Pros and Cons of Moving to Canada from India in 2025: Guide for Students, Expats, and Families

Canada has become a top destination for Indians seeking better career opportunities, a high quality of life, and a strong Social Security system. With over 1.4 million Indians calling Canada home, the country offers benefits like free healthcare, world class education, and a multicultural environment. However, the pros and cons of moving to Canada from India must be carefully considered. 

While Canada provides a high standard of living and economic stability, challenges such as extreme winters, high taxes and job market competitions exist. Understanding your life in Canada pros and cons can help you decide if it is the right move. In this guide we will further explore the pros and cons of living in Canada vs India to help you gain a clear perspective.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Canada from India

The details to top 10 advantages of moving to Canada along with details to disadvantages for Indian immigrants is as follows:

What are the 10 Pros of Moving to Canada from India?

Moving to Canada offers numerous benefits, making it one of the top destinations for Indian immigrants. From economic stability to free healthcare, Canada provides a high quality of life, excellent career opportunities, and a welcoming multicultural environment. Below mentioned are the 10 best advantages of settling in Canada:

1. Excellent Quality of Life

Canada is consistently ranked as the number 1 country in the world for its high standard of living, according to the Human Development Index (HDI).

(HDI is the country’s average achievement in three basic aspects of human development - Health, Knowledge & Standard of Living)

• In 2021, Canada ranked 16th in the world on the HDI, with a score of 0.939 out of 1.
• The high-quality education system, with 8 Canadian universities ranking among the top 200 in the world.
• Canada has a good work-life balance, with the average full-time employee working 36.6 hours per week, and a minimum of 10 paid vacation days per year.

Also Explore: How is Life in Canada for Indian Immigrants?

2. Immigration Opportunities

Canada has one of the most welcoming immigration policies in the world, with various pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, students, and families to immigrate to the country. This provides Indians with an opportunity to start a new life in a country that values diversity and multiculturalism.

Quick Reads:

• Express Entry Canada Program
• Canada PR with PNP Canada

3. Strong Economy

Canada has a stable and strong economy, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of CAD 1.6 trillion (INR 92 trillion) in 2021. The country's economy is diversified, with major industries including manufacturing, natural resources, and services.

In terms of the advantages and disadvantages of living in Canada, In 2021, Canada's unemployment rate was 6.7%, which is significantly lower than the average unemployment rate in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The average hourly wage in Canada was CAD 28.67 (INR 1,654) in 2021, which is higher than the average hourly wage in many other countries.

GetGIS Global Immigration consultancy services, can offer valuable insights into the Canadian job market and help newcomers navigate the cultural differences they may encounter. Our experts will guide you with our primary services such as PR, Job seeker visa, and IELTS training along with a host of other benefits like job search assistance, Resume writing, and LinkedIn optimization.

4. Excellent Education System

When considering studying abroad in Canada, it's important to weigh the Canada immigration pros and cons. While the education system in Canada is top-notch, there are factors to consider such as the cost of living and the difficulty of obtaining a visa. However, for Indian students who are willing to navigate the immigration process, studying in Canada can provide access to high-quality education and potential career opportunities.

5. Healthcare System

Canada's publicly funded healthcare system provides affordable and accessible healthcare services to all citizens and residents. This is particularly beneficial for Indians who may not have access to quality healthcare services in their home country.

6. Beautiful Landscapes

Canada is known for its stunning natural landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to Niagara Falls. Indians can enjoy the country's natural beauty and indulge in outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and camping.

7. Safety and Security

Canada is a safe and peaceful country with low crime rates and a stable political environment. This makes it a desirable destination for families and individuals who value safety and security.

8. Social Benefits

Considering the benefits of Canada PR, it is important to note that permanent residents may also be eligible for many of the social benefits offered by the Canadian government, including unemployment insurance, old age security, and child benefits.

However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of Canada PR carefully, as permanent residents may face certain limitations and restrictions compared to Canadian citizens.

9. Multicultural Society

Canada is a diverse and multicultural society that embraces people from all over the world. This makes it easier for Indians to adjust to the new culture and lifestyle, as they can connect with people from their own country or other parts of the world.

Also Explore: Top 15 Multiculturalism Cities in Canada for Immigrants

10. Quality Food and Cuisine

Canada has a diverse food culture with various cuisines from around the world, including Indian cuisine. Indians can enjoy quality food and explore new culinary experiences in Canada. According to the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2021 list, two Canadian restaurants made it to the top 100, with Joe Beef in Montreal ranked 94th and Alo in Toronto ranked 61st.

Additionally, Canada has a strong reputation for producing high-quality food and beverages, with Canadian wines, cheeses, and seafood particularly renowned.

What are the 5 Cons of Moving to Canada from India?

While there are many benefits of moving to Canada from India, there are also some potential disadvantages of moving to canada that Indians should be aware of. Here are five major cons of moving to Canada from India:

1. Cold Weather

Canada is known for its long, harsh winters, especially in regions like Ontario, Quebec, and the Prairie provinces. For Indians who are used to warm weather, this can be a significant adjustment and may take time to adapt.

2. High Cost of Living

Canada has a relatively high cost of living, particularly in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Housing, transportation, and food can be expensive, and it may take time to adjust to the higher prices.

Also Reads:Cost of Living in Canada for Students and Expats

3. Lengthy Immigration Process

The immigration process to Canada can be lengthy and complex, with many requirements and paperwork involved. It can take several months or even years to complete the process and obtain permanent residency.

However, With GetGIS, you don't have to worry about the lengthy and complex immigration process involved in moving to Canada from India. Our experienced team of professionals will guide you through the process and ensure that all the necessary paperwork and requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

Also Explore: 

• Detailed Canada PR Process from India
• Premium Job Guaranteed Canada PR Program

4. Competitive Job Market

When considering immigrating to Canada or obtaining Canadian citizenship, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of Canadian citizenship, including the potential challenges of finding employment in certain sectors, particularly for newcomers without Canadian work experience. Despite Canada's strong economy and low unemployment rate, it is important to carefully consider all aspects of the decision.

Also Explore: High Employment in Canada

5. Tax Rates in Canada

One of the major cons of moving to Canada from India is the high tax burden. Canada follows a progressive tax system, meaning the more you earn, the higher the percentage of tax you pay. The access in Canada includes federal, provincial, and sales taxes, which can significantly impact disposable income. 

a. Federal Income Tax Rates in Canada

The Federal tax system has different brackets based on individuals' income levels. These include:

b. Provincial Taxes in Canada

Each province in Canada has their own tax rates, which further add up to the federal taxes. These include:

c. Sales taxes in Canada (GST, PST, HST)

The sales taxes applicable in Canada include the following:

Pros and Cons of moving to Canada From India - A Clarification on the Great Debate!

Deciding whether to move to Canada is a big step that requires careful evaluation of the pros and cons of moving to Canada pros and cons. While Canada offers excellent job opportunities and high quality of life, challenges like high taxes, initial job market struggles must also be considered. 

Understanding the pros and cons of immigrating to Canada can help you make an informed decision based on your career goals, lifestyle preferences and financial situation. If you are planning to move, navigating the immigration process could be complex. GetGIS provides expert guidance on Canada PR requirements, visa processing and settlement assistance, making your transition smooth and hassle free. 

Connect with our immigration assistance team to take the first step towards realising your Canadian dream

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