Canada is looking for French-speaking skilled workers. Find out how to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry:  https://bit.ly/49yDhn1

How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate Through Express Entry?

Moving to Canada through Express Entry is quite an experience, but it is just as necessary to know the true costs as meeting the eligibility criteria. Below is the simple and friendly explanation of what to expect, since many applicants underestimate the financial aspect of the application process.

1. Fundamental Government Charges

You are required to pay Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) the following official fees:

• CAD 950 is the application processing fee for one candidate.

   

• CAD 575 is the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), which is typically paid when IRCC is prepared to process your application.

• Biometrics: CAD 170 for a family applying jointly, or CAD 85 for each individual.

The total amount of government fees paid by a single applicant is usually CAD 1,610. About CAD 3,220 is paid by a couple, plus an additional CAD 260 for each dependent kid.

2. Required Third-Party Costs

Your Express Entry profile and complete application will not only need to bear the costs of the government but also the following essential services:

• Language Test An authorized English or French test, which includes IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, and TCF, is necessary. The fee is usually around CAD 290 to CAD 450 depending upon the country and test center.

   

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) If you have studied outside Canada, then your qualifications need to be evaluated by a recognized agency. The average cost for an ECA is CAD 200 to CAD 310, including any delivery charges.

• Translations (if needed) Documents in any language other than English or French will need to be converted by a certified translator. Expect CAD 25 to CAD 70 for each document depending on the nature of the document and the location.

   

• Medical Check-up All applicants must complete a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Costs vary by country but usually range from CAD 140–280 per person.

   

• Police Clearance Certificates You may need certificates from every country where you lived for 6 months or more in the last 10 years. The fees depend on the country issuing the certificate, typically falling between CAD 8 and CAD 38, though some countries charge more.

3. Other Costs That Can Accumulate

In addition to the primary outlays, there are numerous minor expenses which a lot of people usually overlook:

• Renewing an expired passport
• Courier and mailing expenses, notarized copies, or affidavits
• Document scanning and printing
• Travel costs for biometrics or medical tests
• Language tests retaking if your scores are not up to the mark

These are not much individually, but together they can sum to a few hundred dollars added to your total costs.

4. Settlement Funds (Proof of Funds)

This is not a government fee, but rather an amount of money that should be in your account to provide evidence that you will not be a burden on Canada. The required sum is determined by the number of persons in your family. Exemptions apply to applicants under the Canadian Experience Class and those with a valid Canadian job offer.

5. Optional Professional Fees

The services of a certified immigration consultant or attorney are not required. Some people opt for it based on their own taste or the intricacy of their case. The typical charges for these services are around CAD 2,000–5,000 for complete assistance with the Express Entry application process.

6. Total Estimated Cost

The total budget for a single applicant may be roughly estimated in the following way:

• Government costs: ~CAD 1,610
• Costs of third parties: CAD 700–1,000+
• Other expenses: CAD 100–300
• Legal fees (optional): CAD 2,000–5,000 (if chosen)

In total, applicants without the use of a consultant usually pay about CAD 2,300–2,800. In the case of couples and families, of course, the expenses will be more, as they would have to pay more in terms of government and medical fees.

Final Thoughts

The Express Entry pathway is structured, transparent, and highly popular — but it does require careful financial planning.

 Understanding your expected costs from day one helps you prepare better, avoid last-minute stress, and move through each stage of the process with confidence.