Express Entry Canada Cost: Complete Financial Breakdown for Permanent Residence 2025

Understanding the complete Express Entry Canada cost is essential for planning your permanent residence journey. Many prospective immigrants underestimate the total expenses involved, leading to financial surprises that can delay or derail their Canadian immigration dreams.

The Express Entry Canada cost extends far beyond just government application fees. From language testing and credential assessments to medical examinations, police certificates, and professional services, the true financial investment requires careful budgeting and comprehensive understanding.

This detailed guide breaks down every expense category within the Express Entry Canada cost, providing exact figures and strategic insights helping you budget accurately for your permanent residence application.

Total Express Entry Canada Cost: Quick Overview

Before exploring detailed breakdowns, here’s what the complete Express Entry Canada cost looks like for different applicant scenarios:

Minimum Express Entry Canada Cost Scenarios

Single Applicant (Minimum): $1,870 CAD

Government fees only
Assumes single police certificate, one language test, no ECA required (CEC applicants)
Does NOT include settlement funds (show only, not spent)

Couple Without Children (Minimum): $3,480 CAD

Government fees for two adults
Basic third-party expenses
Does NOT include settlement funds

Family with One Child (Minimum): $3,740 CAD

Government fees for two adults plus one dependent child
Basic third-party expenses
Does NOT include settlement funds

Realistic Express Entry Canada Cost Including All Expenses

Single Applicant (Realistic): $3,500 – $5,000 CAD

Includes government fees, language testing, ECA, medical exam, police certificates, document preparation, miscellaneous expenses

Couple (Realistic): $6,000 – $8,500 CAD

Complete expenses for two adults
Multiple police certificates, language tests for both parties

Family with Children (Realistic): $7,500 – $11,000 CAD

Depends on number of children and countries of residence requiring police certificates

With Professional Immigration Services: Add $2,000 – $5,000 CAD

Legal fees vary based on service scope and case complexity

Mandatory Government Fees: Core Express Entry Canada Cost

The foundation of Express Entry Canada cost consists of mandatory government fees paid directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Application Processing Fees

Primary Applicant: $950 CAD Spouse or Common-Law Partner: $950 CAD (total for couple: $1,900) Dependent Child: $260 CAD per child

Payment Timing: Must pay at minimum the processing fee when submitting application; can defer other fees but paying upfront prevents processing delays

Non-Refundable: Processing fees are not refunded if application is refused

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

Primary Applicant: $575 CAD Spouse or Common-Law Partner: $575 CAD (total for couple: $1,150) Dependent Children: $0 (no RPRF for dependent children)

Payment Timing: Can be paid with initial application or later when approval is imminent

Refundable: If application is refused, RPRF is refunded in full

Strategic Consideration: Paying RPRF upfront can accelerate processing, but deferring preserves cash flow if application outcome is uncertain

Biometrics Fees

Individual: $85 CAD per person Family Maximum: $170 CAD (two or more people)

Who Needs Biometrics:

All applicants aged 14-79
Minors under 14: exempt
Adults over 79: exempt

Process: Biometrics appointment at designated collection service point; includes fingerprints and photograph

Validity: Biometrics remain valid for 10 years for most purposes

Total Minimum Government Fees (Express Entry Canada Cost)

Single Applicant:

Processing fee: $950
RPRF: $575
Biometrics: $85
Total: $1,610 CAD

Couple:

Processing fees: $1,900
RPRF: $1,150
Biometrics: $170
Total: $3,220 CAD

Couple with One Child:

Processing fees: $2,160 ($1,900 + $260)
RPRF: $1,150
Biometrics: $170
Total: $3,480 CAD

Language Testing: Essential Express Entry Canada Cost Component

Language proficiency testing represents a mandatory and significant component of Express Entry Canada cost.

Approved Language Tests and Fees

English Language Tests

IELTS General Training:

Cost: $290 – $350 CAD + tax
Variation: Depends on test location
Format: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (four modules)
Processing: Results typically available 3-5 days after test date

CELPIP-General:

Cost: $300 – $340 CAD + tax
Availability: Primarily available in Canada
Format: Computer-based test covering four abilities
Processing: Results available 4-5 business days

PTE Core:

Cost: $390 – $450 CAD + tax
Format: Computer-based testing
Processing: Results typically within 48 hours
Newer Option: Recently approved for Express Entry

French Language Tests

TEF Canada:

Cost: $400 – $450 CAD + tax
Format: Four component testing (oral/written comprehension and expression)
Validity: Results valid for two years

TCF Canada:

Cost: $380 – $430 CAD + tax
Similar Structure: Four abilities tested
Validity: Results valid for two years

Future Option: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) will be accepted by IRCC in future, though implementation date remains unconfirmed

Language Requirements Affecting Express Entry Canada Cost

Different Express Entry programs require different language levels:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

TEER 0 or 1 occupations: CLB 7 all abilities
TEER 2 or 3 occupations: CLB 5 all abilities

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):

CLB 7 all abilities (minimum)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

Speaking and Listening: CLB 5
Reading and Writing: CLB 4

Retesting Considerations in Express Entry Canada Cost

Score Improvement: Many applicants retake language tests to improve CRS scores, adding $300-450+ to Express Entry Canada cost per attempt

Validity Period: Language test results expire after two years; applicants with older results must retest before Express Entry profile submission

Strategic Retesting: Even one-point CLB increase can significantly boost CRS scores, potentially justifying retesting expense within overall Express Entry Canada cost

Spousal Language Testing

Optimization Strategy: Even if spouse isn’t primary applicant, their language test results can add up to 20 CRS points

Additional Cost: $300-450 CAD for spouse’s language testing adds to total Express Entry Canada cost but may be worthwhile investment for CRS score increase

Educational Credential Assessment: Variable Express Entry Canada Cost

Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) represent another significant component of Express Entry Canada cost for most applicants with foreign education.

When ECAs Are Required

Mandatory For:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) eligibility
Claiming CRS points for foreign education in any Express Entry program

Not Required For:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility (though helpful for CRS points if foreign education exists)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) eligibility
Canadian education credentials (already recognized)

ECA Costs from Designated Organizations

Price Range: $200 – $310 CAD + tax + delivery costs

Designated Organizations:

Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
World Education Services (WES)
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
Medical Council of Canada (for physicians)
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (for pharmacists)

Cost Variations: Different organizations charge different fees; research which provides best value for your credential type

Additional ECA-Related Costs in Express Entry Canada Cost

Credential Verification: Some organizations charge extra fees for contacting educational institutions to verify credentials

Express Processing: Standard processing takes weeks; expedited services (when available) add $100-200 to Express Entry Canada cost

Multiple Credentials: Assessing multiple degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) typically costs more than single credential assessment

Upgrade Reports: If you need additional copies or upgraded report formats, expect $30-75 per additional report

Document Translation: Often Overlooked Express Entry Canada Cost

Any documents not in English or French require certified translation, adding to Express Entry Canada cost.

Documents Commonly Requiring Translation

Educational Documents:

Degrees, diplomas, transcripts
Professional certificates

Personal Documents:

Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Divorce decrees
Death certificates (if applicable)

Professional Documents:

Employment letters
Professional licenses
Tax documents

Translation Costs

Per Document Rate: $25 – $70 CAD per document

Factors Affecting Cost:

Document length and complexity
Language pair (common languages like Spanish/English cost less than rare language pairs)
Turnaround time (rush translations cost more)
Translator credentials and experience

Budget Estimate: Most applicants spend $200-500 on translations as part of Express Entry Canada cost, though this varies significantly based on source country documentation requirements

Certification Requirements

Certified Translators: Only translations by certified translators are accepted by IRCC

Original Documents: Must submit original foreign language document alongside English/French translation

Translator Affidavit: Translator must provide affidavit attesting to translation accuracy

Immigration Medical Examination: Mandatory Express Entry Canada Cost

As of August 21, all Express Entry applicants must complete upfront Immigration Medical Examinations (IMEs), making this a universal Express Entry Canada cost component.

Medical Examination Requirements

Who Needs IME:

All applicants (principal and family members)
Regardless of age or current location

Approved Providers Only: Only IRCC-approved panel physicians can conduct IMEs; examinations by other doctors aren’t accepted

Upfront Requirement: Must be completed and uploaded with PR application (new requirement as of August 2025)

Medical Examination Costs

Per Person Range: $140 – $280 CAD

Cost Variations Based On:

Applicant age (children vs. adults)
Location of examination (Canadian panel physicians vs. international)
Additional tests required (chest X-rays for applicants 11+, additional testing for specific medical histories)

Family Cost Examples:

Single applicant: $140-280
Couple: $280-560
Family of four: $560-1,120

Additional Medical Considerations

Medical Inadmissibility Risk: If examination reveals conditions potentially causing excessive demand on Canadian healthcare, this can result in medical inadmissibility

Additional Testing: If initial examination identifies concerns, additional specialist assessments may be required, further increasing Express Entry Canada cost

Validity Period: Medical examinations remain valid for 12 months; if PR processing extends beyond this, re-examination may be required (additional expense)

Police Clearance Certificates: Country-Dependent Express Entry Canada Cost

Police certificates represent highly variable component of Express Entry Canada cost depending on your residence history.

Police Certificate Requirements

Who Needs Them:

All applicants aged 18+
For every country where you lived six+ consecutive months in past 10 years
Excludes time lived before age 18
Excludes time in Canada (Canadian police certificates obtained differently)

Police Certificate Costs by Major Source Countries

Based on top five source countries for Confirmation of Permanent Residence documents in Q1 2025:

India:

Cost: $8 – $38 CAD
Considerations: Cost varies with processing speed and external factors

Philippines:

Cost: $4 – $39 CAD
Relatively straightforward process

China:

Cost: $40 – $120 CAD
Considerations: Difficult to obtain from overseas; third-party agency assistance often required (increasing costs significantly)
Challenge Factor: One of most complicated police certificates affecting Express Entry Canada cost

Cameroon:

Cost: $3 – $207 CAD
Wide range depending on specific circumstances

Nigeria:

Cost: $5 – $180 CAD
Variations based on location and exchange rate fluctuations

Multi-Country Residence History

Multiplier Effect: Applicants who lived in multiple countries need police certificates from each

Example: Applicant who lived in India (childhood), UAE (university), UK (employment), and Canada (current) needs certificates from India, UAE, and UK = $50-300+ in police certificate costs alone within Express Entry Canada cost

Processing Time Considerations

Early Acquisition: Start obtaining police certificates early; some countries take months to process requests

Validity Concerns: Some countries’ police certificates have validity periods; ensure they remain valid through application submission

Third-Party Services: For difficult jurisdictions, third-party services expedite acquisition but add $100-300+ to Express Entry Canada cost

Miscellaneous Expenses: Hidden Express Entry Canada Cost Elements

Beyond major expense categories, numerous smaller costs accumulate within total Express Entry Canada cost.

Passport Renewal

Cost: $120 – $200 CAD (varies by country) Necessity: Passport must be valid throughout immigration process and beyond Timing: Renew before starting Express Entry if expiration is within two years

Notarization Fees

Per Document: $10 – $50 CAD Common Documents: Affidavits, sworn declarations, certified true copies Quantity: Typical applicant notarizes 3-10 documents = $30-500 in Express Entry Canada cost

Document Preparation Costs

Scanning/Copying: $20 – $100 (if done commercially) Photo Services: $15 – $30 for passport photos, PR card photos Document Retrieval: Fees for obtaining originals from authorities (birth certificates, transcripts, employment records)

Courier and Mailing

International Courier: $30 – $100 per shipment (for documents from overseas) Domestic Delivery: $15 – $30 Tracking Services: Essential for valuable documents

Travel for Appointments

Biometrics Appointments: If collection point isn’t local, travel costs (transportation, accommodation if necessary) Medical Examinations: Travel to approved panel physicians Budget Consideration: $50 – $500+ depending on distance to service providers

Post-Landing Costs

First PR Card: Free if you provide mailing address and photo within 180 days of landing Late PR Card Application: $50 if missed 180-day deadline PR Card Renewal: $50 (every five years)

Airfare to Canada

Major Expense: $500 – $2,500+ per person depending on origin country Timing: Required once PR is approved for final landing (if applying from outside Canada) Family Multiplier: Significant expense for families

Settlement Funds: Show Money in Express Entry Canada Cost

While not a fee paid to anyone, settlement funds represent money you must demonstrate having available as part of Express Entry Canada cost consideration.

When Settlement Funds Are Required

Required For:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) applicants
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) applicants

Not Required For:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants
Any applicant with valid Canadian job offer (any program)

Settlement Fund Amounts (2025)

Family Size 1: $15,263 CAD Family Size 2: $19,001 CAD Family Size 3: $23,355 CAD Family Size 4: $28,345 CAD Family Size 5: $32,135 CAD Family Size 6: $36,230 CAD Family Size 7: $40,330 CAD Each Additional Person: +$4,100 CAD

Critical Requirements

Accessibility: Funds must be available and unencumbered (not tied up in locked investments, not borrowed)

Proof: Bank statements, investment statements, or other financial documentation

Timing: Must demonstrate having these funds when submitting PR application and upon PR visa issuance

Not an Expense: These funds remain yours; you’re only proving you have them available

Professional Immigration Services: Optional Express Entry Canada Cost

While not mandatory, many applicants include professional immigration services in their Express Entry Canada cost budget.

Immigration Lawyer/Consultant Fees

Typical Range: $2,000 – $5,000 CAD

Service Scope Variations:

Limited Services: $1,500 – $2,500 (profile creation, document review, specific guidance)
Comprehensive Services: $3,000 – $5,000+ (complete end-to-end management from profile to PR approval)
Complex Cases: $5,000 – $10,000+ (inadmissibility issues, appeals, refusal responses)

What Professional Services Provide

CRS Score Optimization: Strategic guidance maximizing Comprehensive Ranking System points

Program Eligibility Verification: Ensuring you qualify before investing time and money in Express Entry Canada cost

Documentation Preparation: Complete, accurate, compliant application packages

Error Prevention: Avoiding costly mistakes like misrepresentation (five-year ban) or incomplete applications (refusals and reapplication expenses)

Complex Case Navigation: Essential for:

Complicated work histories
Previous refusals
Criminal inadmissibility concerns
Medical inadmissibility issues
Family relationship complexities

Peace of Mind: Reducing stress and uncertainty during high-stakes process

Is Professional Service Worth the Express Entry Canada Cost?

Situations Favoring Professional Assistance:

Complex work history or multiple employers
Previous visa refusals
Inadmissibility concerns (criminal, medical)
Low CRS scores requiring optimization
Limited English/French proficiency affecting form completion
Time constraints (professional services accelerate preparation)

DIY Viability:

Straightforward cases with high CRS scores
Strong English/French proficiency
Time availability for research and preparation
Confidence navigating bureaucratic processes

How VisaMasterCanada Optimizes Your Express Entry Canada Cost Investment

Understanding Express Entry Canada cost is one thing; maximizing value from your investment requires strategic expertise and comprehensive guidance.

VisaMasterCanada specializes in Express Entry applications, helping clients navigate every financial and procedural aspect of permanent residence applications while optimizing Express Entry Canada cost value.

Our Comprehensive Express Entry Services

Free Initial Assessment: We evaluate your Express Entry eligibility and provide realistic Express Entry Canada cost estimates for your specific situation before you commit financially.

CRS Score Maximization: We identify every possible point-earning opportunity, potentially eliminating need for costly Provincial Nominee Program applications (saving $1,500+ in fees and processing time).

Strategic Expense Planning: We help prioritize which expenses within Express Entry Canada cost provide best return on investment for your profile.

Document Preparation Management: We coordinate all aspects of document gathering, translation, and certification, preventing expensive errors and omissions.

Application Quality Assurance: Our thorough review processes prevent refusals that would necessitate reapplication (doubling your Express Entry Canada cost).

Timeline Optimization: By managing processes efficiently, we help maintain validity periods for time-sensitive documents (language tests, medical exams, police certificates), preventing expensive renewals.

Preventing Costly Mistakes

Misrepresentation Prevention: Our quality control prevents accidental misrepresentation that could result in five-year bans, protecting your entire Express Entry Canada cost investment.

Inadmissibility Navigation: For clients with potential criminal or medical inadmissibility concerns, we develop strategies addressing issues before they cause refusals.

Work Experience Documentation: Proper employment letter formatting and content prevents common refusal reasons, protecting your Express Entry Canada cost investment.

Credential Optimization: We ensure Educational Credential Assessments and employment references maximize CRS points, providing best return on these Express Entry Canada cost components.

Why Choose VisaMasterCanada

Transparent Pricing: We provide clear Express Entry Canada cost breakdowns including both mandatory expenses and our professional fees upfront.

No Hidden Costs: Our fee structures are comprehensive; we don’t add surprise charges as your case progresses.

Value-Focused: We recommend only services providing genuine benefit to your application, never upselling unnecessary options that inflate Express Entry Canada cost.

Success Track Record: Our high approval rate means clients rarely face expensive reapplication scenarios.

Ongoing Support: From profile creation through PR approval and initial settlement, we provide continuous guidance ensuring smooth process.

Budgeting Strategy for Express Entry Canada Cost

Successfully managing Express Entry Canada cost requires strategic financial planning:

Phase 1: Pre-Profile Costs ($500 – $1,500)

Language Testing: $300-450 Educational Credential Assessment: $200-310 (if required) Document Gathering/Translation: $100-400 Professional Consultation: $0-500 (if seeking initial assessment)

Action: Begin saving and allocating funds 6-12 months before planned Express Entry profile submission

Phase 2: Profile Creation ($0)

Express Entry Profile: Free to create and submit Waiting for ITA: No costs during pool waiting period

Strategy: Continue accumulating funds for Phase 3 while in pool

Phase 3: Post-ITA Application ($2,000 – $5,000+)

Government Fees: $1,610-$3,480+ (depending on family size) Medical Examinations: $140-$280 per person Police Certificates: $10-$300+ depending on countries Professional Services: $2,000-$5,000 (if retained) Miscellaneous: $200-500

Timing: Must be ready to deploy these funds within 60 days of receiving ITA

Phase 4: Pre-Landing Costs ($500 – $3,000+)

Airfare: $500-$2,500 per person Initial Settlement Preparation: Variable Short-term Accommodation: If arriving before permanent housing secured

Planning: Begin allocating these funds after PR approval

Emergency Fund Buffer

Recommendation: Budget 20-30% above calculated Express Entry Canada cost for unexpected expenses:

Document reissuance
Language test retakes
Additional medical testing
Extended processing requiring document renewals

Take Control of Your Express Entry Canada Cost

Understanding the complete Express Entry Canada cost empowers you to budget accurately, plan strategically, and avoid financial surprises that could derail your permanent residence journey.

From mandatory government fees and language testing to medical examinations, police certificates, and professional services, the total Express Entry Canada cost requires comprehensive financial planning and expert guidance maximizing value from your investment.

Get your visa with VisaMasterCanada and receive expert Express Entry guidance that optimizes your Express Entry Canada cost while maximizing permanent residence approval chances.

Schedule Your Free Express Entry Assessment

Visit VisaMasterCanada today to:

Receive personalized Express Entry Canada cost estimate for your specific situation
Get comprehensive CRS score assessment and optimization strategy
Understand which expenses provide best return on investment for your profile
Access professional guidance managing every aspect of Express Entry application
Protect your financial investment through expert application preparation
Begin your Canadian permanent residence journey with confidence

Conclusion: Investing Wisely in Express Entry Canada Cost

The Express Entry Canada cost represents a significant investment ranging from approximately $3,500 to $11,000+ depending on family size, residence history, and service choices. However, when properly managed, this investment yields permanent residence in one of the world’s most desirable countries.

Understanding every component of Express Entry Canada cost—from mandatory government fees ($1,610-$3,480+) and language testing ($300-450) to medical examinations ($140-280 per person) and police certificates ($10-300+)—enables strategic budgeting preventing financial obstacles during critical application stages.

Professional immigration services ($2,000-$5,000), while optional, often prove valuable investments protecting against costly mistakes, optimizing CRS scores, and ensuring first-time approval success.

Trust VisaMasterCanada to guide your Express Entry journey, ensuring every dollar of your Express Entry Canada cost contributes effectively toward your permanent residence success.

Ready to invest in your Canadian future through Express Entry? Contact VisaMasterCanada now for free assessment and comprehensive cost guidance.