Top 5 Canadian Tourist Visa Costs 2025-2026

TL;DR: The total cost for a Canadian tourist visa (Visitor Visa) is $185 CAD per person, which includes the $100 application processing fee and the $85 biometrics fee. For families applying together, the maximum biometric fee is $170. This is the standard cost for most applicants, but additional fees for services like passport transmission or using a Visa Application Centre can apply.

Planning a trip to see Niagara Falls, explore Vancouver, or visit family in Toronto starts with understanding the visa costs. The financial commitment is a key part of your application planning. This guide breaks down every fee for the Canadian Visitor Visa in 2025-2026, from the mandatory government charges to potential extra costs, helping you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

What is the Official Government Fee for a Canadian Tourist Visa?

The official Canadian government processing fee for a tourist visa is $100 CAD. This is the non-refundable fee you pay to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have your application assessed. It is required for every applicant, regardless of age. According to IRCC’s official fee schedule, this is the standard charge for a temporary resident visa (visitor visa). You must pay this fee online through the IRCC portal when you submit your application. Failure to pay the correct fee will result in your application being returned or refused.

• Key Fact: The $100 CAD fee is per application, not per family. However, each individual applicant must pay this fee.
• Payment Method: Fees are paid online via credit card or debit card on the IRCC website.
• Non-Refundable: This fee is for processing the application and is not refunded if the visa is refused.

Is There a Biometrics Fee, and How Much Is It?

Yes, almost all tourist visa applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), which costs an additional $85 CAD per person. This brings the total base cost for one applicant to $185 CAD. According to IRCC’s official biometrics instructions, this fee is typically paid at the same time as the application processing fee. For families applying together at the same time, a maximum total fee of $170 CAD for biometrics applies for two or more people.

• Key Fact: The combined total for one adult is $100 (processing) + $85 (biometrics) = $185 CAD.
• Family Maximum: A family of two or more applying together pays a maximum of $170 for all biometrics, plus $100 per person for processing.
• Validity: Once given, your biometrics are valid for 10 years, so you won't need to pay this fee again for a subsequent visa within that period.

What Other Potential Costs Should I Budget For?

Beyond the government fees, you should budget for several other potential costs that can add $50-$150+ to your total. These are not paid to IRCC but to third-party service providers. The most common is the Visa Application Centre (VAC) Service Charge, which varies by country but is often around $30-$45 CAD if you need to provide biometrics or submit your passport in person. Other costs may include passport courier/transmission fees, translation of documents, or medical exams if specifically requested.

• VAC Fees: If you use a Visa Application Centre (like VFS Global), they charge for optional services like SMS updates, courier return, and assisted application filling.
• Passport Submission: There is usually a fee to have your passport sent to and from a visa office if you are not in a country with a Canadian embassy.
• Supporting Documents: Costs for obtaining police certificates, official translations, or notarizations in your home country.

To understand how your overall profile, including the strength of your travel history and ties to your home country, might influence your application's success beyond just costs, you can use tools like Evola AI's Immigration Success Predictor. It analyzes multiple factors to give you a clearer picture of your chances.

How Do Costs Differ for a Super Visa for Parents/Grandparents?

A Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit for up to 5 years at a time, has different fees. The application processing fee is higher at $100 CAD, but the key additional cost is mandatory medical insurance. You must purchase at least one year of comprehensive Canadian health insurance from a Canadian company, which typically costs between $1,500 to $2,500 CAD per year, depending on age and coverage. The biometrics fee of $85 CAD still applies.

• Key Fact: Super Visa processing fee: $100 CAD. Biometrics: $85 CAD. Mandatory insurance: ~$1,500-$2,500+ CAD.
• Insurance Proof: You must provide proof of paid insurance when you apply for the Super Visa.
• Different Purpose: The Super Visa is for long-term visits, hence the insurance requirement to cover healthcare costs.

Can I Get a Fee Refund If My Visa Is Refused?

No, the application processing fee and biometrics fee are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused. IRCC charges these fees for the service of processing your application, not for guaranteeing a positive outcome. The only scenario where a biometrics fee might be refunded is if you paid it but were exempt from giving biometrics. It's crucial to submit a complete and strong application the first time. According to IRCC’s official guidelines, ensuring your application is accurate and demonstrates strong ties to your home country is the best way to protect your investment.

• No Refund Policy: The government does not refund fees for refused applications.
• Re-application Cost: If refused, you must pay all fees again to submit a new application.
• Importance of Accuracy: A well-prepared application is your best defense against losing the fee. Consulting official checklists or using an AI-powered guide like Evola AI's 24/7 Mentor can help you navigate requirements and avoid common mistakes that lead to refusal.

Understanding the exact cost breakdown is the first concrete step in your journey to Canada. While the standard $185 CAD is straightforward, smart applicants budget for the full picture, including potential VAC fees. The key is to view this fee as an investment in a thorough application review by IRCC. By preparing a complete application with strong evidence of your travel purpose and home ties, you maximize the value of this investment.

Ready to start your application with confidence? Get personalized, step-by-step guidance tailored to your specific situation. Visit Evola AI today to explore our free tools and AI mentor designed to simplify your Canadian visa process.