Applying for permanent residency through Express Entry involves several costs, including government fees, language tests, medical exams, and other expenses. Understanding these costs will help you budget properly for your immigration journey.
Government Processing Fees
These are mandatory fees paid to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) when submitting your application:
Express Entry Application Fee (Primary Applicant): $1,365 CAD
Spouse/Common-law Partner Fee: $1,365 CAD
Dependent Child Fee (per child): $230 CAD
Note: The application fee includes the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $515 CAD. If your application is unsuccessful, the RPRF is refunded.
Language Test Fees
To be eligible for Express Entry, you must take an approved English or French language test:
IELTS (English): $320 – $350 CAD
CELPIP (English – Canada only): $280 – $300 CAD
TEF (French): $440 – $460 CAD
Prices vary depending on the country where you take the test.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Fees
If you studied outside Canada, you need an ECA report to verify your degree’s equivalency:
WES (World Education Services): $240 CAD
ICES (International Credential Evaluation Service): $230 CAD
IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service): $220 CAD
Processing times and fees may vary by organization.
Medical Examination Fees
An IRCC-approved panel physician must conduct your medical exam. Costs depend on the country where you take the test, but on average:
Medical Exam Fees: $150 – $350 CAD
Additional Tests (if required): $50 – $100 CAD
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Fees
You must provide a police certificate from each country where you’ve lived for 6+ months since turning 18. Fees vary:
Canada PCC (RCMP check): $25 – $50 CAD
International PCC: $20 – $100 CAD per country
Biometrics Fees
IRCC requires biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for identity verification:
Individual Applicant: $85 CAD
Family (2+ applicants): $170 CAD
Proof of Settlement Funds (Not a Fee, but Required)
If you don’t have a valid job offer, you must prove you have enough funds to support yourself and your family:
Single Applicant: $13,757 CAD
Couple: $17,127 CAD
Family of 4: $25,564 CAD
Amounts increase based on family size; subject to change annually by IRCC.
Additional Costs to Consider
Translation Fees (if documents are not in English or French): $30 – $100 per document
Courier Fees (for sending documents internationally): $50 – $150
Immigration Consultant or Lawyer Fees (optional): $1,500 – $5,000 CAD
Estimated Total Cost for Express Entry Application
Application Fees (Primary Applicant): $1,365 CAD
Language Test (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF): $300 – $450 CAD
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): $220 – $240 CAD
Medical Exam: $150 – $350 CAD
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): $20 – $100 per country
Biometrics: $85 CAD
Translation & Miscellaneous Fees: $100 – $500 CAD
Total Estimated Cost: $2,200 – $3,500 CAD
Costs may vary depending on personal circumstances and country of residence.
Need Help With Your Express Entry Application?
At Canada Express Entry Assist, we guide applicants through the Express Entry process, helping you understand the costs and prepare your application effectively.
Contact us today for expert assistance!