Are you moving to Canada to enjoy a life of Tim Hortons, cold winters, and a booming job market? There are many things to enjoy about a life in the Great White North, but first you need to get there. That’s why we at Sirelo put together this awesome guide on removals to Canada from the UK. So, read on for movingcosts, checklist, and more. Since we want to help make your move to Canada easy as possible, we even have free removal quotes! Soon, you’ll be happily on you way over to the Great White North, thanks to Sirelo.
Like most people, the cost of removals to Canada is likely something that comes to mind. However, the average cost of moving to Canada from the UK is difficult to determine, as the distance can vary greatly. But you can expect to pay between £4,900-£7,600 for an average 3-bed house.
Of course, distant isn’t the only factor that will decide the cost of your move to Canada. So, for a detailed breakdown that will help you save money, read our international removal costs page!
The table below shows estimations of the average cost of moving from London to Toronto, Canada, depending on household size:
Household Size
Time
Cost
1 bed flat
9-12 days
£2,500-£4,000
3 bed house
9-12 days
£5,500-£7,000
5 bed house
9-12 days
£8,000-£10,000
Disclaimer.The rates shown above are just estimates. Costs will vary depending on your actual point of departure and service rates of the company.
Request Free Removal Quotes
It’s hard to complete an international removal from the UK to Canada without an experienced removal company! Just fill out the form below and get free quotes today to start your move to the land of Canucks!
Moving to Canada?
Choose the size of your move and receive free removal quotes!
As a UK citizen moving to Canada, you’ll need a visa. This can come in different forms, depending on the reason you’re moving to Canada. Mostly likely you’ll likely want to work while in Great White North, and therefore you’ll need to apply for a work permit. You can also view other avenues to Canada here.
Do You Want to Know More About Visa in Canada?
Visa applications can be a complicated process, so we put together a short guide on Canadian visas. Since a visa doesn’t need to be a hassle to apply for!
We know that moving to a new country, let alone a new continent, can be daunting. Therefore, to help you with your international removal from the UK to Canada, we’ve curated a moving checklist, to make your move easy, since we know how hard it can be!
✔️Important documents
It can be easy to forget how important these documents are, but you’ll need them to apply for your visa, healthcare card, tax, and jobs. We recommend you keep them safe, accessible, and even to make duplicates! They can be expensive and take time to replace, trust us.
Passport
Visa and Work Permits
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations)
University Degree(s)
Police Background Check
✔️Organise an international moving company
If there’s one thing you should definitely do early, it’s finding a removal company. With an international removal to Canada, there’s a lot to organise and it’s best to have some with experience of moving household goods to Canada, trust us. So, in your quest for the best check out the top UK international removal companies.
✔️Pack
Read our expert packing guide for special tips to optimise your move. Be ruthless with your selections, especially with furniture. Let’s be honest, you do not need the broken table that you have been meaning to fix for a decade, or the lamp that has been collecting dust in the cupboard.
✔️ Healthcare
The Canadian equivalent to the NHS is Medicare, which similarly uses funds from the government to give affordable healthcare to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
To enjoy the benefits of the Canadian healthcare system, you should apply for a national healthcare card upon arrival. Make sure you are privately insured in the meantime since you may have to wait up to three months to receive it!
However, as it’s possible to see long waiting times when seeking medical help through Medicare it might be an idea to keep your health insurance plan to access private healthcare options if you, like most of us, can’t stand long queues!
✔️Tax
You must inform HMRC when you move abroad. After moving to Canada, you need to apply for a social insurance number through the Canadian government as it’s necessary to work and pay taxes.
Of course, that’s not all there is to taxes. And if you want to be more informed (who doesn’t?), then read our page on taxes in Canada to find out more.
✔️ Banking
When you arrive, it is advised that you open a Canadian bankaccount as soon as possible. All of the ‘Big Five’ Canadian banks listed below cater for newcomers, so do some research as to which bank best suits your circumstances:
Fun Fact: Canada has been using polymer banknotes since 2012.
✔️ Pets
We know how important furry friends are. To make sure you don’t have to leave them behind, take note. When moving to Canada from the UK with a cat or dog you need:
Valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate
Veterinary Certificate
To learn more about the specific criteria for other pets, check out the Canadian Government’s page on import requirements.
✔️Import Your Car to Canada
In general, cars sold in countries other than the United States and Mexico cannot be imported to Canada, so it’s unlike you’ll be able to bring your car. There are some exceptions which are listed below:
It is 15 years or older (a real golden oldie!)
The vehicle is a bus manufactured before January 1, 1971
The car is non-regulated
The vehicle is bought new from manufacturer and meets all Canadian standards, the manufacturer must provide proof to the Canadian government
Fun fact: in Nunavut in northern Canada, licence plates are shaped like polar bears!
✔️Driving License
When you arrive in Canada, you can use your UK driver’s license for the first couple of weeks, but you’ll need to exchange it for a regional license to keep driving. Fortunately, it’s very easy to do when you’re from the UK. It varies by province, but common things you need are:
Required ID
Your current driver’s licence
Fee for your licence
Proof of driving experience
Proof of Residency
For more information check out the Canadian government’s page on driving.
If you want more an even more thorough checklist, go check out our moving abroad checklist. What’s better than having one checklist? Having two!
Life in the Great White North
So far, we’ve mainly focused on the process and costs of moving to Canada, but what about once you’ve arrived? Well, we’ve some post moving to Canada from the UK advice for you.
While you read, why not jam out to the Canadian national anthem?
Listen to our Spotify playlist
and get ready to move!
Listen to our Spotify playlist
and get ready to move!
The Cost of Living in Canada
While our priority is to ensure that we help you keep your cost of moving to Canada from the UK down, we also recognise that you might have anxieties about expenses once you arrive. Like any other country, the cost of living in Canada depends on multiple factors, such as location, and lifestyle.
However, here is a list of common cost of living metrics, with a comparison between Canada and the UK, so you know what to expect from your new home (and can avoid being ripped off!) For the sake of comparison, all prices are written in GBP.
Metric
Canada
UK
Rent for 1 bed apartment in city centre
£771
£758
Basic monthly utilities for 85m2 apartment
£91.80
£155.87
1L of milk
£1.45
£0.91
Cappuccino
£2.44
£2.75
0.5L draught beer
£3.46
£3.63
1L of gasoline
£0.66
£1.27
Want to Work in Canada?
Canada has a robust and competitive job market, which can make finding a job difficult but well worth it. You’ll likely need a job to get a visa, so the sooner you start searching the better!
Key Industries
So, knowing the key industries will help you narrow your search and see where it’ll be best for you to find a job. The key industry will change by region, but the key industries across Canada are:
Agriculture
Technology
Services
Energy
Manufacturing
Job Search
Nevertheless, it can be hard to find jobs somewhere that is so far away from the UK. We have therefore provided you with a list of job search websites below:
We’re sure our great advice on how to move to Canada from the UK has made you an expert on moving, so soon you’ll be a toque wearing canuck!
If you’re hungry for more knowledge on moving, don’t hesitate to continue reading to prepare to for your move with the help of the articles we have linked for you below.
One last piece of advice about moving to Canada from the UK: wrap up warm! The coldest temperature ever recorded was in Canada: -63°C is definitely not bikini weather.
More information?
International Removals
When organising international removals, it is essential that you choose the best moving company for your needs. Doing so can be difficult in such a saturated industry. Therefore, as experts in moving we have put together a list of top international moving companies in the UK, outlining the servicesandreviews they have, as well as any accredited associations they are part of. Read on to make an informed decision!
Undertaking a home removal is a daunting task. However, learning how to pack for moving house is the first step to shaking those nerves, and ensuring a stress-free move! Follow this step-by-step guide and let moving house become an adventure to look forward to, rather than a process to dread.
That’s right, it’s everyone’s favourite dinnertime discussion topic, UK container shipping costs! Look, we are well aware that this isn’t the most exhilarating subject, but buckle in, because thorough research can help save you both time and money. It is hard to know what size, style or service you need, but by the end of this article you will be experts on the matter!
When organising international removals, it is essential that you choose the best moving company for your needs. Doing so can be difficult in such a saturated industry. Therefore, as experts in moving we have put together a list of top international moving companies in the UK, outlining the servicesandreviews they have, as well as any accredited associations they are part of. Read on to make an informed decision!
Undertaking a home removal is a daunting task. However, learning how to pack for moving house is the first step to shaking those nerves, and ensuring a stress-free move! Follow this step-by-step guide and let moving house become an adventure to look forward to, rather than a process to dread.
That’s right, it’s everyone’s favourite dinnertime discussion topic, UK container shipping costs! Look, we are well aware that this isn’t the most exhilarating subject, but buckle in, because thorough research can help save you both time and money. It is hard to know what size, style or service you need, but by the end of this article you will be experts on the matter!
