How can I move to Canada from the UK? What to know before moving to Canada? What are the costs of removal companies to Canada? Read our guide to know everything about your relocation to Canada, immigration eligibility and international removal companies.
How to Move to Canada: A Canadian Visa
You might need a visa if you wish to move to Canada. The visa application can be requested for residence, work or study. It’s also possible to request a visa for spouse reunification or the International Experience Canada program (IEC). The cost of the visa varies depending on the number of people involved. It takes on average between 4 to 6 weeks to obtain your visa, if you are eligible for it.
Cost of Moving to Canada from the UK
Here is an indication of the expected costs for removal to Canada:
| Moving to Canada | Average prices |
|---|---|
| International move UK / Canada | £2,150 - £4,650 |
| Customs fees (laser inspection) | £215 |
| Customs fees (container inspection) | £675 |
| Furniture storage | £125/month |
| Moving insurance | 1.5% - 3% |
Save Up to 40% on Your International Removal from the UK to Canada!
The moving price differs per company and depending on the volume of belongings to ship to Canada from the UK. This is why it is useful to compare several moving quotes from international movers to find the best value for money. Fill out this online form and receive up to 6 quotes from international moving professionals and find the best company for your project. It’s free, without commitment and it will make you save money on the cost of your move to Canada.
Advice to Move to Canada
Shipping your belongings across the world may feel a bit overwhelming. To make it easier we’ve created a list of items to consider before requesting removal quotes. In this way, our moving experts will be able to offer you personalized quotes that meet your specific criteria.
How are Calculated the Price of an International Move?
International removal costs are calculated based on the transport method, your destination city, and the size of your move. Read on to get useful tips and make your removal to Canada stress-free.
Which Shipping Method Choose for Your Removal to Canada?
There are two preferred methods for international removals from the UK to Canada: shipping containers or Airfreight. However, the best way to move to Canada from the UK is by shipping containers. Here is an example of the costs of moving house to Canada:
| House Size | Shipping Container Via Sea | Shipping Container Via Air Freight |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 Bedroom House | £2,888 - £3,192 (20ft) | £7,509 - £8,299 |
| 3-5 Bedroom House | £5,487 - £6,065 (40ft) | £9,599 - £12,550 |
Sea Freight: The Most Cost-effective Transport Method to Canada
Shipping via sea freight typically takes between 9-12 days from the UK to a Canadian port. Shipping via air freight is the best option if you are running short on time. Airfreight shipping typically takes between 1 to 3 days. However, this comes with a higher price tag. Furthermore, the amount you can ship can be limited.
Itinerary shipping routes
The largest ports in Canada are Vancouver, Montreal, Prince Rupert, and Halifax. While your belongings may be close to one of these major ports, you’ll want to review with your removal companies the best trajectory for your goods to be transported from the port to your new city via rail or van.
Why is an International Move so Expensive?
Moving abroad is more expensive and requires more careful preparation. To compare offers and prices, take into account as a priority the services included in the moving quote and the whole service, rather than choosing the lowest price.
Indeed, do not neglect the security of your property for a relative saving for your relocation to Canada. Unfortunately, a bad move happens and causes additional inconvenience when moving abroad.
Immigration to Canada Requirements
Do you need a visa for Canada? It’s possible to stay on Canadian territory for 6 months without a visa. But for moving to Canada as a British citizen you must apply for a visa to have the right to immigrate. There are possibilities to immigrate to Canada depending on your situation and your age.
For example, if you will move to Canada for work or for studying (education work experience). You can apply for a temporary working visa, the status of a Canadian citizen or permanent residence.
Canada Immigration Eligibility
| Eligibility conditions | Canadian government's online form |
|---|---|
| Visa file | - Online - On paper |
| Delivery times | 4 to 8 weeks |
Application Fees for a Canadian Visa
| Type of Canadian Visa | Costs |
|---|---|
| Study permit (foreign student) | £87 |
| Work permit | -£90 / person -£325 / group (a group of 3 or more people) |
| Express Entry Canada (for skilled workers) | £800 |
| Permanent residence | £283 |
How to Permanently Move to Canada?
You can apply for a different type of visas, if you wish to relocate permanently to Canada, such as :
- Business Start-up or Investor: if you are an entrepreneur, you have your own business, or you are an investor
- Provincial: if a Canadian province request a special permit when you choose to relocate
- Family/ Spouse Sponsored: if a member of your family is a Canadian resident
- Self-Employed: if you can justify a minimum income of $40,000 per year
- Caregivers: for example, if you are moving to Canada as a doctor or a nurse
Can you Move to Canada Without a Job?
You can apply for specific visas such as the Canada working holiday visa if you are relocating to Canada and you don’t have a job offer. Indeed, this permit allows you to travel and work within Canada for up to 2 years if you are a British citizen between the ages of 18 and 30. The costs of the International Experience Canada program (IEC): £193
What are the Costs of Removal to Canada?
The cost of a move to Canada from the United Kingdom is between £2,888 and £12,550. To estimate your moving budget, you will need to take into account several elements:
- The volume to be transported and the choice of container (20 feet, 40 feet, by grouping)
- Flexibility and duration of transport
- Customs formalities and the time limit for customs clearance of your belongings
- The date of entry into your new accommodation and if there is a need for a storage unit
Choosing your International Moving Quote
The volume of your personal belongings is the most important factor in determining the cost of an international removal to Canada. For this type of removal, it is recommended to select a door-to-door service.
Door-to-door:
In this case, everything is taken care of by the movers. From the administrative procedures to the packing and disassembly of your furniture. Ask for the all-inclusive price so you don’t have any surprises on arrival.
Moving to Canada by shipping container
| Moving service Volume m3 | Costs |
|---|---|
| the UK / Canada (groupage) 7 m3 | £1,100 - £1,700 |
| the UK / Canada (all included) 10 m3 | £2,350 - £3,000 |
| the UK / Canada door to door, including customs clearance 25 m3-33 m3 | £4,650 - £6,500 |
| the UK / Canada yourself (via carrier only) 33 m3 | £3,000 - £4,300 |
Moving to Canada Via Air Freight
Airfreight to Canada is possible but will be less economical. You are also limited in terms of volume, but also of the objects that you are allowed to transport. Consult the list of objects considered dangerous for air cargo. Moving your belongings by plane from your home country costs between 400-500 £ per 100 kg (excluding customs fees).
Moving to Canada Checklist
It is important to make a checklist before organizing your relocation to Canada from the UK:
- Apply for a visa
- Choose a moving date
- Ask for removal quotes from mover Canada
- Pack and organize your relocation
- Notify the administrations about your address change
- Make sure the load, transport, and delivery or your belongings is planned
What to Know When Moving to Canada?
There is no winning strategy for a successful removal to Canada. Indeed, it mainly depends on your situation and the services you need. It may or may not be interesting to resell all of your property and furniture to reduce the volume to be moved and buy everything on site.
What Should I Bring With Me to Canada?
However, you may prefer to take your personal belongings with you. It will make some moving aspect easy (especially if you move with your children). Moreover, take into account that it takes about one to two months to receive all your personal belongings in an oversea country.
Useful to know: the voltage in Canada is 110 V (in the UK is 230 V). Many electronic devices and appliances do not work, even with adapters. Sort this out before you go.
Delivery Estimate for Moving with a Container
If you ship your belonging by sea, a door-to-door removal will approximately take up to 3 to 6 weeks. There might be up to 10 more days needed to move your items from the Canadian port to your new house. It is important to take these delays into account when planning your move. Indeed, this can result in additional costs.
Delay With the Delivery Date Notice
The estimated delivery date might change. In that case, there may sometimes be additional costs if you are unable to receive your belongings on a specific day.
When to Move to Canada?
The majority of rental leases are renewed on July 1st in Canada. Take this information into account to know when to leave and when to transport your belongings for your relocation to Canada.
Storage Unit
You can always rent storage units if you do not have accommodation on the delivery date. While this will mean additional costs, but it might be the best solution if you need more time to find your new house.
What do I Need to Move to Canada?
Which documents are necessary for your relocation to Canada? Below you find a list of all the important documents to bring in your new country.
- Valid passport (for each family member)
- Visas/work permit or residence card
- Certificate of change of residence (to be requested from your town hall in your departure city)
- Proof of residence in Canada
- A detailed inventory of your belongings
- The completed B4 form to be handed over upon your arrival at the airport, to check your belongings (usually prepared by your moving company).
Customs Formalities in Canada
It’s not recommended to take everything you own or have in your house in the UK into Canada. Indeed, certain products might be heavily taxed. The country has strict rules regarding imported food, plants, and minerals. In the table below you can find some examples. This list is not complete, and the moving company will communicate all the prohibitions and regulations to you:
| Cars (less than 15 years) | Prohibited on import, except for collection vehicles. |
|---|---|
| Cars (more than 15 years) | This must meet the standards of the country to have the right to enter the territory. |
| Mattresses and bedding | Authorized on condition of providing a fumigation certificate to customs (ie, previously disinfected). |
| Food or wine | Importation is authorized but limited in quantity and subject to a specific tax. Provide a complete and detailed inventory. |
| Plants | They are generally prohibited (flowers, soil, wooden box, etc.). |
Who to Notify After Moving to Canada?
You must register with the Canadian government once you arrive in Canada and settle in your new home. Indeed, this registration allows you to receive useful documents. Some of the most important are:
– The Social Insurance Number (SIN):
this will be essential and required for most of your procedures in Canada. You must present your (original) identity documents and visas to the local Service Canada Center.
– Canadian health insurance card:
you can apply for it from a local doctor or a medical professional. Once this form has been completed and returned, you can benefit from the free health care system.
– Driver’s license:
you can transfer your British driver’s license, although the latter will be valid for three months in Canada. You might be required to do again the driving exam depending on the provinces and the agreements.
– Vaccinations record:
you need to provide the vaccinations record of your family to register your children in educational establishments.
– Moving to Canada with Pets?
Moving successfully to Canada with your pet, such as a dog or a cat, requires you to be up to dates with animal vaccinations and a certificate. There is no microchip or identification required. A visual inspection is required upon arrival in the territory (with a fee of $30) to verify the import requirements of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Why do British People Move to Canada?
The British community in Canada is very dynamic. There are estimated at more than 650 000 people who have left to settle in Canadian cities as a family, couple or single.
Indeed, it is one of the most attractive countries for international immigration projects due to the flexibility of the procedures for a move to Canada and English as an official language. Canada is also a member of the Commonwealth and shares a common culture and living style with the UK citizens.
Where to live in Canada?
The most popular areas to live for British who settle in Canada are, among others, the cities of:
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Hamilton, Ontario
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- London, Ontario
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Surrey, British Columbia
Immigration to Canada: What Should I Know?
The national currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD 1 = £ 0.58 – Feb.2020). The median salary in Canada is around $3,650 per month (or £ 2,129), with some variation according to the city. Indeed, Toronto and Vancouver are the cities with the highest cost of living, but daily prices and expenses are often lower than in the UK.
The time difference between the UK and Canada is 5 hours with the east coast (Toronto) and 8h with the west coast (Vancouver).
Compare Moving Quotes and Save on Removal Costs
A move from the UK to Canada is expensive, but it is possible to save money without compromising on the quality of the service. Fill out this online form and quickly receive up to 6 quotes from experienced international moving companies. This request is free and without obligation and helps you save up to 40% on the cost of your removal.
Ask for quotes to know more about the costs of removal companies to Canada.
Find the Best Offer for International Mover to Canada
In addition to moving your belongings, don’t forget to take into account any costs for your new installation that can quickly increase your budget. Ask for several quotes from professional and qualified movers for relocation to Canada before making your decision. Indeed, take into account that the cheapest quote will not necessarily be the first choice and do not neglect the options and services offered.
