Canada Immigration Fees 2026: Government Charges, Consultant Fees, and What the Total Bill Looks Like

- [Government Fees: What IRCC Charges](#government-fees-what-ircc-charges) - [Permanent Residence](#permanent-residence) - [Temporary Residence](#temporary-residence) - [Biometrics](#biometrics) - [Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)](#right-of-permanent-residence-fee-rprf) - [Professional Fees: What a Consultant or Lawyer Charges](#professional-fees-what-a-consultant-or-lawyer-charges) - [What Drives the Cost](#what-drives-the-cost) - [Typical Ranges by Pathway](#typical-ranges-by-pathway) - [Additional Costs to Budget For](#additional-costs-to-budget-for) - [What the Total Bill Looks Like: Three Scenarios](#what-the-total-bill-looks-like-three-scenarios) - [Scenario 1: Single Applicant, Express Entry](#scenario-1-single-applicant-express-entry) - [Scenario 2: Spousal Sponsorship (Couple, No Dependents)](#scenario-2-spousal-sponsorship-couple-no-dependents) - [Scenario 3: Work Permit (Employer-Specific, No LMIA)](#scenario-3-work-permit-employer-specific-no-lmia) - [Why Working With a Professional Is Worth Considering](#why-working-with-a-professional-is-worth-considering) - [FAQs](#faqs) - [Plan Your Budget Before You Apply](#plan-your-budget-before-you-apply)

Moving to Canada involves more than paperwork. Before you submit a single form, it helps to know exactly what you'll be paying, to whom, and why. The total cost of a Canadian immigration application in 2026 comes down to two distinct layers: government fees set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and professional fees charged by the consultant or lawyer helping you. Understanding both prevents surprises and makes budgeting a lot more straightforward.

This article breaks down each layer, explains what drives the variation in professional fees, and gives you a realistic picture of what the full bill looks like across common immigration pathways.

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Government Fees: What IRCC Charges

Government fees are fixed. They're set by IRCC, paid directly to the federal government, and don't change based on who prepares your application. They're also largely non-refundable once processing begins.

Here are the standard government fees for the most common pathways in 2026:

Permanent Residence

- **Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades):** $1,365 CAD per principal applicant, which includes the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $515 CAD. Spouses or common-law partners add another $1,365 CAD. Each dependent child adds $230 CAD. - **Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):** The federal processing fee matches Express Entry once you've been nominated. Some provinces also charge their own nomination application fee, which varies. - **Family Sponsorship (Spouse/Partner):** $1,080 CAD total, covering both the sponsorship application fee and the principal applicant's processing fee. - **Family Sponsorship (Parents and Grandparents):** $1,080 CAD for the principal applicant, plus the RPRF once approved.

Temporary Residence

- **Work Permit (employer-specific or open):** $155 CAD per application. - **Study Permit:** $150 CAD per application. - **Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa):** $100 CAD for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

Biometrics

Most applicants pay a separate biometrics fee: $85 CAD for an individual, or $170 CAD for a family of two or more. This applies across most permit and visa categories.

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

The $515 CAD RPRF is already included in the figures above for principal applicants and spouses. It becomes payable when you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence. If your application is refused before that point, the RPRF portion is refundable.

IRCC updates its fee schedule periodically, so always verify the current amounts on the official IRCC website before submitting payment.

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Professional Fees: What a Consultant or Lawyer Charges

This is where things vary. Canada immigration consultant fees aren't regulated by the government, so they differ based on the complexity of your case, the type of application, the experience of the professional, and what's actually included in the service.

A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). An immigration lawyer is regulated by their provincial law society. Both are legally authorized to represent clients before IRCC. Anyone else charging for immigration advice in Canada is operating illegally.

What Drives the Cost

**Application complexity** is the biggest factor. A straightforward Express Entry profile for a single applicant with clean employment history and no prior refusals costs less to prepare than a spousal sponsorship involving previous immigration issues, or a business immigration case that requires a detailed business plan.

**Scope of service** matters just as much. Some consultants charge a flat fee covering everything from document collection through to submission and post-submission follow-up. Others bill separately for the initial consultation, document review, and any IRCC correspondence that comes up later. Before you sign anything, make sure you know exactly what's included.

**Experience and specialization** also play a role. A consultant with deep expertise in a specific stream — provincial nominee programs or intra-company transfers, for example — may charge more than a generalist. When the stakes are high, that specialization is often worth it.

Typical Ranges by Pathway

Because professional fees vary widely across the industry, the figures below reflect general market ranges you're likely to encounter in 2026. They are not quotes.

- **Express Entry (single applicant):** Typically $1,500 to $4,000+ CAD, depending on complexity and the firm. - **Provincial Nominee Program:** Often $2,000 to $5,000+ CAD, since PNP streams vary significantly in their documentation requirements. - **Spousal/Partner Sponsorship:** Generally $1,500 to $3,500 CAD for a straightforward case. - **Work Permit (LMIA-supported or employer-specific):** Can range from $500 to $2,500+ CAD depending on whether an LMIA is involved. - **Study Permit:** Generally $500 to $1,500 CAD. - **Business Immigration (Start-Up Visa, Intra-Company Transfer):** Among the most complex streams — professional fees can exceed $5,000 CAD.

These are professional fees only. They don't include government fees, medical exam costs, police certificate fees, translation costs, or any provincial nomination fees.

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Additional Costs to Budget For

Beyond government and professional fees, several other costs come up in most immigration applications.

**Medical examination:** Required for most permanent residence applications and some work permits. The exam must be performed by an IRCC-designated physician, and costs vary by clinic and location — typically $200 to $400+ CAD per person.

**Police clearance certificates:** Required from every country where you've lived for six months or more since age 18. Costs and processing times vary by country.

**Document translation:** Any document not in English or French needs a certified translation. Fees depend on document length and language pair.

**Credential assessments:** Some streams, including Federal Skilled Worker, require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization. Fees typically run $200 to $300 CAD.

**Provincial nomination fees:** If you're applying through a provincial stream, the province may charge its own application fee before the federal stage begins.

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What the Total Bill Looks Like: Three Scenarios

Here are three illustrative scenarios combining government fees and typical professional fees. These are estimates for planning purposes, not guarantees.

Scenario 1: Single Applicant, Express Entry

- Government fee (including RPRF): ~$1,365 CAD - Biometrics: $85 CAD - Medical exam: ~$250 CAD - ECA: ~$225 CAD - Professional fees: $1,500–$4,000 CAD - **Estimated total: $3,400–$5,900+ CAD**

Scenario 2: Spousal Sponsorship (Couple, No Dependents)

- Government fees: ~$1,080 CAD - Biometrics (family rate): $170 CAD - Medical exam (both applicants): ~$500 CAD - Police certificates: variable - Professional fees: $1,500–$3,500 CAD - **Estimated total: $3,250–$5,250+ CAD**

Scenario 3: Work Permit (Employer-Specific, No LMIA)

- Government fee: $155 CAD - Biometrics: $85 CAD - Professional fees: $500–$2,000 CAD - **Estimated total: $740–$2,240+ CAD**

These scenarios illustrate why "how much does immigration cost?" doesn't have a single answer. The pathway, family size, and case complexity all shift the number considerably.

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Why Working With a Professional Is Worth Considering

Some applicants handle their own applications to save on professional fees. That's legally permitted, and for simple, well-documented cases it can work. But immigration applications are unforgiving. A missing document, an inconsistency in your employment history, or a misunderstood question on a form can lead to a refusal — which means losing your government fees and starting over.

A licensed RCIC like Samaneh Kavei at [Samakav Immigration Corp.](https://samakav.com/) reviews your eligibility before you apply, prepares a complete and consistent application, and handles any IRCC correspondence if questions come up. That kind of oversight meaningfully reduces the risk of a costly refusal.

If you're not yet sure which pathway fits your situation, the free AI-powered self-assessment tool on the Samakav website is a good place to start. It helps you explore your options before committing to a paid consultation.

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FAQs

**What is the difference between government fees and consultant fees for Canadian immigration?** Government fees are set by IRCC and paid directly to the federal government — they're the same regardless of who prepares your application. Consultant fees are charged by the licensed professional who prepares and submits your application on your behalf. The two are entirely separate, and both need to be factored into your budget.

**Are Canadian immigration consultant fees regulated?** No. The CICC regulates who can charge fees for immigration advice, but it doesn't set the amounts. Fees vary by firm, application type, and complexity.

**Can I get a refund if my immigration application is refused?** Most IRCC processing fees are non-refundable once your application enters processing. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($515 CAD) is an exception — it's refundable if your application is refused before you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence. Professional fees paid to a consultant are generally non-refundable unless your service agreement says otherwise.

**Do government immigration fees change every year?** IRCC updates its fee schedule periodically, and fees have increased over recent years. Always check the current IRCC fee schedule before submitting, since the figures in effect at the time of submission are what apply.

**What happens if I use an unlicensed immigration consultant?** It's a serious risk. Unauthorized representatives cannot legally represent you before IRCC, their advice is unregulated, and you have limited recourse if something goes wrong. Always verify that your consultant appears in the CICC's public register.

**Is the biometrics fee charged separately from the application fee?** Yes. Biometrics is a separate IRCC fee — $85 CAD for an individual and $170 CAD for a family applying together. You may be exempt if you've provided biometrics within the last ten years for a previous application.

**How do I get an accurate cost estimate for my specific situation?** The most reliable way is to speak with a licensed RCIC who can assess your pathway, family composition, and documentation needs. [Samakav Immigration Corp.](https://samakav.com/) offers a free AI-powered self-assessment tool at samakav.com to help you understand your options before booking a consultation.

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Plan Your Budget Before You Apply

Immigration to Canada is a significant financial commitment — but a manageable one when you understand the full picture. Government fees are fixed and predictable. Professional fees vary, but they reflect the complexity of your case and the risk mitigation a licensed consultant provides. Factor in medical exams, translations, and credential assessments, and you have a realistic total to plan around.

Start by identifying which pathway you qualify for, then get a clear scope of services from your consultant before signing anything. Knowing your pathway and your costs upfront puts you in the best position to move forward with confidence.