Moving from India to Canada

India to Canada is one of the largest immigration corridors in the world. Canada welcomes over 100,000 Indian immigrants annually through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and student pathways. Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Brampton have large established Indian communities with cultural amenities, temples, and familiar cuisine.

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, Federal Skilled Trades) is the primary pathway
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) — Ontario, BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are popular choices
• Study Permit with Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) pathway for students
• Family sponsorship for spouses, parents, and dependent children
• LMIA-based work permits through employer sponsorship
• Processing times vary — budget 6–12 months for PR applications

• Open a Canadian bank account — ICICI Bank Canada and major banks offer newcomer packages
• Transfer funds via SWIFT or services like Wise for better INR-to-CAD rates
• Build Canadian credit history early with a secured credit card
• NRI banking options let you maintain Indian accounts while abroad
• Canada has no restrictions on remittances to India

• Canada taxes residents on worldwide income — including Indian rental income and investments
• India-Canada DTAA (Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement) prevents double taxation
• NRI status in India means only Indian-sourced income is taxed by India
• Report foreign assets on Canadian T1135 if they exceed CAD $100,000
• Close or restructure Indian PPF, EPF, and NPS accounts based on tax advisor recommendations

• Sea freight from India takes 35–50 days — major ports: Mumbai (JNPT), Chennai, Delhi (ICD)
• 20ft container handles a typical 2–3 bedroom household
• Personal effects for settlers enter Canada duty-free (BSF186 declaration required)
• Items must be owned and used prior to moving — new goods may attract duty
• Restricted items: food products, plants, certain medications require permits
• Consider air freight for essentials to bridge the gap while sea freight arrives

• Brampton, Mississauga, and Surrey have large Indian communities with familiar amenities
• Rental costs: $1,800–$3,000/month for a 2BR in major cities
• Credit history is needed for renting — bring reference letters from Indian landlords
• Winter clothing and heating costs are significant expenses to budget for

• Public education is free and generally high quality across Canada
• School year runs September to June — mid-year enrollment is possible
• Bring attested transcripts and school records from India
• French immersion programs are popular and available in many provinces

• Universal healthcare covers doctor visits and hospital stays — funded through taxes
• 3-month waiting period in some provinces — get private interim insurance
• Prescription drugs, dental, and vision require supplemental insurance
• Bring current prescriptions and medical records translated to English