Canada is one of the world's top destinations for skilled workers, students and families, offering high quality of life, universal healthcare and clear immigration pathways like Express Entry. Moving to Canada means shipping household goods into ports like Vancouver, Montreal or Halifax, clearing CBSA customs with a personal-effects list, and settling into cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary or Montreal. This guide covers the essentials for newcomers and returning Canadians.
Moving to Canada: overview
Newcomers choose Canada for its strong economy, safety, education and welcoming immigration system. Toronto is the largest job market, Vancouver offers a mild climate and Pacific lifestyle, Calgary is an energy and growing tech hub, and Montreal combines affordability with French-Canadian culture.
Most people arrive through Express Entry or a provincial program, or on a study or work permit, then ship their household goods to a Canadian port near their new city.
Visa & immigration basics
- Express Entry — points-based federal system for skilled workers (FSW, CEC, FST).
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) — provinces nominate candidates for local labour needs.
- Study Permit — for international students at designated learning institutions.
- Work Permit — employer-specific or open work permits, including for spouses.
- Family sponsorship and returning-citizen routes also apply. Confirm current criteria with IRCC.
Shipping household goods to Canada
International moves arrive by ocean container to Vancouver (Pacific), Montreal or Halifax (Atlantic), or by air for urgent items. Sea freight transit varies widely by origin. FCL suits a full home; LCL or air freight works for smaller loads. Plan delivery timing around your arrival and address confirmation.
Customs & duties notes (CBSA)
Settlers and returning residents can import used personal effects duty- and tax-free if owned and used before arrival, declared to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) using a goods-to-follow list (Form BSF186/B4). List serial numbers for valuables. New goods, restricted items, food, plants, alcohol and vehicles have specific rules. Prepare two copies of your inventory before you arrive.
Banking & money for newcomers
Major banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) offer newcomer packages, often with no-fee periods and credit-building products, and some let you start the process before arrival. Building Canadian credit history early helps with renting and future borrowing. Budget for converting your funds to CAD.
Schools & education
Public school is free for residents and assigned by neighbourhood catchment; there are also private and international schools in major cities. Post-secondary education is well regarded. Register children early and check provincial enrolment requirements, which vary by province.
Housing & where to live
- Toronto (GTA) — largest job market, highest housing costs, diverse suburbs.
- Vancouver — mild climate, Pacific lifestyle, high housing costs.
- Calgary — energy and tech hub, more affordable housing, no provincial sales tax.
- Montreal — affordable, bilingual, vibrant culture (French is widely used).
Bringing your pet to Canada
Dogs and cats enter Canada with proof of current rabies vaccination and, for dogs, documentation meeting CFIA requirements; specific rules apply by age and origin country. Service animals have separate provisions. Check the latest CFIA import requirements for your origin country before travel.
Destination charges explained
Your origin-country quote covers packing and ocean freight; Canadian destination charges — terminal handling at Vancouver, Montreal or Halifax, CBSA clearance and final delivery — are billed on arrival. Ask for an itemised written quote so these are clear. Our destination charges guide explains each fee.
Plan your move to Canada
Tell us where you're moving from and what you're shipping. A coordinator will reply with a verified written quote and a clear breakdown of Canadian destination charges within one business day.
Request relocation guidanceFrequently asked questions
How do most people immigrate to Canada?
The main route for skilled workers is Express Entry (a points-based federal system), often combined with a Provincial Nominee Program. Others arrive on study or work permits or through family sponsorship. Confirm current eligibility with IRCC.
Can I bring my household goods to Canada duty-free?
Settlers and returning residents can import used personal effects duty- and tax-free if owned and used before arrival, declared to CBSA on a goods-to-follow list (Form BSF186/B4). New goods, vehicles, food, plants and alcohol have specific rules.
Which Canadian city should I move to?
Toronto has the deepest job market, Vancouver offers a mild climate, Calgary is more affordable with a strong energy/tech economy, and Montreal is affordable and bilingual. Choose based on jobs, budget and lifestyle, then ship to the nearest port.
Can newcomers open a bank account before arriving in Canada?
Many major banks offer newcomer programs and let you begin the process before arrival, with no-fee periods and credit-building products. Building Canadian credit early helps with renting and borrowing.
How much does it cost to move to Canada?
It depends on your origin country and city, shipment volume, FCL vs LCL vs air, insurance and Canadian destination charges. Request a verified written quote based on a confirmed inventory.
Can newcomer children attend public school in Canada?
Eligibility, registration documents and language-support options are set by provincial and local school authorities. Contact the school board for your intended address early, and ask what proof of address, immigration documents, vaccination records and prior school records it requires.