Offramp← All destinations

🇬🇧 United Kingdom → 🇨🇦 Canada

Emigrating from the UK to Canada: the real cost

Express Entry is points-based and doesn't need a job offer — but note Canada still requires an approved English test even from native speakers, and you must prove settlement funds.

Difficulty

Harder

Timeline

9–24 mo

Currency

CAD

Cost-to-leave estimator

🇬🇧 United Kingdom → 🇨🇦 Canada. Indicative ranges, not a quote.

English test (IELTS/CELPIP) ×2C$600 – C$700
Educational Credential Assessment ×2check ↗C$400 – C$640
PR processing fee (per adult) ×2check ↗C$1,980
PR processing fee (per child)check ↗C$270
Right of Permanent Residence Fee ×2check ↗C$1,200
Biometrics ×3C$255
Immigration medical exams ×3C$600 – C$1,350
UK police certificate (ACRO) ×2check ↗C$140 – C$280
One-way flights (UK→CA) ×3C$1,800 – C$4,200
Cross-border (UK/CA) tax & pension adviceC$600 – C$2,500
Landing fund (rent, deposit, setup)C$6,000 – C$12,000

Estimated total cost to leave

C$13,845 – C$25,375

Fees reviewed 2026-06. Indicative FX. Not financial, tax or migration advice. Official fees ↗

Plus funds you must show (not spend): C$23,360

Express Entry requires proof of settlement funds (unless you have a valid Canadian job offer). Amounts below are reviewed yearly by IRCC. Official rule ↗

Your pension

UK pension (SIPP / workplace)→RRSP / TFSA

There is effectively no working QROPS route from a UK pension into a Canadian RRSP — Canadian plans are not QROPS-registered. Most people leave the pension in the UK and draw it later; the UK-Canada tax treaty covers how UK pension income is taxed once you are Canadian-resident. Canada taxes worldwide income for residents — get advice on timing before you land.

Dig deeper on Canada

Your UK pension→Tax residency→Cost breakdown→Visa & timeline→

Frequently asked

How much does it cost to emigrate from the UK to Canada?

It varies by family size and route, but most households should budget across visa fees, medical and police checks, flights, cross-border tax/pension advice and a landing fund. Use the estimator on this page for a personalised range. Express Entry is points-based and doesn't need a job offer — but note Canada still requires an approved English test even from native speakers, and you must prove settlement funds.

Can I transfer my UK pension to Canada?

There is effectively no working QROPS route from a UK pension into a Canadian RRSP — Canadian plans are not QROPS-registered. Most people leave the pension in the UK and draw it later; the UK-Canada tax treaty covers how UK pension income is taxed once you are Canadian-resident. Canada taxes worldwide income for residents — get advice on timing before you land.

How long does the move to Canada take?

Typically 9–24 months. Express Entry: points-tested, proof of funds required, English test mandatory even for Britons.

Get the Canada financial-emigration playbook

Step-by-step checklist for UK tax residency, your pension, moving money and banking. Join the list for launch pricing.

See a free sample of the playbook →

Educational information only — not financial, tax, legal or migration advice. Fees reviewed 2026-06; verify current figures via the official links above before acting.