Canada: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
The 2026–2028 permanent resident target is reduced to 380,000 a year, with priority for people already working in Canada. points for job offers were removed in March 2025, and new study permits in 2026 are halved. The special programme for Ukrainians () is closed and not modelled.
- • 1,095 days of presence in 5 years, 4, test, tax returns
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.5–1.5.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | CA$3,410≈ €2,180 | CA$6,630≈ €4,230 |
| Vancouver | CA$3,610≈ €2,300 | CA$7,390≈ €4,720 |
| Montreal | CA$2,870≈ €1,830 | CA$5,540≈ €3,540 |
| Calgary | CA$2,720≈ €1,740 | CA$5,190≈ €3,310 |
| Ottawa | CA$3,190≈ €2,030 | CA$5,580≈ €3,560 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety81
- Earning potential87
- Healthcare89
- Path to citizenship80
- Schools and education80
- Environment94
- Warm, sunny climate52
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Canada, and how long does it take?
1,095 days of presence in 5 years, CLB 4, test, tax returns. Processing takes 0.5–1.5 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Canada?
The main routes we cover: Permanent residence (PR); Work permit (including after graduation); Study permit. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
How much does it cost to live in Canada per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Toronto ≈ CA$3,410 / CA$6,630; Vancouver ≈ CA$3,610 / CA$7,390; Montreal ≈ CA$2,870 / CA$5,540; Calgary ≈ CA$2,720 / CA$5,190; Ottawa ≈ CA$3,190 / CA$5,580. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Canada?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Toronto CA$2,160–CA$2,840; Vancouver CA$2,390–CA$3,320; Montreal CA$1,740–CA$2,210; Calgary CA$1,610–CA$1,940; Ottawa CA$1,990–CA$2,430.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
- Citizenship
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
- Canadian Experience Class
- Study in Canada, then a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). New study permits in 2026 — 155,000, half the 2025 number; a PGWP requires a language test (CLB 7 for university graduates, CLB 5 for college graduates), and non-degree programmes need an approved field of study
- Work permit in Canada
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.