One of the first questions people ask when they start looking into Canadian immigration is "how much is this going to cost me?" The answer depends on your pathway and family size, but the short version: a single applicant going through Express Entry should budget $2,500–$4,500 CAD for the full process. A family of four is looking at $6,000–$10,000+.
Here's where every dollar goes.
Government fees
These are the non-negotiable costs you pay directly to IRCC. Note: most fees increase on April 30, 2026. The table below shows current and new rates.
Express Entry (single applicant)
| Fee | Current | After Apr 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (principal applicant) | $950 | $990 |
| Right of Permanent Residence (RPRF) | $575 | $600 |
| Biometrics | $85 | $85 |
| Total | $1,610 | $1,675 |
Express Entry (couple, no children)
| Fee | Current | After Apr 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee x2 | $1,900 | $1,980 |
| RPRF x2 | $1,150 | $1,200 |
| Biometrics (family max) | $170 | $170 |
| Total | $3,220 | $3,350 |
Express Entry (family of four — 2 adults, 2 children)
| Fee | Current | After Apr 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (2 adults) | $1,900 | $1,980 |
| Processing fee (2 children) | $520 | $540 |
| RPRF (2 adults only) | $1,150 | $1,200 |
| Biometrics (family max) | $170 | $170 |
| Total | $3,740 | $3,890 |
Children under 14 don't pay biometrics. Children don't pay the RPRF.
Provincial Nominee Program
If you apply through a PNP, the federal processing fee is the same as Express Entry ($950/$990). But most provinces charge their own nomination fee on top — typically $250–$1,500 depending on the province. Ontario charges $1,500, BC charges $1,150, Alberta charges $500.
Family sponsorship
| Fee | Current | After Apr 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship application | $85 | $90 |
| Principal applicant processing | $545 | $570 |
| RPRF | $575 | $600 |
| Total (spousal) | $1,205 | $1,260 |
Third-party costs
These aren't optional — you'll need all of them to submit a complete application.
Language tests — $300–$450
You need a valid English or French test result. The main options:
| Test | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| IELTS General Training | $310–$350 + tax |
| CELPIP General | $280–$340 + tax |
| TEF Canada (French) | $350–$450 |
| TCF Canada (French) | $300–$400 |
If you're testing in both English and French (which adds CRS points), double this cost. Taking a second attempt to improve your score? Double it again. Most successful applicants take the test at least twice. Read our IELTS vs CELPIP comparison to choose the right test.
Educational Credential Assessment — $200–$350
If your education is from outside Canada, you need an ECA from a designated organization. WES is the most popular:
| Organization | Cost |
|---|---|
| WES (standard) | $220 CAD |
| WES (with courier) | $280–$310 CAD |
| IQAS | $200 CAD |
| CES (U of T) | $210 CAD |
Add shipping costs for sending your documents to the evaluation agency, and factor in that some countries require you to pay your university to send transcripts directly (which can cost $20–$100 per institution). Read our WES ECA guide for the step-by-step process.
Medical exam — $200–$450
You must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) with an IRCC-designated panel physician. The cost varies significantly by country:
| Country | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Canada | $200–$350 CAD |
| India | $100–$200 CAD equivalent |
| Philippines | $150–$250 CAD equivalent |
| UAE | $200–$400 CAD equivalent |
| Nigeria | $150–$300 CAD equivalent |
The exam includes a physical, chest X-ray, blood tests, and urinalysis. Results go directly to IRCC — you don't handle them. Book your appointment early after receiving an ITA, as wait times can be 2–3 weeks at busy clinics.
Police clearance certificates — $25–$200+ per country
You need a police certificate from every country you've lived in for 6+ months since age 18. Costs and timelines vary wildly:
| Country | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (RCMP) | $25 | 3–10 business days |
| India | ~$5–$15 | 2–6 weeks |
| United States (FBI) | ~$18 USD | 3–5 weeks |
| UK (ACRO) | ~$55 GBP | 2–4 weeks |
| UAE | ~$15–$50 | 1–3 weeks |
We have detailed PCC guides for 20+ countries — search for your country on our guides page.
Hidden costs most people don't budget for
Translation and notarization — $50–$500
Any document not in English or French needs a certified translation. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, employment letters, educational transcripts — it adds up. Expect $30–$80 per document for translation, plus notarization fees.
Photos — $15–$30
PR applications require specific passport-style photos meeting IRCC specifications. Most pharmacies and photo studios can do this, but make sure they know the Canadian immigration photo requirements — wrong photos cause delays.
Courier and mailing — $50–$200
Sending documents internationally (for ECAs, police certificates, etc.) adds up. Use tracked services — losing a document in transit can set you back weeks.
Second language test attempt — $300–$450
If your first IELTS or CELPIP score doesn't hit your target CLB level, you'll need a retake. Budget for at least one retry. Read our IELTS preparation guide or CELPIP guide to maximize your first attempt.
Total cost summary
| Scenario | Government fees | Third-party | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single applicant (Express Entry) | $1,675 | $800–$1,500 | $2,475–$3,175 |
| Couple (Express Entry) | $3,350 | $1,400–$2,500 | $4,750–$5,850 |
| Family of 4 (Express Entry) | $3,890 | $1,800–$3,500 | $5,690–$7,390 |
| Single applicant (PNP) | $1,675 + provincial | $800–$1,500 | $3,000–$4,500+ |
| Spousal sponsorship | $1,260 | $500–$1,200 | $1,760–$2,460 |
These figures use the new April 30 rates and do not include settlement funds (which you need to show but don't pay to the government), immigration consultant fees (if you choose to use one), or relocation costs.
Settlement funds requirement
This isn't a fee — it's proof that you can support yourself in Canada. You need to show you have this amount in available, transferable funds:
| Family size | Required funds (2026) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$14,690 |
| 2 people | ~$18,288 |
| 3 people | ~$22,483 |
| 4 people | ~$27,297 |
These amounts are updated annually by IRCC. You're exempt from the proof-of-funds requirement if you're applying through CEC and currently working in Canada, or if you have a valid job offer.
How to save money
Take the language test seriously the first time. A retake costs $300+. Invest in preparation upfront. Our IELTS guide and CELPIP guide have study strategies that actually work.
Apply before April 30 if you already have an ITA. You'll save $65 on a single application, more for families.
Don't pay for an immigration consultant unless you genuinely need one. Most straightforward Express Entry applications don't require professional help. The information you need is available through IRCC's website and guides like ours. Consultants typically charge $2,000–$5,000+ — that money is better spent on your settlement funds.
Order police certificates early. Some countries take 4–6 weeks. If you have to reorder due to expiry or errors, that's more money and time.
Start your application
Check your eligibility and CRS score with our CRS Calculator, then work through the document checklist to make sure nothing is missing before you apply.