Immigration to Canada involves government fees, professional service costs, and document expenses that add up quickly. This complete breakdown helps you budget accurately for every stage of the process.

Pre-Application Costs

Language tests: IELTS General Training costs approximately $300-$350 CAD in Canada, or equivalent in local currency internationally. CELPIP costs approximately $280-$300 CAD. TEF Canada costs approximately $300-$450 CAD. If you need to retake tests to improve scores, budget accordingly — many candidates take the test two or three times. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): WES basic credential evaluation costs approximately $220 USD for the first credential, plus $50 per additional. Other designate organizations have similar fees. Rush processing is available for an additional fee. Total ECA cost: typically $200-$400 CAD equivalent. Immigration consultant or lawyer: Not required, but many applicants use one. Fees vary widely: basic Express Entry profile review $500-$1,500; full-service Express Entry support $2,000-$5,000; complex cases (PNP, refusals, sponsorships) $3,000-$15,000+.

Government Fees After Receiving an ITA

PR Application fees (principal applicant): Processing fee $1,325 CAD + Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) $575 CAD = $1,900 CAD. PR Application fees (accompanying spouse/partner): Processing fee $1,325 CAD + RPRF $575 CAD = $1,900 CAD additional. Dependent children: $225 CAD per dependent child (no RPRF for children under 22). Biometrics: $85 CAD for an individual, $170 CAD for a family (if not given within the last 10 years). Medical exam: Typically $200-$400 CAD per adult at a panel physician; lower for children. Prices vary by physician and location. Police certificates: Varies by country. Canadian RCMP certificate: $25 CAD. Many countries issue them free or for $10-$50 equivalent. Some countries charge $100+ CAD equivalent.

Total Estimated Costs by Situation

Single applicant, straightforward Express Entry: Language test $350 + ECA $250 + IRCC fees $1,900 + biometrics $85 + medical $300 + police certificates $75 = approximately $2,960 CAD. Couple (two applicants): Add spouse language test, ECA (if needed), IRCC fees $1,900 + biometrics $85 + medical $300 = approximately $2,285 CAD additional. Total for couple: approximately $5,200-$6,000 CAD. Family of four (2 adults + 2 children): Add two children's medical exams ($200 each) and dependent fees ($225 × 2). Total: approximately $6,500-$8,000 CAD.

Ongoing Costs After Landing

PR card: First PR card is included in your PR application. Renewal after five years: $50 CAD. Citizenship application (per adult): $630 CAD. Canadian passport (after citizenship): $160 CAD for an adult 10-year passport. Settlement costs: Housing (first and last month's rent), transportation, household setup. Budget $5,000-$15,000+ depending on city and family size for initial settlement.