Canada

Canada covers nearly half of North America and is the second-largest country in the world by area. Three oceans—the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic—wash its coastline, which is the longest in the world. It is home to 39.7 million people, and two languages have official status: English and French. The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD). The capital is Ottawa, although Toronto remains the largest and most famous city. Politically, it is a federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy. Life in Canada has been attracting migrants from around the world for decades, and the reason is simple: the country has a robust social safety net, public education is free, healthcare is universal, and citizenship can be obtained after just three years of residence.

In this article, we’ll discuss entry requirements for Ukrainians, available immigration options, the actual cost of rent and groceries, the country’s pros and cons, and the conditions for obtaining permanent residency.

Life in Canada: Economy and Standard of Living

The standard of living in Canada consistently ranks among the highest in the world. The average worker takes home about 3,034 CAD per month. The economy is supported by several powerful sectors at once—technology, finance, healthcare, natural resource extraction, and agriculture. The government increases immigration quotas every year: in 2026, it plans to accept over 395,000 new permanent residents, with the majority of spots allocated to economic programs for skilled professionals and blue-collar workers.

In practice, this means that the government is interested in foreign talent and creates favorable conditions for them. Education in public schools is free, and the universities are among the most prestigious in the world. Health insurance covers basic costs for all residents. Taxes are indeed high, but in return, Canadians receive a well-developed social safety net: monthly child benefits (CCB), subsidized daycare (particularly noticeable in Quebec), and integration programs for newly arrived immigrants. Canadians themselves are known for their tolerance and openness, which makes the first few months in a new place much easier.

Entry requirements for Canada and border crossing details

Ukrainians cannot enter Canada without a visa. To enter Canada for tourism purposes, you must apply for a Visitor Visa—this requires filling out a form (IMM 5257), providing bank statements, proof of reservation, and a valid biometric passport.

Traveling to Canada also requires the submission of biometric data: fingerprints and a photo are mandatory for most types of applications. Documents are submitted either online via the IRCC portal or at the Canadian Visa Application Centre in Ukraine. Processing times range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of visa and workload.

How to move to Canada: immigration options

Emigration to Canada is possible through several main channels. The primary selection system is Express Entry for skilled professionals under the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades programs. Selection is based on the CRS points system, taking into account education, work experience, language proficiency, and age.

The second route is Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): a nomination from Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or British Columbia increases your chances of obtaining a permanent resident visa. The Atlantic Immigration Program and programs for rural regions are also available.

Main grounds for relocation:

• Work in Canada — requires a Work Permit and an offer from a Canadian employer; some categories receive an open work permit;
• Study in Canada — Study Permit based on a letter of acceptance, with the right to part-time employment and subsequent transition to work status via the PGWP;
• Family reunification — family sponsorship for spouses, partners, and children of Canadian residents or citizens;
• Business and investment — specific programs for entrepreneurs.

Legalization of stay occurs in stages: from a temporary permit to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.

Pros and Cons of Living in Canada

Among the main advantages:

• a stable economy and high level of social protection;
• free public education and universal healthcare;
• the opportunity to obtain citizenship after 3 years;
• multiculturalism and the absence of discrimination;
• a safe environment and high-quality infrastructure.

Among the downsides are high taxes, expensive rent (especially in Toronto and Vancouver), and a harsh climate with long winters (up to 6 months of snow per year, with temperatures below freezing). The language barrier affects integration: without English or French, finding full-time employment is difficult. Wait times for medical appointments can be long, and dental care is not always covered by basic insurance.

Cost of living in Canada and a family budget

Moving to Canada is expensive, and you should be prepared for this in advance. A one-bedroom apartment in the center of a major city will cost about 1,327 CAD per month, and 1,168 CAD outside the city center. A three-bedroom apartment will cost 2,101 CAD in central areas and 1,822 CAD on the outskirts. Utilities, internet, and mobile service are added on top of that.

Groceries are significantly more expensive than in Ukraine or even in some European countries:

• milk (1 L) — 2.25 CAD;

• bread — 2.69 CAD;
• eggs (12 pcs.) — 3.58 CAD;
• chicken (1 kg) — 12.14 CAD.

You can have lunch at an inexpensive café for 18.28 CAD, and dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost approximately 73 CAD. A single-ride transit ticket costs 2.56 CAD, and a monthly pass costs 74.60 CAD. Parents should set aside a separate budget for daycare (779 CAD/month for a private facility) or an international school (14,863 CAD/year). Buying groceries in bulk and at discount stores significantly reduces monthly expenses—Canadians take full advantage of this.

Requirements for Permanent Residency in Canada

Permanent residency in Canada is obtained through one of the federal programs—Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)—or through family sponsorship. Moving to Canada permanently means first obtaining permanent resident (PR) status, and then, if desired, applying for citizenship.

You can become a citizen after 3 years of actual residence (1,095 days over the past 5 years). The application must include: Form CIT 0002, a Permanent Resident Card (PR Card), tax returns for the past three years, proof of residence in Canada (utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements), and a language certificate—IELTS for English or TEF for French. The application fee is 630 CAD for adults and 100 CAD for children. The average wait time for a decision is 27 months, so the process requires patience.

Popular cities to live in Canada

Toronto remains the main magnet for immigrants—it has the largest job market in IT, finance, and media, a vibrant cultural scene, and year-round festivals. The downside is the highest rent in the country and fierce competition for apartments.

Vancouver on the west coast attracts people with its natural beauty: mountains and the ocean are nearby, and there’s a strong focus on sports and outdoor activities. The tech sector here is robust, but housing prices are among the highest in Canada.

Montreal has a completely different atmosphere: French is the dominant language here, and rent and utilities are significantly lower than in Toronto or Vancouver. It offers a rich culture, affordable restaurants, and an accessible student life.

Calgary is ideal for those seeking work in the oil and gas or construction industries. Moderate living costs and the absence of a provincial sales tax are a significant plus for the family budget.

Tips for Ukrainian immigrants in Canada

Life in Canada for Ukrainians begins with bureaucracy, and it’s important not to miss anything here. Even before departure, you need to determine the type of visa, gather all the required documents, and submit biometric data. Once you arrive, the first thing you should do is obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN): without it, you cannot work legally. Next, you’ll need to register with the provincial health insurance system (some provinces have a three-month waiting period, so private insurance is a smart investment at first) and open a bank account.

English or French is your main tool for integration. Government programs for newcomers cover language courses, help with job searches, and provide orientation in the new environment. The Ukrainian diaspora in Canada is one of the largest in the world, and it is through this community that many are able to find their first contacts, housing, and work more quickly.