How much does it cost to move to Canada? For a single Express Entry applicant who self-prepares, expect roughly $3,000-$4,000 CAD in fees, while a family of two adults and one child typically runs $6,000-$8,000 or more. Those totals combine two categories of cost: 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. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD) unless otherwise noted. Important: IRCC increased most permanent residence fees on April 30, 2026, the figures below reflect that increase, but fees can change again, so always confirm the current amount on IRCC's official fee list before you pay.
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) | ~$300–$450 | Required for foreign degrees/diplomas. WES is most common (~$330 CAD standard application as of 2026, plus document/courier 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) | $990 | $990 | $270 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $600 | $600 | 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) | ~$330 | ~$330 (if working) | N/A |
| Single applicant total (approx.) | $1,675 CAD in government fees + ~$630 test/ECA = roughly $2,300–$2,700 CAD | ||
| Family of 2 adults (approx.) | $5,000–$7,000+ CAD total | ||
Note: Note: As of the April 30, 2026 fee increase, the principal applicant processing fee is $990 and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is $600. The combined "$1,590" you may see on IRCC's fee list for one adult is simply these two added together. The RPRF is paid before you become a permanent resident (you can pay it up front or after approval), while the language test and ECA fees are paid before you submit your Express Entry profile. The processing fee is generally non-refundable; the RPRF is refunded if you do not become a PR. 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
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) applicants through Express Entry must show they have enough money to support themselves and their family after arriving in Canada. This is separate from the application fees, it is money you must demonstrate you have, not money you pay to IRCC. Canadian Experience Class applicants are exempt, and so are FSW/FST applicants who are already authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer.
| Family Size | Required Settlement Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,263 |
| 2 persons | $19,001 |
| 3 persons | $23,360 |
| 4 persons | $28,362 |
| 5 persons | $32,168 |
| 6 persons | $36,280 |
| 7 persons | $40,392 |
These amounts took effect July 7, 2025 and are set at 50% of Statistics Canada's Low Income Cut-Off (LICO); add about $4,112 for each family member beyond seven. IRCC updates the table roughly once a year, so verify the current figures on canada.ca before you rely on them. Your family size counts every dependent on the application, even ones who will not travel with you. Important exemption: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants do not need to show settlement funds, and Federal Skilled Worker / Federal Skilled Trades applicants who are already authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer are also exempt.
Other Pathways: Fee Comparison
| Pathway | Government Fees (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spousal Sponsorship | $1,260 total (sponsorship + processing + RPRF) | Single combined fee for the spouse/partner as of April 30, 2026; add $180 per dependent child included. Plus biometrics, medical, police certs. |
| Work Permit (employer-specific) | $155 (work permit) + $85 (biometrics) | Employer pays the LMIA processing fee ($1,000) where one is required. Open work permit holders also pay a $100 open work permit holder fee. |
| Study Permit | $150 (study permit) + $85 (biometrics) | Plus tuition fees. A Provincial/Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) is required for most applicants. |
| 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: 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 | $2,800 | $6,500+ |
| Express Entry, family of 2 adults + 1 child | $6,000 | $13,000+ |
| PNP via Express Entry (Ontario) | $4,500 | $8,500+ |
| Spousal Sponsorship | $2,500 | $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 circumstances 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 (RPRF), $600 as of the April 30, 2026 increase, is refunded if you do not become a permanent resident (for example, if your application is refused or you withdraw before landing). The main processing fee ($990 per adult) is generally non-refundable once IRCC has started processing. Biometrics, medical exam, language test, and credential assessment fees are paid to third parties and are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Always confirm current refund rules on canada.ca.
Why did the cost to move to Canada go up in 2026?+
IRCC adjusts its fees periodically, and a scheduled increase took effect on April 30, 2026 covering most permanent residence categories. For an economic-class principal applicant the processing fee moved to $990 and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee to $600 (a combined $1,590 per adult), the dependent child fee rose to $270, and the spousal/partner sponsorship combined fee is now $1,260. Temporary-residence fees such as the work permit ($155), study permit ($150), visitor visa ($100) and eTA ($7) were not part of this increase. Because IRCC can revise fees again, always check the official fee list before paying.
How much money do I actually need in the bank to immigrate to Canada?+
For Federal Skilled Worker and Federal Skilled Trades applicants through Express Entry, the settlement-funds (proof of funds) requirement is separate from the fees you pay. As of July 7, 2025 it is $15,263 CAD for one person, $19,001 for two, $23,360 for three and $28,362 for four, with roughly $4,112 more for each additional family member. This money must be your own, liquid, and not borrowed, and you must be able to prove it with bank or investment statements. Canadian Experience Class applicants are exempt, as are FSW/FST applicants who are already authorized to work in Canada with a valid job offer. Verify the current table on canada.ca, as it updates roughly annually.
Your Next Step
Use the fee calculator to get exact government fee estimates for your circumstances, and the program finder to identify which pathway you qualify for.
Official sources
This page is based on law and policy published by the Government of Canada.