Canada’s visa fees look simple at first glance — a single dollar figure per application type — but almost every application also carries a separate biometrics fee, and permanent residence applications stack a processing fee on top of the much larger Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). Here’s exactly what you’ll pay in CAD for each major Canadian visa and immigration pathway in 2026, sourced directly from IRCC’s official fee list.
Temporary residence fees
| Application | Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (single or multiple entry TRV) | $100 per person | Family of 5+ applying together caps at $500 total |
| Study permit | $150 per person | Covers both new applications and extensions |
| Work permit | $155 per person | Covers both new applications and extensions |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100 | Additional fee specific to open work permits (e.g. spousal open work permits, PGWP) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | $7 | For visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada |
| International Experience Canada (IEC / working holiday) | $184.75 | Covers the Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op categories |
| Biometrics (individual) | $85 | Required for most temporary and permanent residence applicants; valid for 10 years |
| Biometrics (family of 2+) | $170 maximum | Capped regardless of family size |
A single study permit application, for example, typically totals $235 CAD once you add the $150 permit fee and the $85 biometrics fee — not the $150 figure alone that’s often quoted.
Permanent residence fees
| Fee | Amount (CAD) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry processing fee (principal applicant) | $1,590 | Application processing for economic-class permanent residence |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $600 | A separate fee paid once your application is approved, before you become a permanent resident |
| Spousal or partner sponsorship | $1,260 | Combines sponsorship and processing fees for the sponsored partner |
| Family sponsorship (parent, relative 22+) | $1,260 | Per sponsored person |
| Dependent child sponsorship | $180 per child | Lower fixed fee for each dependent child included |
The RPRF is easy to miss when budgeting: it’s not charged at the time you submit your Express Entry profile or application — it’s due only once your permanent residence is approved, and unpaid RPRF is one of the most common reasons a straightforward PR case stalls at the final step. Some categories allow you to pay it upfront with your application to avoid a delay later; check your specific program’s instructions.
What isn’t included in IRCC’s fee
The IRCC fee only covers government processing. Depending on your application, budget separately for:
- Medical exams, arranged through an IRCC-approved panel physician and paid directly to the clinic — required for most work, study, and permanent residence applicants.
- Visa Application Centre (VAC) service charges, which vary by country since IRCC doesn’t set them — these are on top of the government processing fee, not included in it.
- Police certificates from your home country and any country you’ve lived in for 6+ months since age 18 (for most permanent residence applications).
- Language test fees (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) required for Express Entry and most economic-class PR pathways.
- Proof-of-funds evidence for study permits and some economic-class PR streams — not a fee itself, but a hard financial threshold you need bank statements to demonstrate.
Practical budgeting notes
- Fees are non-refundable. IRCC does not refund the processing fee if your application is refused, so budget only once you’re confident you meet the core eligibility requirements.
- Pay in the right currency. IRCC’s online payment system charges in CAD; your card issuer converts at its own exchange rate, so confirm the converted total before paying, especially for larger PR fees.
- Family applications add up fast. Biometrics are capped per family, but the visitor visa, study permit, and work permit fees are charged per person — a family of four applying for visitor visas pays up to $500 (the family cap), while the same family on separate study permits would pay $600 plus biometrics.
- RPRF timing matters. Because the $600 RPRF is due at approval, not at application, keep it set aside rather than assuming your Express Entry cost stops at $1,590 + $600 upfront — it doesn’t need to be paid until later, but it does need to be paid.
FAQ
Do fees change during the year? Yes — IRCC updates its fee schedule periodically. Always check the current published amount on IRCC’s official fee page close to your application date rather than relying on older figures, including this guide.
Is the RPRF refundable if I withdraw my application after paying it? IRCC generally refunds the RPRF if you withdraw before becoming a permanent resident, but not the processing fee. Confirm current refund policy directly with IRCC for your specific situation.
Does the study permit fee include the biometrics fee? No — the $150 study permit fee and the $85 biometrics fee are billed separately, even though most applicants pay both as part of the same application.
This guide is preparation information, not legal or immigration advice — always confirm the exact, current fee for your specific application type on IRCC’s official fee list before paying. Join the VisaMet waitlist for AI-assisted help budgeting and preparing your Canadian visa application.
Sources: IRCC — Fee list, IRCC — International Experience Canada, IRCC — Right of Permanent Residence Fee