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Updated October 9, 2026
Philippines to Canada: Relocation Checklist
Filipinos are one of Canada's largest immigrant communities, arriving through study permits, Express Entry and caregiver programs. Work through this interactive checklist, see the real 2026 IRCC costs, and know what to do in your first 30 days.
Typical government costs (2026)
CAD 150Study permit application
CAD 85Biometrics (per person)
CAD 23,448Proof of funds, 1 year living (from Sept 2026)
CAD 950Express Entry processing (per adult)
CAD 575Right of Permanent Residence Fee
~₱17,000IELTS test fee in the Philippines
Per the IRCC fee list. Proof-of-funds minimums rose to CAD 23,448 from September 1, 2026. Always confirm current fees on canada.ca before applying.
Typical timeline
Study permit: DLI acceptance and PAL (weeks), then 4 to 12 weeks processing. Express Entry: profile, invitation in a draw, then about 6 months. Start 8 to 12 months before your target move date.
Visa routes from the Philippines to Canada
The main routes are the study permit (DLI + PAL + proof of funds), Express Entry permanent residence, and caregiver programs. The Student Direct Stream ended in November 2024. Filipinos also use Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), especially in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, where Filipino communities are large. The CFO seminar (Commission on Filipinos Overseas) is required for emigrants leaving permanently.
Money: the real budget
A single student must show CAD 23,448 for a year's living (from September 1, 2026) plus first-year tuition and travel, with six months of statements and sources documented. Many Filipino students combine family support with education loans; both need clean paper trails. Budget IELTS, ECA, medicals at St. Luke's, and NBI clearance on top.
Documents that cause delays
IRCC verifies fund sources on every application: explain every large deposit. The PAL must precede the IRCC application. WES evaluation of Philippine degrees takes weeks. PSA documents with name discrepancies (a common issue) need court or civil registry correction, which takes months: check early.
Arrival essentials
The SIN unlocks legal work; get it in week one. Provincial health cards have waiting periods, so keep travel insurance for the gap. The Filipino community in Canada is enormous and organized: community groups, churches and associations are the fastest route to housing, jobs and remittance advice.
Planning estimate only. Results use the list prices shown and may differ from your actual bill. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Canada study permit for Filipinos in 2026?
CAD 150 plus CAD 85 biometrics, per IRCC. You must also prove CAD 23,448 in living funds for one year (from September 1, 2026), plus tuition and travel.
What is the CFO seminar?
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas runs pre-departure seminars for emigrants. It is required for Filipinos leaving permanently; OFWs take PDOS instead through the DMW.
Can I work while studying?
Yes, up to 24 hours a week off-campus during sessions (since November 2024) and full time in breaks, with a valid study permit and SIN.
Which provinces are best for Filipinos?
Manitoba (Winnipeg), Alberta (Calgary, Edmonton) and Saskatchewan have large Filipino communities and active PNP streams. Ontario and BC have the most jobs but higher costs.
Do I need the PAL?
Most study permit applicants do, including Filipinos. Your DLI issues it after you accept the offer; you cannot apply to IRCC without it.