Moving to Canada in 2026

Moving to Canada: entry, first 30 days, 3-month budget

Russian citizens need a visa for a trip, and processing is usually slow. For a move Canada offers permanent residence straight away: federal skilled worker selection by points for age, education, experience and language, provincial programmes tied to occupation lists and business, and a work permit through the global talent stream in about 2 weeks. The federal startup visa has not accepted new applications since 1 January 2026.

1. Before the trip. A language test, credential assessment, a selection profile, an invitation and the application for permanent residence or a work permit, biometrics at a visa centre.
2. Days 1-30. A Social Insurance Number, a bank account and a lease; in Ontario tenants usually pay the first and last month up front.
3. Days 30-90. A provincial health card: some provinces have a waiting period of up to 3 months, so private insurance is needed for that time.

Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and east coast cities are noticeably cheaper than Toronto and Vancouver. A family budget depends on its size and the programme; we calculate it in the chat. Exchange rate: about $0.70 per Canadian dollar on 5 October 2026.

Canada in brief

Canada is the world's second-largest country and a federation of 10 provinces and 3 territories with a population of about 41 million. The capital is Ottawa, and the largest cities are Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. The British King is head of state, and the country is run by parliament and the prime minister. The economy rests on oil, gas and metals, forestry, agriculture, finance and technology. The official languages are English and French, and French is the main language in Quebec. The currency is the Canadian dollar.

Canada suits specialists and families who want permanent residence with a clear path to citizenship after 3 years in the country, strong education and healthcare, and wealthy investors through the Quebec programme. It suits less those seeking a quick move without a job, low taxes or a mild climate.

How to move in 2026

The federal startup visa has not accepted new applications since 1 January 2026, and the self-employed programme is suspended. A child born in Canada becomes a citizen at once, but the parents do not receive status automatically. Citizenship is granted after 1,095 days in the country within 5 years as a permanent resident, with a test about Canada and English or French; the fee is 653 Canadian dollars, about $500. Dual citizenship is allowed. More on the page about naturalisation in Canada.

Taxes

Canada taxes income on a federal scale from 14% to 33% plus a separate provincial scale, so the combined top rate reaches about 53.5%. Salaries are subject to pension plan and employment insurance contributions. Sales tax ranges from 5% to 15% depending on the province, and combined federal and provincial corporate tax is 23% to 30%, lower for small businesses. A person usually becomes tax resident when their home, family and economic ties are in Canada. More on the page about Canadian taxes.

Property

Until 1 January 2027 there is a ban on home purchases by foreigners who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents, with exceptions for some work permit holders and students. In addition, Ontario and British Columbia charge a separate tax on foreign buyers. Once you have permanent residence the restrictions are lifted. More on the page about property in Canada.

Cost of living

Canada is expensive, and the main cost is rent in Toronto and Vancouver, among the highest in North America. Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and cities on the east coast are noticeably cheaper. Public healthcare is free for permanent residents and citizens; some provinces have a waiting period of up to 3 months after arrival, so private insurance is needed for that time. State schools are free.

Where to live

• Toronto. The largest city and financial centre, with the most jobs and the most expensive housing.
• Vancouver. A mild climate between the Pacific and the mountains, and very expensive property.
• Montreal. A French-speaking cultural centre with more affordable housing, but French is needed.
• Calgary. Energy, high salaries and no provincial sales tax.
• Ottawa. The capital with government institutions and tech companies.
• Halifax. The Atlantic coast, a calm life and more affordable housing.

Practicalities

• Entry. Russian citizens need a visa even for a trip, and processing is usually long.
• Documents. After arrival you receive a social insurance number, without which you cannot take a job or open many banking products.
• Credit history. It is built from scratch, and rentals, loans and phone contracts depend on it.
• Climate. Long cold winters across almost the whole country, except the British Columbia coast.
• Language. English across the country, French in Quebec and part of New Brunswick.

Who Canada suits

Canada is a strong choice for specialists with good English or French and for wealthy families through the Quebec programme: permanent residence, free education and healthcare, and citizenship after 3 years in the country while keeping your previous passport. Write in the chat and we will assess your points and choose a path to permanent residence.