How much would one need to save up to move to Canada from the States?

Question

I know this is a weird question to ask online but what do you think?I want to move to Ottawa after I'm done with college. I mean I would probably just fit what I could in my car and sell my bed and whatever else and get new ones. When I do get closer I'm going to have a job already placed before I move and an apartment set up. I'm just wondering what sum of money one would need. Canadian money isn't much different from ours so telling me in US dollars won't make much difference.

Answer 1

I always recommend to people whenm moving to a new location, especially one where they don't have a support system in place, to have a minimum of three months living expenses saved up if a job is lined up, and 6 months if you don't have a job lined up. Even if you have a job lined up and can manage it, have 6 months saved, because sometimes things fall through, no matter how well planned and orchestrated. I would say a minimum of $5,000, and twice that is not a bad goal! That way, you always have an emergency fund in the future for whatever arises if you don't have to use it during your transition period.

Also, you will have to apply for and be granted permanent residency and a work visa before you can move into Canada. If you have a job lined up with an employer willing to vouch for/sponsor you, then it should only take 6 months or so. Otherwise it could take 1-2 years for the immigration process. Also, immigration itself will cost you around $1,200.

All application forms and information can be found at:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/

Answer 2

this will be easy for me to answer because I just moved out on my own a few months ago!
an apartment will want first and last rent- so say $750 per month plus a deposit fee of usually $700, do you have pets? up to $450 pet fee.
now you might need a deposit to turn on your hydro (power) and water. that can be up to $300 for both.
then you will need gas to get there....I drove from Florida to London Ontario and it cost about $300 and that's in a civic. so we'll put you at $400 gas give or take. then figure out how many nights you'll need a hotel..that's $65 if you stay at a days inn.
and food and snacks for the drive- $50 give or take.


Can you legally work in Canada? you will need to get this all figured out.

I'm Canadian but living in Florida...
email me if you have more questions, I'm just busy right now so this answer is pretty basic.
[e-mail]

Answer 3

I live in montreal , but i was born in ottawa, make sure you bring at least 5k with you. you will need first and last rent in a bank , money for furniture minimum 2000.00 and lots of telephone connection with your family .. a calling card..your better be safe than sorry..just in case things don't work out you'll have some money to get back to your family. when moved from ottawa to montreal 22 years ago i only had 2k with me back then and im glad i had saved up that much .their is always unforseable expenses.just to be on the safe side. good luck ... carol

Answer 4

I am from the US and I am living in Canada. The price of things here is compariable to the US. Some things are cheaper and some are more expensive. It depends what you want to do when you are here. I would see how much you spend in a month in the US and I would say it would be about the same in Canada. Travel seems to be more expensive here, but apartments are cheaper. There are always great deals on craigslist if you need to buy new things once you get here.

Answer 5

I see two main factors here:

1) Will your apartment be fully furnished?
2) How much buffer are you comfortable with?

I would say have a couple thousand at least if your apartment is furnished. The $5000 people are throwing around here sounds like the amount you need to give yourself a buffer in case of an emergency.

Good luck and welcome to Canada!

Answer 6

Get out of Florida, little hater.