Canada permanent residence fees in 2026: what you actually pay
Planning a move to Canada means budgeting more than the application fee. Government fees for permanent residence were raised for applications received from 30 April 2026, according to published fee summaries. Here is how the costs fit together.
Government fees (reported for 30 April 2026 onwards)
- Principal applicant (Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic): CAD 990, up from CAD 950.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 600 per adult, up from CAD 575.
- Accompanying spouse or partner: the processing fee is generally the same as the principal applicant's.
- Dependent child: about CAD 270 per child in the Express Entry streams.
- Biometrics: about CAD 85 per person.
For a single applicant, that means roughly CAD 1,590 plus biometrics in government fees, and noticeably more for a family. The RPRF is paid at the rate in force on the day you pay, so paying earlier can lock in a lower rate if a fee change is imminent.
Citizenship fees
The Right of Citizenship Fee was reported at CAD 123 from March 2026, in addition to the processing fee for adult applicants. Check the IRCC site for the current total.
Costs that are not government fees
- Language tests such as IELTS or CELPIP: commonly CAD 300 or more per attempt.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): often CAD 200-300 plus courier costs.
- Medical exam: varies by clinic.
- Police certificates from every country you have lived in for six months or more.
- Translation and certification of documents.
- Proof of funds: many Express Entry applicants must show settlement funds unless they hold a Canadian job offer or experience.
Temporary residence fees
Fees for study and work permits are separate. Study permit processing has stood at CAD 150 and work permit processing at CAD 155 in the data we review, plus biometrics.
How to avoid paying twice
- Use the official IRCC fee calculator right before you pay.
- Pay only on the official government site.
- Beware of "guaranteed" consultants charging unregulated fees. In Canada, paid representatives must be licensed (RCICs, lawyers, or paralegals in limited situations).
Fees change, so always cross-check against the official IRCC fee list on the day you apply.
Visa Ray is a rule-based reference tool, not a law firm. Rules and fees change, so always confirm current figures with the official government source before you apply. You can run a free assessment on Visa Ray to see which pathways fit your profile.