. The immigration fees alone total around CAD 2,300 (INR 1.25 lakh) for a single applicant through Express Entry, but the real expense is settlement: your first month of rent, groceries, transit, and the mandatory proof-of-funds requirement. This guide breaks down every rupee you will spend, from IELTS registration in India to your first grocery run in Toronto or Calgary.
Pre-Departure Costs in India
Before you even board a flight, you will spend approximately INR 1.25-1.75 lakh on immigration processing. These costs are non-negotiable and non-refundable once submitted.
| Item | INR | CAD |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | 17,000 | 310 |
| WES Educational Credential Assessment | 13,200 | 240 |
| Express Entry PR fee (principal applicant) | 75,000 | 1,365 |
| Biometrics | 4,700 | 85 |
| Medical examination (panel physician) | 8,000-12,000 | 145-220 |
| Police Clearance Certificate | 500 | 10 |
| Passport (new/renewal if needed) | 1,500-2,000 | 27-36 |
| TEF Canada (optional, for French bonus) | 15,000 | 275 |
| Total pre-departure | 1,20,000-1,40,000 | 2,180-2,540 |
If applying with a spouse, add CAD 1,365 for the spousal PR fee, plus their IELTS and medical costs. Dependent children cost CAD 260 each for PR processing plus medical exams.
Flights and Shipping
Flights from India to Canada cost INR 40,000-80,000 (CAD 730-1,460) one-way depending on season, airline, and how far ahead you book. Delhi and Mumbai to Toronto is the most competitive route, with Air India, Air Canada, and connecting flights through the Middle East (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad) offering the best fares. Book 3-4 months ahead for the best prices. Peak season (June-August) is 30-50% more expensive than winter departures.
Baggage and shipping: Most airlines allow 2 checked bags of 23 kg each on long-haul flights (46 kg total). Extra baggage costs CAD 100-200 per piece. For larger shipments, sea freight from India to Canada costs approximately INR 50,000-1,00,000 for a 50-100 kg consolidated shipment, taking 6-8 weeks door to door. Most new immigrants find it more practical to buy household items in Canada rather than ship them.
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Get Your Free Verdict →Settlement Funds: What IRCC Requires
Express Entry applicants without a valid Canadian job offer must demonstrate settlement funds. This is not a fee — it is money you must have available in your bank account. As of 2026, the minimum settlement funds are:
| Family Size | CAD Required | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 14,690 | 8,08,000 |
| 2 people | 18,288 | 10,06,000 |
| 3 people | 22,483 | 12,37,000 |
| 4 people | 27,315 | 15,02,000 |
These amounts are updated annually. You need bank statements from the last 6 months showing the funds. Fixed deposits, savings accounts, and mutual fund holdings (with redemption statements) are acceptable. Canadian Experience Class applicants with valid Canadian work experience are exempt from this requirement.
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Get Your Free Verdict →First Month in Canada: City-by-City Costs
Your first month is the most expensive. You need to secure housing (first month plus deposit), set up a phone plan, buy transit passes or a used car, and stock up on essentials. Here is what to expect in the most popular Indian settlement cities.
| Expense | Toronto | Vancouver | Calgary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, first + last) | CAD 4,400 | CAD 4,800 | CAD 2,800 |
| Groceries | CAD 450 | CAD 480 | CAD 400 |
| Transit pass | CAD 156 | CAD 110 | CAD 112 |
| Phone plan | CAD 50 | CAD 50 | CAD 50 |
| Winter clothing (if arriving Oct-Mar) | CAD 300 | CAD 250 | CAD 350 |
| Essentials (bedding, kitchen basics) | CAD 400 | CAD 400 | CAD 350 |
| First-month total | CAD 5,756 | CAD 6,090 | CAD 4,062 |
| INR equivalent | 3,17,000 | 3,35,000 | 2,23,000 |
Brampton and Mississauga (near Toronto) have large Indian communities with more affordable housing and access to Indian grocery stores. Surrey (near Vancouver) is similarly popular. These suburban options can reduce your first-month rent by 20-30%.
Money Transfer: Getting INR to CAD
Banks charge 2-4% above the mid-market exchange rate on INR to CAD transfers, plus wire fees of INR 500-1,500. Over a CAD 15,000 settlement fund transfer, that means losing INR 25,000-60,000 to poor exchange rates. Wise and similar services charge 0.5-1% with no hidden markup, saving you INR 15,000-45,000 on a typical settlement transfer.
Remember the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows up to USD 250,000 per financial year. A 20% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies on foreign remittances exceeding INR 7 lakh under LRS, but this is adjustable against your income tax return — it is not a permanent tax. Factor this into your cash flow planning.
For a detailed salary comparison, see India vs Canada: Salary & Cost of Living 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move from India to Canada in 2026?
The total cost ranges from INR 6-12 lakhs (CAD 8,500-17,000) for a single applicant, depending on the city. This includes visa and immigration fees (approximately INR 1.25 lakh), flights (INR 40,000-80,000), first month's rent and deposit (INR 1.5-3 lakh), and initial living expenses. You must also show settlement funds of CAD 14,690 (approximately INR 8 lakh) in your bank account, though this money doesn't need to be spent.
What are the cheapest Canadian cities to settle in from India?
Calgary (Alberta), Edmonton, Winnipeg (Manitoba), and Saskatoon (Saskatchewan) offer significantly lower housing costs than Toronto or Vancouver. A 1-bedroom apartment in Calgary averages CAD 1,400/month vs CAD 2,200 in Toronto. Alberta also has no provincial sales tax, saving 8% on purchases. Many PNP streams in these provinces have lower CRS requirements, making them doubly attractive.
Can I use a home loan or borrowed money as settlement funds?
No. IRCC requires that settlement funds be genuine, available, and transferable. Bank statements from the past 6 months must show consistent balances or legitimate deposits. Borrowed funds, recent large deposits without explanation, or funds that appear temporarily parked will raise red flags and can lead to application refusal. Fixed deposits and mutual fund redemptions with clear paper trails are acceptable.
How much money can I take out of India legally?
Under RBI's Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), Indian residents can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year (approximately INR 2.1 crore) for permitted purposes including emigration, education, and maintenance of relatives. A 20% TCS (Tax Collected at Source) applies on remittances exceeding INR 7 lakh per year under LRS, though this is adjustable against your income tax liability. Use Wise or similar services for better exchange rates than banks.
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