Top 5 Canada Immigration Processing Fees [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The total cost of immigrating to Canada varies significantly by program but typically ranges from CAD $1,365 to over CAD $2,500 per adult applicant for government fees alone. This includes the core processing fee, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), and biometrics. For a family of four, total government fees can easily exceed CAD $5,000, not including language tests, medical exams, or settlement funds.

Navigating the financial aspect of your immigration journey is as crucial as understanding the eligibility criteria. Official government fees are mandatory and non-negotiable, and missing a payment can lead to a refused application. This guide breaks down the 2025-2026 fee structure for major immigration pathways, helping you budget accurately and avoid costly surprises. We'll cover everything from Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs to family sponsorship, providing clear tables and actionable advice.

What Are the Main Government Processing Fees for 2025-2026?

The main government fees are the processing fee and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). According to IRCC’s official fee schedule, the processing fee is the cost for an officer to assess your application. The RPRF is a separate fee that all principal applicants and their spouses or common-law partners must pay to become permanent residents; it can be paid upfront with the application or later when requested.

• Processing Fee (Principal Applicant): CAD $850
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $575
• Processing Fee (Spouse/Partner): CAD $850
• Processing Fee (Dependent Child): CAD $230 per child
• Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family (if applicable)

Key Facts to Remember:

• Fees are subject to change, typically on April 1st of each year. Always verify the latest amounts on the official Government of Canada website before submitting payment.
• The RPRF is refundable if your application is refused or withdrawn.
• Some programs, like certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams, may have additional provincial processing fees.

How Much Does Express Entry Cost Per Person?

For a single applicant under an Express Entry-managed program (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades), the total government fees are approximately CAD $1,365. This includes the processing fee ($850) and the biometrics fee ($85), with the RPRF ($575) paid later. If you pay the RPRF upfront, the total becomes CAD $1,940.

The cost increases significantly for couples or families. It's essential to factor in these mandatory fees when calculating your required settlement funds. For a precise estimate of your total potential immigration costs, including third-party fees, use a comprehensive tool like Evola AI's Immigration Success Predictor, which helps you model different financial scenarios based on your family composition.

Typical Express Entry Cost Breakdown for a Principal Applicant:

• IRCC Processing Fee: CAD $850
• Biometrics Fee: CAD $85
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $575
• Estimated Third-Party Costs (IELTS/CELPIP, Educational Credential Assessment, Medical Exam): CAD $1,000 - $1,500

What Are the Fees for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)?

PNP applications involve two main cost layers: provincial nomination fees and federal IRCC fees. First, you pay a fee to the province or territory for processing your nomination application. This fee varies widely and is set by each province. For example, according to the official Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) page, the fee for most streams is CAD $1,500.

Once nominated, you submit your permanent residence application to IRCC and pay the standard federal fees (processing fee, RPRF, biometrics). Therefore, your total government cost is the provincial fee plus the federal fees.

Provincial Nominee Fee Examples (Subject to Change):

• Ontario (OINP): CAD $1,500
• British Columbia (BC PNP): CAD $1,150
• Saskatchewan (SINP): CAD $350
• Alberta (AAIP): CAD $500
• Manitoba (MPNP): CAD $500

How Much Does It Cost to Sponsor a Spouse or Partner?

Sponsoring a spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner is generally less expensive in terms of government fees than economic immigration pathways. The total fee paid to IRCC is CAD $1,080, which bundles the sponsorship application fee ($75), the principal applicant processing fee ($490), and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($575). Biometrics ($85) are an additional cost if required.

A key advantage of family sponsorship is that there is no requirement to show proof of settlement funds, though the sponsor must meet minimum income requirements for some other family members. The process is designed to reunite families, and the fee structure reflects this priority.

Family Sponsorship (Spouse/Partner) Fee Breakdown:

• Sponsorship Application Fee: CAD $75
• Principal Applicant Processing Fee: CAD $490
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD $575
• Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 (if applicable)
• Total (with Biometrics): CAD $1,165

What Other Mandatory Costs Should I Budget For?

Beyond IRCC fees, several third-party costs are mandatory for most permanent residence applications. These are not paid to the government but to designated service providers, and they are critical for a complete application. Failing to budget for these can derail your plans.

The largest variable costs are typically language tests and educational credential assessments (ECAs). Medical exam costs also vary by country and panel physician. To understand exactly how your language test scores (like IELTS) convert to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system used by IRCC—a key factor in your CRS score—you can use a free tool like the CLB Converter.

Essential Third-Party Costs:

• Language Test (IELTS/CELPIP): CAD $300 - $350
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD $200 - $400
• Upfront Medical Exam: CAD $250 - $450
• Police Certificates: Varies by country (can be free or cost up to CAD $100)

How and When Do I Pay the Fees?

All federal immigration fees must be paid online through the IRCC website. You will need a credit card or a Canadian debit card. After payment, you receive a receipt that you must include with your application. For provincial fees, payment methods vary; always check the specific nominee program's website for instructions.

The timing is crucial. Processing and biometric fees are paid when you submit your application. The RPRF can be paid upfront (recommended to avoid delays) or later when IRCC requests it. Never send cash or cheques directly. Keeping a digital copy of every payment receipt is a non-negotiable best practice.

Payment Checklist:

1. Calculate your total fees using the official IRCC fee tool.
2. Pay online and download/save the PDF receipt immediately.
3. Attach the receipt to your application package (paper or digital).
4. For PNPs, pay the provincial fee separately as instructed and attach that receipt as well.
5. Verify your bank statement to ensure the charge went through.

Can I Get a Refund If My Application Is Refused?

Refund policies depend on the fee. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is fully refundable if your application is refused, withdrawn, or if you choose not to use your permanent resident visa. The biometrics fee is generally refundable if you paid but were not required to give biometrics.

However, the main processing fee is typically non-refundable, even if your application is refused. This fee covers the cost of the assessment work done by IRCC officers. This underscores the importance of submitting a complete and accurate application the first time. Services like Evola AI's 24/7 AI mentor can help you review your application materials against the latest IRCC rules, potentially saving you the cost and heartache of a refusal due to a preventable error.

Refund Overview:

• Refundable: Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), Biometrics Fee (if not provided).
• Non-Refundable: Processing Fee, Sponsorship Fee, Provincial Nomination Fees.
• Process: Refunds are usually issued automatically to the original payment method if due.

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Understanding and accurately budgeting for Canada's immigration fees is a vital step in your journey. While the costs can be substantial, they are a structured investment in your future. By using the official resources, planning for both government and third-party expenses, and leveraging smart tools to get your application right, you can navigate this financial landscape with confidence.

Ready to get a precise, personalized estimate of your total immigration pathway and costs? Start your journey with a clear financial plan on Evola AI.