The Complete Cost of Immigrating to Canada Through Express Entry
Understanding the financial requirements for Express Entry is crucial for anyone planning their Canadian immigration journey. While the process remains one of the fastest and most efficient pathways to permanent residence, it does involve several mandatory fees and additional costs that applicants must prepare for.
This detailed breakdown outlines the full range of expenses associated with Express Entry—from government fees to language tests, medical exams, and settlement funds—to help applicants budget accurately and avoid unexpected financial challenges.
Government Fees Required for Express Entry
Applicants must pay several non-negotiable fees when submitting their permanent residence (PR) application through the Express Entry system. The cost varies depending on whether you apply alone or with a spouse or partner.
Base PR Application Fees
| Fee Type | Single Applicant | With Spouse/Partner |
|---|---|---|
| Application Processing | $950 | $1,900 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $575 | $1,150 |
| Biometrics | $85 | $170 |
| Total (Minimum) | $1,610 | $3,220 |
Applicants adding dependent children must pay $260 per child.
Those who pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee upfront may reduce processing delays. If an application is refused, this fee is refunded.
Additional Required Costs (Third-Party Expenses)
Beyond government fees, the Express Entry process involves several third-party expenses that can vary based on your location, family size, and personal circumstances.
1. Language Tests
All Express Entry candidates must submit results from an IRCC-approved language test in English or French. Options include:
English:
- IELTS General Training
- CELPIP-General
- PTE Core
French:
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
Typical testing costs range from $290 to $450 plus tax, depending on the test center and location.
Minimum language levels depend on the chosen program:
- CEC: CLB 7 for TEER 0–1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2–3
- FSWP: CLB 7
- FSTP: CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing)
2. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Required for applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program—or for anyone wishing to claim points for foreign education.
ECA cost: $200–$310 + tax and courier charges
Applicants must use a designated organization, and documents not in English or French require translation.
3. Certified Translations
Documents in languages other than English or French must be professionally translated.
Cost per document: $25–$70, depending on complexity and urgency.
4. Medical Examination
All applicants and accompanying family members must undergo an IRCC-approved medical exam, completed upfront and submitted with the PR application.
Cost per person: $140–$280
5. Police Clearance Certificates
Required for every country where applicants have lived for six consecutive months in the last 10 years (excluding time in Canada).
Costs vary widely by country:
- India: $8–$38
- Philippines: $4–$39
- China: $40–$120
- Cameroon: $3–$207
- Nigeria: $5–$180
Some countries may require additional third-party services to obtain certificates from abroad.
Other Possible Costs
Applicants must also budget for:
- Passport renewal
- Courier/mailing fees
- Notarization charges
- Retaking language tests if scores expire or are insufficient
- Travel for biometrics or medical exams
- Document scanning and printing
- Additional ECA reports if needed
- Airfare if landing from outside Canada
The first PR card is free if submitted within 180 days. After that, replacement costs $50.
Immigration Lawyer (Optional Cost)
Legal support is not mandatory but can be helpful, especially for complex cases.
Typical legal fees: $2,000–$5,000
Benefits include:
- Improved CRS score strategies
- Guidance for complex work histories or past refusals
- Ensuring complete documentation
- Reducing risks of misrepresentation
- Avoiding costly delays or refusals
Settlement Funds (If Applicable)
Settlement funds are required for FSWP and FSTP applicants without a valid job offer.
Example: A single applicant must show at least $15,263 in available funds.
CEC applicants or those with approved job offers are exempt.
Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry manages applications for three federal immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Applicants create an online profile and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), scoring up to 1,200 points. Regular draws invite top-ranking candidates to apply for PR.
Submitting a profile is free. Fees apply only after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
