Planning your move to Canada is an exciting journey, but understanding the Canada Express Entry cost is the first crucial step to turning that dream into a reality. It can feel overwhelming to see all the different fees and requirements. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this. My goal here is to break down every expense, step-by-step, so you can build a clear and realistic budget for your 2025-2026 application. This guide will be your financial roadmap, ensuring there are no surprises along the way.
Canada Express Entry cost
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (per adult) | Key Detail |
| Government Fees | ~$2,300 CAD | Includes processing, right of permanent residence, and biometrics. |
| Proof of Funds | $14,690 CAD+ | This is your money to support yourself, not a fee you pay. Required for FSWP/FSTP. |
| Language Tests | ~$300 – $400 CAD | Mandatory for all applicants. Cost varies by country and test type. |
| ECA Report | ~$240 CAD + courier fees | Required to verify your foreign education credentials. |
The Four Pillars of Your Immigration Budget
Think of your immigration budget as having four main pillars. By understanding each one, you can plan more effectively and avoid feeling overwhelmed. We’ll tackle each pillar one by one, from the initial preparations to the funds you’ll need upon arrival.
- Upfront Costs: These are the expenses you’ll need to cover before you can even submit your Express Entry profile or receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Government Processing Fees: Non-refundable fees paid directly to the Government of Canada to process your application.
- Proof of Funds (Settlement Funds): The minimum amount of money you must prove you have to support your settlement in Canada.
- Post-Landing Expenses: Costs associated with your physical move and getting settled in your new home.
Pillar 1: Upfront Costs – Laying the Foundation
Before you can hit “submit,” you need to gather key documents that prove your eligibility. These come with their own costs.
Language Proficiency Tests (IELTS or CELPIP)
Your ability to communicate in English or French is critical, and a high score can significantly boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. You must take a designated test like IELTS or CELPIP.
- Estimated Cost: ~$300 to $400 CAD. This price can fluctuate depending on your location.
In my experience advising applicants, investing in official practice materials is a small additional cost that often pays huge dividends in achieving a higher score on the first attempt.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you completed your education outside of Canada, you need an ECA to prove it’s valid and equal to a Canadian credential. Organizations like World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) provide this service.
- Estimated Cost: ~$240 CAD, plus any courier fees to send your documents.
Pillar 2: Government Fees – The Official Price Tag
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll need to pay several official fees to the Canadian government. These fees are generally paid online when you submit your final application.
Application Processing & Permanent Residence Fees
This is the core cost for processing your file. It’s broken into two parts: the application fee and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), which you pay once your application is approved.
According to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) fee schedule, the costs are as follows:
- Processing Fee: $950 CAD per adult.
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $575 CAD per adult.
- Including a Dependent Child: $260 CAD per child.
So, a single applicant will pay a total of $1,525 CAD ($950 + $575) in these government fees. A couple would pay $3,050 CAD.
Biometrics Fee
Most applicants need to provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics).
- Individual Applicant: $85 CAD.
- Family (2 or more people applying together): $170 CAD total.
What About the PNP Canada Cost?
If you go through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you’re looking at an additional fee paid directly to the province.11 This PNP Canada cost varies significantly:
- Ontario (OINP): ~$1,500 – $2,000 CAD
- Saskatchewan (SINP): ~$350 CAD
- British Columbia (BC PNP): ~$1,475 CAD
- Alberta (AAIP): No application fee for many streams.
Pillar 3: Proof of Funds – Your Settlement Safety Net
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the Canada Express Entry cost. Proof of funds (or settlement funds) is not a fee you pay to anyone. It is your own money that you must show you have available to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada.
The only applicants typically exempt from this requirement are those applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). For everyone else, the amount is based on your family size. As per the latest requirements from the Government of Canada, the minimum funds needed are:
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required (in CAD) |
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $27,297 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
IRCC regularly provides updates on its programs, including settlement fund changes.
Pillar 4: Other Essential Costs to Factor In
Beyond the main fees, there are a few other necessary expenses to keep on your radar.
Medical Examinations
You and your family members must pass a medical exam performed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Estimated Cost: ~$150 to $400 CAD per person. This varies wildly depending on the country.
Police Clearance Certificates (PCC)
You’ll need a PCC from every country where you’ve lived for 6 months or more since the age of 18.
- Estimated Cost: Varies from free to over $100 CAD per certificate, depending on the country.
Travel and Initial Settlement
Finally, don’t forget the practical costs of the move itself.
- Flights: This is highly variable based on your location and the time of year.
- Shipping Belongings: Costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Initial Accommodation: Budget for at least a few weeks in temporary housing like an Airbnb while you search for a permanent home.
Sample Budgets: What It All Adds Up To
Let’s put this all together into two common scenarios. These are estimates to give you a clear target.
Scenario 1: Single Applicant (Express Entry)
- Language Test: $350
- ECA: $240
- Government Fees (Processing + RPRF): $1,525
- Biometrics: $8515
- Medical Exam & PCCs: $400
- Total Fees Paid: ~$2,600 CAD
- Plus Proof of Funds: $14,690 CAD
Scenario 2: Couple with One Child (Express Entry)
- Language Tests (2 adults): $700
- ECA (1 adult): $24017
- Government Fees (2 adults + 1 child): $3,310
- Biometrics (Family): $170
- Medical Exams & PCCs (Family): $900
- Total Fees Paid: ~$5,320 CAD
- Plus Proof of Funds: $22,483 CAD
Your Canadian Dream is an Investment
Looking at the numbers, the journey to Canada requires a significant financial investment.19 But I’ve seen countless individuals and families successfully make this move, and they all started with one thing: a clear plan. By breaking down the Canada Express Entry cost into manageable steps, you transform a daunting figure into an achievable savings goal. This isn’t just an expense; it’s an investment in your future. Start planning your budget today, and you’ll be one step closer to calling Canada home.
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FAQs
Q1:Do I have to pay my proof of funds to the government?
No, absolutely not. The proof of funds is your own money. You simply need to prove to the Canadian government that you have access to it to support your settlement. You will use this money for your own expenses like rent, food, and transportation after you arrive.
Q2:Can I take out a loan for my settlement funds?
No, you cannot use a loan as proof of funds. These funds must be unencumbered, meaning they are readily available to you and not tied to any debt. They can be in a chequing or savings account, or in investments that can be easily liquidated.
Q3:Are the application fees refundable if my application is rejected?
Generally, application processing fees are not refundable. However, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $575 per adult is refundable if your application is unsuccessful or if you withdraw it before your visa is issued.
