Moving to Canada involves two categories of costs: government fees set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and other federal agencies, and third-party costs like language tests, credential assessments, medical exams, and optional legal fees. This guide breaks down every cost line by pathway so you can budget accurately before starting the process. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD) unless otherwise noted. Government fees are current as of March 2026 — always verify with IRCC's official fee schedule before applying.
The Universal Costs (All Pathways)
These costs apply regardless of which immigration pathway you use:
| Cost Item | Amount (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Language test (IELTS / CELPIP) | ~$300 | Per attempt. You may need retakes. French (TEF Canada): ~$350. |
| Credential assessment (ECA) | $200–$300 | Required for foreign degrees/diplomas. WES is most common ($265 CAD + document fees). |
| Biometrics | $85 (individual) / $170 (family) | Required for most applicants. Valid 10 years once collected. |
| Medical exam | $200–$450 | Per adult applicant, varies by designated panel physician. Additional tests may apply. |
| Police certificate(s) | Varies | Required for each country where you lived 6+ months since age 18. Fees vary by country. |
| Passport / travel document fees | Varies | Your home country's passport renewal fees. |
Express Entry — Cost Breakdown
Express Entry is Canada's primary PR pathway for skilled workers. It covers three programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST).
| Cost Item | Principal Applicant | Spouse/Partner | Per Dependent Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (PR application) | $1,365 | $1,365 | $230 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 | $515 | N/A |
| Biometrics | $85 | $85 | $85 |
| Medical exam | $200–450 | $200–450 | $100–300 |
| Language test | ~$300 | ~$300 (if applying) | N/A |
| Credential assessment (ECA) | $200–300 | $200–300 (if working) | N/A |
| Single applicant total (approx.) | $2,465–$2,765 CAD in fees + test/assessment costs | ||
| Family of 2 adults (approx.) | $5,000–$6,500+ CAD total | ||
Note: The RPRF ($515) is paid at the ITA (Invitation to Apply) stage, not at the profile creation stage. Language test and ECA fees are paid before submitting your Express Entry profile. All government fees are subject to change — verify at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — Additional Costs
PNP adds a provincial nomination fee on top of Express Entry federal fees. Provincial fees vary significantly:
| Province | Nomination Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ontario (OINP) | $1,500 CAD |
| British Columbia (BC PNP) | $1,150 CAD |
| Alberta (AAIP) | $500 CAD |
| Saskatchewan (SINP) | $350 CAD |
| Manitoba (MPNP) | $500 CAD |
| Nova Scotia (NSNP) | No fee |
| New Brunswick (NBPNP) | No fee |
Fees are approximate and subject to change. Check each province's official PNP website for current fees.
Settlement Funds — Proof of Financial Ability
Express Entry FSW applicants must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada. This is separate from the application fees — it is money you must have, not money you pay to IRCC.
| Family Size | Required Settlement Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $14,690 |
| 2 persons | $18,288 |
| 3 persons | $22,483 |
| 4 persons | $27,297 |
| 5 persons | $30,690 |
| 6 persons | $34,917 |
| 7 persons | $38,875 |
These figures are based on IRCC's Low Income Cut-Off table. They are updated annually. Verify current figures at canada.ca. Note: CEC applicants with a valid job offer in Canada are exempt from this requirement.
Other Pathways — Fee Comparison
| Pathway | Government Fees (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spousal Sponsorship | $1,050 (sponsor) + $1,365 (applicant) + $515 RPRF | Total ~$2,930 for couple. Plus biometrics, medical, police certs. |
| Work Permit (employer-specific) | $155 (work permit) + $85 (biometrics) | LMIA cost borne by employer ($1,000). Open work permits vary. |
| Study Permit | $150 (study permit) + $85 (biometrics) | Plus tuition fees. PAL required from DLI. |
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | $100 (single/multiple entry) | Plus biometrics ($85) if not previously collected. |
| eTA | $7 | For visa-exempt nationalities flying to Canada. |
Immigration Lawyer Fees — Do You Need One?
Immigration lawyers and CICC-licensed consultants are optional — many applicants successfully self-prepare. However, professional help is often worth the cost in complex situations. Typical fee ranges:
- • Express Entry profile review: $500–$1,500 (one-time consultation)
- • Full Express Entry representation: $3,000–$6,000
- • Spousal sponsorship representation: $2,000–$4,000
- • TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation (criminal inadmissibility): $3,000–$8,000+
- • Hourly consultation: $250–$450/hour
When to get legal help: Criminal records, complex employment histories, previous refusals, misrepresentation issues, or situations involving inadmissibility under IRPA. For straightforward Express Entry or spousal sponsorship, a licensed consultant or careful self-preparation is often sufficient. Only Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and lawyers are authorized to provide immigration advice for compensation under IRPA s.91.
Total Cost Ranges by Pathway (Single Applicant)
| Pathway | Low Estimate | High Estimate (with lawyer) |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry — single, self-prepared | $3,000 | $6,000+ |
| Express Entry — family of 2 adults + 1 child | $6,000 | $12,000+ |
| PNP via Express Entry (Ontario) | $4,500 | $8,000+ |
| Spousal Sponsorship | $4,000 | $8,000+ |
| Study Permit (fees only, excl. tuition) | $500 | $2,000 |
| TRP (criminal inadmissibility) | $1,000 | $9,000+ |
Estimates are approximate and exclude settlement funds (money you need to have, not fees paid), relocation, and cost-of-living. Use the fee calculator for exact government fee quotes.
Get exact fee estimates for your pathway
Use the fee calculator to get a precise government fee breakdown based on your specific situation and pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to immigrate to Canada?+
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) via Express Entry is often the most cost-effective PR pathway for those already in Canada on a work or study permit. It requires 1 year of Canadian skilled work experience (or Canadian study + work), and CEC applicants with a valid job offer are exempt from the settlement funds requirement. Total fees for a single CEC applicant can be under $3,000 CAD self-prepared.
Can IRCC fees change?+
Yes. IRCC reviews and updates government fees periodically. Always verify current fees on the official IRCC website (canada.ca) before submitting payment or budgeting for your application. The fee calculator on ClearToEnter uses the most current published government fees.
Are the settlement funds a payment to the government?+
No. Settlement funds are money you must demonstrate you have access to — they are your own funds for living expenses after arrival. You do not pay them to IRCC. They must be liquid and transferable to Canada (GIC, savings account, etc.). IRCC verifies proof of funds via bank statements or GIC confirmation.
Is a language test always required?+
For Express Entry FSW, a language test (IELTS General or CELPIP for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French) is mandatory. For Express Entry CEC, a test is required but minimum requirements are lower. For spousal sponsorship, the sponsored spouse typically does not need a language test (the sponsor does not either). For study permits and visitor visas, no language test is required.
Can I get a refund if my PR application is refused?+
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($515) is refunded if your application is refused. The main processing fee ($1,365) is generally non-refundable. Biometrics, medical, and language test fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Your Next Step
Use the fee calculator to get exact government fee estimates for your specific situation, and the program finder to identify which pathway you qualify for.
Important: This tool provides general information based on publicly available Canadian immigration law (IRPA). Results are not a determination of admissibility. Only a CBSA officer at a port of entry can make admissibility decisions. For complex legal situations, professional guidance may also be beneficial.