Cost of Express Entry Application: Complete Fee Breakdown for 2026

The government fee for an Express Entry application is $990 CAD for the principal applicant. That number gets shared a lot. What does not get shared is that the total cost — including everything required to actually submit a complete, eligible application — is significantly higher. Here is the full picture.

Government Processing Fees (Effective April 30, 2026)

IRCC raised permanent residence fees on April 30, 2026 — the latest biennial adjustment.

The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) must be paid by the principal applicant and accompanying spouse. Dependent children under 22 who are not spouses or common-law partners are exempt from the RPRF.

Family of four example (2 adults, 2 children):

• Two adults: $1,590 × 2 = $3,180 CAD
• Two children: $270 × 2 = $540 CAD
• Biometrics: $170 CAD family maximum
• Total government fees: $3,890 CAD

Biometrics

Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required for most applicants and are collected at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

• $85 CAD per adult
• Capped at $170 CAD per family (regardless of family size)

Previously collected biometrics may still be valid. Check your IRCC account to see whether you need to provide them again.

Language Testing

You cannot avoid this cost — valid language results are a mandatory eligibility requirement.

If you retest to improve your CLB level — which most candidates targeting CLB 9 need to do at least once — multiply the cost accordingly. Two IELTS attempts: $600-700 CAD.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

A mandatory requirement for FSWP applicants with foreign degrees.

Additional costs: some institutions charge for transcript issuance, certified copies, or international courier fees to send documents to the ECA body ($20-80 CAD).

Medical Examination (IME)

Cost varies significantly by country and panel physician. General ranges:

Additional vaccinations required by the physician are not included in the exam fee and may add $50-200 CAD per person.

Family of four: Medical exams for two adults and two children run $800-1,600 CAD total.

Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs)

Costs vary by country. Typical ranges:

• India (PSK): approximately $50 CAD equivalent
• Nigeria (POSSAP + authentication): approximately $80-120 CAD equivalent
• Philippines (NBI Clearance): approximately $50-200 CAD equivalent

Multiple countries add multiple fees. Applicants with residence in three or four countries pay for each.

Document Translation

Any document not in English or French requires translation under IRCC's translation standards. Translation costs depend on document length and language pair.

Typical rates: $30-100 CAD per document for certified translations. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, transcripts, and employment documents all need translation if originally in another language.

A complete set of translated documents might run $200-600 CAD depending on volume and origin country.

Proof of Funds (Opportunity Cost, Not Direct Fee)

The settlement funds themselves are not an application fee, but they represent capital you must demonstrate as liquid and available:

• Single applicant: $15,263 CAD minimum
• Family of four: $28,362 CAD minimum

These funds are not paid to IRCC — you show them to prove you have them, then keep them for your settlement in Canada.

Complete Cost Summary

Single Applicant (No Family)

Family of Four (2 Adults, 2 Children)

Costs Not Included Above

Consultant or legal fees: If you hire an RCIC or immigration lawyer, add $1,000-8,000 CAD. Full representation for a standard Express Entry case commonly runs $3,000-8,000+ CAD.

Settlement costs: The first months in Canada require rent, deposits, furniture, and living expenses. This is separate from the proof of funds requirement but represents real capital needs.

Travel to panel physician or VAC: In countries with limited panel physicians, travel to a major city adds transportation and accommodation costs.

Photo requirements: IRCC requires specific passport-format photos. Not expensive, but an administrative cost.

Putting the Cost in Context

The total Express Entry immigration investment — government fees, mandatory assessments, medical, and other mandatory costs — runs $2,500-8,000 CAD depending on family size and country of origin. When measured against the total economic value of Canadian Permanent Residence (lifetime access to Canadian healthcare, education, labor market, and eventual citizenship), the return on this investment is substantial.

The cost of an application refusal — losing the $990 CAD processing fee per adult and having to reapply — also includes the time cost of starting the 60-day application process over. The RPRF is generally refundable if you do not land in Canada. This is the strongest argument for preparation: the cost of getting it wrong is high relative to the cost of preparation.

The Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) Guide covers the full application process with document templates and checklists designed to help you submit a complete application the first time and avoid the cost of refusal and reapplication.

See more Canada guides →