Top 5 Canadian Visitor Visa Costs [2025-2026 Guide]

Planning a trip to Canada involves more than just booking flights and hotels. Understanding the official Canadian visitor visa cost is your first critical step. This guide breaks down every fee you can expect for the 2025-2026 period, from the main application charge to often-overlooked expenses. We'll provide official government links and actionable tips to ensure your budget is accurate and your application process is smooth.

What is the Basic Canadian Visitor Visa Application Fee?

The basic application processing fee for a Canadian Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) is $100 CAD per person. This is the non-refundable fee you pay to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have your application assessed.

You must pay this fee online through the IRCC portal when you submit your application. According to IRCC’s official fee page, this fee is standard for a single entry or multiple entry visa. It's the foundational cost upon which other mandatory fees are added. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready.

• The standard processing fee is $100 CAD.
• This fee is paid online through your IRCC secure account.
• It is required for both single and multiple-entry visas.
• The fee is generally non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

Is the Biometrics Fee Mandatory for a Visitor Visa?

Yes, the biometrics fee is mandatory for most visitor visa applicants. This fee is $85 CAD per person. You must pay this fee when you submit your application, which brings the total base cost to $185 CAD.

Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) are a security requirement. After you pay and get a biometrics instruction letter, you must book an appointment at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide them. This fee covers the collection service. According to IRCC’s official biometrics page, applicants from most countries aged 14 to 79 are required to provide biometrics.

• The biometrics fee is $85 CAD per person.
• It is paid at the same time as the application fee.
• You must then provide your biometrics in person at a VAC.
• Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so you may not need to pay this fee again if you reapply within that period.

What Other Potential Costs Should I Budget For?

Beyond the direct government fees, several other costs are commonly associated with the visa process. Budgeting for these from the start will prevent surprises.

These can include fees for passport photography, certified translations of documents, courier services for sending documents, and potential VAC service charges if you use one for assistance. If you need to travel to a major city to give biometrics, factor in transportation and accommodation costs. Using tools like Evola AI’s Immigration Success Predictor can help you assess your profile's strength before spending money on the application.

• Passport Photos: $15 - $30 CAD.
• Document Translation: Variable cost, depending on document length.
• VAC Service Charges: Some VACs charge an additional service fee.
• Travel to a Biometrics Collection Site: Can include transport, parking, and potentially accommodation.

How Much Does a Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents Cost?

A Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time. Its cost structure is different from a standard visitor visa. The application processing fee for a Super Visa is $100 CAD.

However, the key additional requirement is private medical insurance from a Canadian company. According to IRCC’s official Super Visa page, you must prove you have purchased this insurance for at least one year. This insurance can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000+ CAD depending on the applicant's age and the policy's coverage. You must also pay the $85 biometrics fee, making the total government fees $185.

• Application Processing Fee: $100 CAD.
• Mandatory Private Medical Insurance: ~$1,500 - $4,000+ CAD per year.
• Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD.
• The insurance must be valid for at least one year and be from a Canadian provider.

How Can I Calculate My Total Visitor Visa Budget?

To calculate your total budget, start with the mandatory government fees and then add all the ancillary costs relevant to your specific situation. This will give you a realistic picture of the total financial commitment.

Create a simple checklist: Application fee + Biometrics fee + Photos + Translations + VAC fees + Travel costs. For a straightforward application, the minimum you should expect to pay is $185 CAD. For a more complex case or if you use a VAC's added services, the total can easily exceed $250-$300 CAD. Before you invest, use Evola AI’s free CRS Calculator to understand how your profile fits into Canada's immigration framework, even for a temporary visit.

Sample Budget for a Single Applicant:

Fee Type	Cost (CAD)	Notes
Application Processing	$100	Mandatory, non-refundable.
Biometrics	$85	Mandatory for most applicants.
Passport Photos	$20	Two recent photos meeting specs.
Document Translation	$50	If any documents are not in English/French.
VAC Service Charge	$30 - $50	Optional, but commonly used.
**Estimated Total	$285 - $335	**

How and When Do I Pay the Visa Fees?

You pay all fees online through the IRCC website as part of the electronic application process. You must pay the fees before you can finally submit your application.

The system will guide you through the payment steps, which typically involve using a credit card. You will receive official receipts, which you should save for your records. It is crucial to pay the correct amount; underpayment can lead to your application being returned without processing, causing significant delays.

• Pay all fees online via the IRCC portal.
• Use a valid credit card for payment.
• Save and print the payment receipts for your records.
• Ensure you pay the full amount to avoid processing delays.

What Happens if My Visitor Visa Application is Refused?

If your visitor visa application is refused, the government does not refund any of the fees you have paid. The application processing fee and the biometrics fee are both non-refundable.

You can reapply, but you will need to pay all the fees again. It is therefore highly recommended to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and demonstrates strong ties to your home country before submitting. Consulting with an immigration expert or using a detailed AI mentor like Evola AI can help you identify and fix potential weaknesses in your application before you spend money on a submission that might be refused.

• Application and biometrics fees are not refunded upon refusal.
• You must pay all fees again if you choose to reapply.
• Address the reasons for refusal in any new application.
• A thorough review before submitting is the best way to protect your investment.

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Navigating the costs of a Canadian visitor visa is straightforward once you know what to expect. By budgeting for both the mandatory government fees and the potential additional costs, you can approach your application with confidence. Remember, the key to a successful application is accuracy and thoroughness.

Ready to ensure your application is perfect? Let Evola AI guide you. Start your journey with confidence today!