Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry involves several mandatory fees along with additional optional expenses.
Understanding the complete cost breakdown is important for proper budgeting and to avoid any unexpected financial barriers.
This article explains every potential expense involved in securing Canadian permanent residence (PR) through the Express Entry system—including PR application fees, language testing, biometrics, and other third-party costs.
All amounts listed below are shown in Canadian dollars.
Mandatory PR application fees
The table below outlines the total cost of submitting a PR application through Express Entry Canada, whether applying alone or including a spouse or common-law partner.
| Fee type | Fee amount – sole applicant | Fee amount – with spouse or common law partner |
| Application processing fee | $950 | $1,900 |
| Right of permanent residence fee | $575 | $1,150 |
| Biometrics fee* | $85 | $170 |
| Total amount | $1,610 | $3,220 |
| Including a dependent child | $260 (per child) | $260 (per child) |
| Total minimum amount | $1,870 | $3,480 |
The biometrics fee costs $85 per person, with a maximum of $170 for a family of two or more. Minors under 14 and adults over 79 are not required to give biometrics.
You must pay at least the application processing fee(s) when submitting your PR application — however, paying the biometrics fee and right of permanent residence fee upfront can help prevent processing delays.
If your application is refused, the right of permanent residence fee will be refunded.
Third-party fees
Language tests
To submit an Express Entry Canada profile, you must complete an approved language test.
Accepted language tests by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
| Language | Test Provider | Test Type |
| English | International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | IELTS General Training |
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) | CELPIP-General | |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | PTE Core | |
| French | TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français | N/A |
| TCF Canada : Test de connaissance du français | N/A |
Language test fees typically range from $290 + tax to $450 + tax, depending on the location.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) will also be accepted in the future, although IRCC has not yet confirmed the rollout date.
Required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) levels for each Express Entry program:
| Program | CLB/NCLC level |
| CEC | TEER 0 or 1: CLB/NCLC 7 (all abilities) |
| TEER 2 or 3: CLB/NCLC 5 (all abilities) | |
| FSWP | CLB/NCLC 7 (all abilities) |
| FSTP | Speaking & listening: CLB/NCLC 5 / Reading & writing: CLB/NCLC 4 |
Educational credential assessments (ECAs)
If you completed education outside Canada and want to enter the Express Entry pool under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and/or earn CRS points for foreign education, you must obtain an ECA.
You do not need an ECA for consideration under the CEC or FSTP.
ECA fees range from $200–$310 + tax and delivery, depending on the assessing organization.
Certified document translations
Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by its original and a certified translation.
Certified translation costs usually range from $25 to $70 per document, depending on turnaround time, length, and complexity.
Immigration Medical Exam (IME)
As of August 21, 2025, all Express Entry Canada applicants (and family members) must complete an upfront IME and upload the result when submitting their PR application. Only IRCC-approved panel physicians may perform IMEs.
Medical exam fees usually range from $140–$280 per person.
Learn how the recent Amendment to the Citizenship Act impacts applicants and eligibility for Canadian permanent residency.
Police clearance certificates
Each applicant aged 18 or older must provide a police certificate for every country where they have lived for six consecutive months or longer in the last 10 years.
You do not need certificates for places lived before age 18 or for time spent in Canada.
Police certificate fees vary by country. Below are cost examples from the top five countries for Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) issuances in the first quarter of 2025:
| Country | COPRs issued | Police certificate cost | Notes |
| India | 34,245 | $8–$38 | Cost varies depending on urgency and location |
| Philippines | 7,460 | $4–$39 | N/A |
| China | 5,815 | $40–$120 | Often difficult to obtain abroad; may require third-party help |
| Cameroon | 4,960 | $3–$207 | N/A |
| Nigeria | 4,525 | $5–$180 | Cost varies depending on region and exchange rate |
Other miscellaneous fees
In addition to the costs listed above, applicants may incur other expenses, such as:
- Passport renewal
- Notary charges
- Courier fees
- Scanning and printing fees
- Extra ECA assessments
- Retaking language tests
- Travel to biometrics or IME appointments
- Costs involved in gathering supporting documents
- Airfare (for those immigrating from abroad)
If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and complete your first landing, your first PR card is free — provided you submit your mailing address and photo within 180 days. Failure to do so requires a $50 PR card application fee.
Immigration lawyer (optional)
Many applicants hire an immigration lawyer for expert support. Legal fees usually range from $2,000–$5,000, depending on case complexity and services needed.
Benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer include:
- Improving CRS score for better ITA chances
- Assistance with complex cases (inadmissibility, prior removals, work history issues, etc.)
- Full document preparation that meets IRCC standards
- Avoiding costly mistakes that may lead to refusal or delays
- Preventing misrepresentation (which can result in fines or a five-year ban)
- Personalized legal strategy for higher success
- Peace of mind throughout the application process
Settlement funds
Although not a fee, applicants must show sufficient financial settlement funds unless applying under CEC or holding a valid job offer.
The required settlement amount depends on family size.
For a single applicant, a minimum of $15,263 must be available when submitting a PR application and when a PR visa is issued.
About the Express Entry system
Express Entry Canada is an online immigration management system used by Canada to admit skilled workers.
You must first qualify under one of the three federal economic immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Once eligible, you can create and submit an Express Entry Canada profile to enter the pool.
There is no fee to submit a profile.
The CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) scores candidates based on age, education, language proficiency, and work experience — assigning between 0 and 1,200 points.
The Canadian government conducts Express Entry draws periodically, inviting top-ranking candidates to apply for PR.
To submit a PR application, applicants must access their IRCC secure account, complete forms, upload supporting documentation listed in the personalized checklist, pay the application fees, and submit the file.
If you want expert help to navigate the Express Entry Canada process successfully,
Contact Temboh Immigration for a Free Express Entry Assessment.
