v256.0 · relocation checklist · IN → CA · verified 2026-04
India to Canada — relocation checklist
19-step ordered checklist covering visa, banking, healthcare, housing, taxes, schooling, shipping, and pets. Written for the Indian skilled worker / student / family on Express Entry, PNP, or Study Permit.
From
To
Total cost
CAD 15,000-40,000 (₹10-30 lakh) — visa, settlement funds, deposit, shipping
Timeline
20-36 weeks pre-arrival, 8 weeks post-arrival
Typical profile for this pair
Indian skilled worker / student / family on Express Entry, PNP, or Study Permit
Step-by-step checklist (19 steps)
Pre-departure (24-36 weeks out)
- Choose pathway — Express Entry (CRS score, target 470+), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Study Permit + PGWP, Self-Employed, Caregiver, Family Sponsorship
Pre-departure (20-24 weeks out)
- ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) via WES, IQAS, ICAS — ~CAD 250 + 6-10 weeks
Pre-departure (18-22 weeks out)
- IELTS General Training or CELPIP — target CLB 9+ for max CRS points
Pre-departure (16-20 weeks out)
- Express Entry profile creation; ITA (Invitation to Apply) issued at draws (rounds every 2 weeks); PR application within 60 days of ITA
Pre-departure (12-16 weeks out)
- Police clearance + medical exam (panel physician); biometrics CAD 85; PR application processing 6-12 months
Pre-departure (8-12 weeks out)
- Proof of funds — settlement funds required (CAD 14,690 single, +CAD 3,924 each additional family member, 2024 levels)
Pre-departure (6-10 weeks out)
- Tax planning — file IT-30; LRS USD 250K/year for settlement funds; open Wise CAD
Pre-departure (4-6 weeks out)
- Housing — secure first 1-3 months accommodation (Airbnb, furnished short-term); cold cities (Toronto/Calgary) need warm housing
Pre-departure (2-4 weeks out)
- Ship — sea freight Mumbai/Chennai to Vancouver/Halifax/Montreal 30-45 days, CAD 4,000-10,000 for 20ft
Pre-departure (1-2 weeks out)
- Pet — Canada CFIA import requirements: rabies vaccine + microchip + import permit (varies by animal); CAD 500-2,000
Arrival (Week 1)
- COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) stamping at port of entry; landing interview with CBSA
- Apply for SIN (Social Insurance Number) at Service Canada — same-day issuance with COPR
Arrival (Week 1-2)
- Open Canadian bank — RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank all offer Newcomer Programs (90-day fee waiver, no SIN needed initially)
Arrival (Week 2-3)
- Health card registration (OHIP Ontario / MSP BC / RAMQ Quebec) — usually 3-month waiting period; buy private interim insurance
Arrival (Week 2-4)
- Long-term housing — proof of income + 1 year residency typically required, or 6-12 months rent upfront
Arrival (Week 3-4)
- Get Driver's License — most provinces accept Indian license for 60-90 days; convert via knowledge + road test
Arrival (Month 2)
- Children school enrollment — Public schools free for PRs; school district registration
Arrival (Month 3-6)
- Indian ITR partial year; Canadian T1 General due April 30; India-Canada DTAA file relevant TRC
Ongoing
- Canadian citizenship after 3 years (1,095 days) physical residence in 5-year window; Cit test + language proof
Cost breakdown
| Express Entry application + biometrics | CAD 1,365 + CAD 85 |
| ECA (WES) | CAD 250 |
| IELTS General | CAD 320 |
| Medical exam | CAD 200-450 |
| Police clearance | CAD 0-50 |
| Settlement funds (single) | CAD 14,690 (must show in account) |
| First month rent + first/last month deposit (Toronto 2BR) | CAD 5,000-12,000 |
| Shipping (sea freight 20ft) | CAD 4,000-10,000 |
⚠ Gotchas + watch-outs
- 3-month health card waiting period — buy private interim insurance (CAD 100-200/month)
- Settlement funds must be in your account 6+ months before applying (no last-minute transfers)
- CRS scores rising — 470+ typical for Express Entry draws 2024-2025
- Quebec has separate immigration program (CSQ/PEQ) — not under Express Entry
- Renting in Toronto/Vancouver competitive — credit history + employer references required
- India-Canada DTAA (1996) prevents double taxation
- Indian ITR still required for India-source income
Official sources
- Canada IRCC — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
- Express Entry — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html
- CFIA pet import — https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/imports/eng/1300388234692/1300388281611
See also: India profile · Canada profile · all relocation checklists
Last verified 2026-04. Immigration, tax, and banking rules change frequently — verify with official sources before acting.