Top 5 Canadian Visa Costs & Fees [2025-2026]

TL;DR: The cost of a Canadian visa varies dramatically by program, from $85 CAD for a visitor visa to over $2,500 CAD for certain business immigration pathways. The single most important fee is the $1,365 CAD required for the primary applicant in the federal Express Entry system (which includes the processing fee and right of permanent residence fee). Always budget for additional costs like language tests, medical exams, and police certificates, which can add $1,000+ CAD.

Navigating Canadian immigration fees can feel like deciphering a complex code. One wrong calculation can delay your application or, worse, lead to a refusal for incomplete payment. This guide breaks down the 2025-2026 costs for the most common visa and immigration programs, providing you with a clear financial roadmap. We'll cover everything from temporary visitor visas to permanent residence, highlight hidden costs, and show you how to budget effectively for your Canadian dream.

How Much Does a Canadian Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa) Cost?

A Canadian Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) costs $100 CAD per person. For a family applying together, the fee is $100 CAD for each member. This is the base government processing fee you pay to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) when you submit your application online or on paper. According to IRCC’s official fee schedule, this fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

Beyond this mandatory fee, you should budget for several other potential costs:

• Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD per family (2 or more people). This is required for most applicants and is paid when you give your fingerprints and photo.
• Passport & Photos: Costs for new passport photos and ensuring your passport is valid.
• Proof of Funds: You may need to show bank statements proving you can support your stay, which doesn't have a direct fee but requires accessible funds.

Key Fact: The total out-of-pocket cost for a single applicant, including biometrics, is typically $185 CAD.

What Are the Fees for a Canadian Study Permit?

The cost of a Canadian Study Permit is $150 CAD. This is the standard processing fee paid to IRCC. However, this is just the starting point for international students, who face a layered fee structure.

The true cost of applying includes several mandatory steps:

• Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD (almost always required).
• Proof of Financial Support: You must prove you have enough money for your first year of tuition plus $20,635 CAD for living expenses (or more if accompanying family members).
• Tuition Deposit: Most schools require a non-refundable deposit to secure your Letter of Acceptance.
• Medical Exam: May be required, costing approximately $200-$300 CAD.

Key Fact: Before you even pay tuition, expect to spend at least $435 CAD in government fees (permit + biometrics) plus potentially thousands more in deposits and proof of funds.

How Much Does Express Entry for Permanent Residence Cost?

The Express Entry system itself is free to enter, but the fees to apply for permanent residence through it are significant. For the principal applicant, the total is $1,365 CAD. This is the most critical figure for skilled workers planning their immigration budget.

This total breaks down into two key payments to the Canadian government:

• Processing Fee: $650 CAD
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $715 CAD You can pay the RPRF upfront with your application or later when IRCC requests it. Paying it upfront can slightly speed up the final stage.

For a couple applying, the fees jump considerably:

• Principal Applicant: $1,365 CAD
• Spouse/Partner: $1,365 CAD (Processing fee + RPRF)
• Each Dependent Child: $230 CAD (Processing fee only; no RPRF for children)

Key Fact: A family of four (two adults, two children) will pay $3,190 CAD in base IRCC fees. Tools like Evola AI's CRS Calculator are essential to understand your chances before investing in these fees, and our Immigration Success Predictor can help you strategize on the most cost-effective pathway.

What Are the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Fees?

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) fees have two layers: the provincial nomination fee and the federal permanent residence fees. The provincial fee varies by province, typically ranging from $0 to $1,500 CAD. The federal fees are the same as Express Entry: $1,365 CAD per principal applicant.

Here’s a snapshot of common provincial fees (always verify on the official provincial website):

• Ontario: Most streams are free to apply for nomination.
• British Columbia: $1,475 CAD for most skilled worker and entrepreneur streams.
• Alberta: No fee for most candidates.
• Saskatchewan: $350 CAD for most international skilled worker applications.
• Manitoba: $500 CAD for most skilled worker overseas streams.

Key Fact: If nominated, you still must pay the federal $1,365 CAD per adult. Your total cost is the provincial fee + the federal fee. According to the official Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) page, even for free nomination streams, you must be prepared to pay the federal fees upon receiving an invitation to apply.

What Other Costs Should I Budget For Beyond Government Fees?

Beyond the official government processing fees, you must budget an additional $1,000 to $3,000+ CAD for mandatory steps and documentation. These are often the "hidden costs" that catch applicants off guard.

A comprehensive budget should include:

• Language Tests (IELTS/CELPIP for English, TEF for French): ~$300-$350 CAD each. You may need to take multiple tests to achieve your target score.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): ~$200-$300 CAD to have your foreign education verified.
• Police Clearance Certificates: Varies by country, often $50-$150 CAD per certificate.
• Medical Examination: ~$200-$300 CAD per person, performed by a panel physician approved by IRCC.
• Translation of Documents: If documents are not in English or French.
• Postage/Courier Fees: For sending paper documents or passports for visa stamping.

Key Fact: Using a tool like Evola AI's CLB Converter can help you precisely target the language test scores you need, potentially saving you money on retests. While some turn to expensive immigration lawyers, a dedicated AI mentor like Evola provides 24/7 guidance on these complex steps at a fraction of the cost, helping you avoid costly mistakes.

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Understanding the full cost of a Canadian visa is the first step in a successful application. It's not just about the IRCC processing fee; it's about planning for the entire ecosystem of required steps—from language tests to medical exams. By budgeting accurately from the start, you avoid stressful financial surprises and can focus on preparing a strong application.

Ready to get a precise estimate for your specific situation and receive step-by-step guidance on the most cost-effective path for you? Let Evola AI build your personalized immigration roadmap. Start your journey at Evolaai.com.