Your life in Canada starts here
Make your move to Canada
Mountains, lakes and vast open space define Canada, backed by strong public healthcare and large communities from around the world. A streamlined skilled-migration route can lead straight to permanent residency for skilled arrivals.
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Photo: Nunzio Guerrera / Unsplash
At a glance
Canada, in brief.
How Canada compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Canada ranks among the best for english-friendliness (6th of 81) and size of expat community (26th of 81) and healthcare (29th of 78).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- High
- Property
- Expensive
- Healthcare
- Strong
- Safety
- Moderate
- Climate
- Cool (~10°C)
- English
- Native / official
- Expat community
- Very large
Express Entry (direct PR); no retiree visa
Worldwide income; no wealth tax
Life in Canada
From Tennessee to small-town Ontario - Gabriel Morrow shares how love, brutal winters, tax battles, and community advocacy shape his new life in Canada.
Health insurance in Canada
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Canada, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Canada into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Canada.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Canada moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Canada
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Canada share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Canada stories
- Ontario
Edward Lee
I am currently a third year university student, living in London, Ontario studying journalism. Funny story is that I am originally from…
- Ontario
Sarah King
The fear that has been stirred up in the British public over immigration has lead to knee jerk reactions from the government…
- Hamilton (Ontario)
Holly Nelson
Hi there! Thank you so much for reading my interview with Expat Focus, it means a lot to me to be able…
Fresh from Canada
Latest articles.
Best Health Insurance Options For American Seniors Moving To Canada In 2026
Before you retire to Canada, make sure your healthcare plan survives the border crossing. Read our guide for American seniors.
Navigating Health Insurance For Retirees Moving From The US To Canada
Planning to retire in Canada? Learn how U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems compare, and prepare for a seamless transition.
A Comprehensive Guide To Healthcare For Expats In Canada
Read our healthcare guide for expats in Canada.
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Canada.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Canada episodes
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Canada, and compare them side by side.
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