Permanent Resident Application Fees Canada 2025

Updated March 2025 · bremo.io

Applying for permanent residence in Canada involves several government fees. Understanding the complete fee schedule before applying helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. This guide covers all fees for the main PR pathways in 2025.

The Two Main PR Fees: Processing Fee and RPRF

Most permanent residence applications involve two primary fees:

1. Processing Fee

This covers IRCC's cost to process your application. It is non-refundable once an officer begins reviewing your file. If your application is withdrawn before processing begins, you may receive a refund.

2. Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

The RPRF is $575 CAD per adult applicant. It can be paid upfront with your application or after you receive approval in principle. The RPRF is refundable if your application is refused or withdrawn before the RPRF is used.

2025 Fee Schedule by Immigration Stream

Express Entry (FSWP, FSTP, CEC)

• Principal applicant processing fee: $850 CAD
• Spouse/common-law partner processing fee: $850 CAD
• Dependent child (under 22): $230 CAD each
• RPRF (principal applicant): $575 CAD
• RPRF (spouse/partner): $575 CAD
• Biometrics (each person 14+): $85 CAD

Example — Express Entry for couple with one child:

• Two processing fees: $1,700
• Child processing fee: $230
• Two RPRFs: $1,150
• Three biometrics: $255
• Total government fees: $3,335 CAD

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Same federal fees as Express Entry apply. However, there is also a provincial component:

• Provincial application fees: $0–$2,000 depending on province and stream
• British Columbia: $1,475 CAD for most streams
• Ontario: $1,500 CAD for most streams
• Alberta: No provincial fee for most streams
• Nova Scotia: $0 for most streams

Family Sponsorship

• Sponsorship fee: $75 CAD
• Sponsored spouse/partner processing fee: $490 CAD
• Sponsored child (under 22): $75 CAD
• RPRF (spouse/partner): $575 CAD
• Biometrics: $85 CAD each

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Same federal fees as Express Entry
• No additional provincial fee

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

• Same federal fees as Express Entry
• Recommendation letter from community required

Home Child Care Provider Pilot / Home Support Worker Pilot

• Processing fee: $850 CAD
• Open work permit fee during interim pathway: $255 CAD
• RPRF: $575 CAD

Biometrics Fees Explained

Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required for most applicants aged 14–79. The biometrics fee is:

• $85 CAD per person
• $170 CAD for a family (maximum family cap regardless of number of members)

Biometrics are valid for 10 years or until you get a new passport. If you provided biometrics within the last 10 years for another Canadian application, you may not need to pay again.

Medical Examination Fees (Outside Government Fees)

Medical examinations are required but paid to designated physicians, not to IRCC. Approximate costs:

• Adults (18+): $250–$450 CAD equivalent depending on country
• Children (5–17): $150–$300 CAD equivalent
• Children under 5: $100–$200 CAD equivalent

Language Testing Fees

Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) are required for most economic immigration streams. Costs:

• IELTS General Training: Approximately $310 CAD
• CELPIP General: Approximately $280 CAD
• TEF Canada (French): Approximately $600 CAD

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Fees

Foreign-educated applicants for FSWP typically need an ECA. Costs vary by organization:

• WES (World Education Services): $236 CAD + $130 per additional credential
• ICAS: $200–$250 CAD
• Comparative Education Service: $210 CAD

Total Cost Summary for Typical Express Entry Application

Single applicant, all-in estimate:

• IELTS test: $310
• ECA from WES: $236
• Medical exam: $300
• IRCC processing fee: $850
• RPRF: $575
• Biometrics: $85
• Document translation (estimate): $200
• Police certificates: $50
• Total estimate: ~$2,606 CAD (without legal fees)

For a family of four, the total government and preparation costs often reach $5,000–$8,000 CAD before accounting for immigration lawyer or consultant fees.

Fee Refund Policy

Understanding when fees are refundable is important:

• Processing fees are non-refundable once processing has begun
• RPRF is refundable if application is refused before landing
• Biometrics fees are non-refundable after collection
• Language and ECA fees are non-refundable
• Medical exam fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome

Setting Up Banking After Landing

After paying these fees and arriving in Canada, opening a no-fee bank account is a smart first financial move. KOHO offers free accounts with no minimum balance requirements — ideal for newcomers managing settlement costs.