“Express Entry Canada 2024: Full Cost Breakdown for PR”

How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate to Canada Through Express Entry in 2024?

If you’re thinking about starting a new life in Canada through Express Entry, it’s important to understand the full financial picture before jumping in. While Express Entry is one of the fastest and most popular ways for skilled workers to gain permanent residence (PR) in Canada, the costs can add up quickly. Between mandatory government fees and third-party expenses like language tests and medical exams, budgeting properly can help you avoid surprises down the road.

In this post, we’ll walk you through every major cost involved in the Express Entry process so you can plan ahead and make informed decisions for you and your family. All figures are in Canadian dollars.

Key Highlights

• Minimum PR application cost: Starts at $1,870 for a single applicant, $3,480 for a couple
• Language test and ECA fees: Can range from $290 to $450+ and $200 to $310 respectively
• Medical exams and police certificates: Often required and vary by country
• Optional legal services: Immigration lawyer fees typically range from $2,000 to $5,000
• Settlement funds: Proof of funds required (e.g., $15,263 for a single person)
• Miscellaneous costs: Include passport renewals, courier fees, document translations, and more

Mandatory Express Entry Application Fees

First up, let’s look at the mandatory fees you’ll need to pay when submitting your PR application through Express Entry. These include application processing, the right of permanent residence fee, and biometrics.

*Biometrics fees are capped at $170 per family. Children under 14 and adults over 79 are exempt.

While only the application fee is required at submission, paying all fees upfront can help speed up processing. If your application is rejected, your right of permanent residence fee will be refunded.

Third-Party Fees You Should Expect

Language Tests

Language proficiency is a core part of your Express Entry score. You’ll need to take an approved test in English or French from a designated provider:

• IELTS General Training (English)
• CELPIP-General (English)
• PTE Core (English)
• TEF Canada / TCF Canada (French)

Typical cost: $290–$450 + tax, depending on the testing centre and location.

Your test results must meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) required for your chosen program (CEC, FSWP, or FSTP).

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

If your education was completed outside of Canada and you’re applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or want CRS points for your degree, you’ll need an ECA from a designated organization.

Typical cost: $200–$310 + tax and delivery

Certified Translations

Documents not originally in English or French must be officially translated by a certified translator.

Cost range: $25–$70 per document, depending on length and urgency

Medical Exams

Anyone applying for PR (and their family members) must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) with an IRCC-approved panel physician.

Typical cost: $140–$280 per person

Police Clearance Certificates

All applicants aged 18 or older must provide a police certificate for each country where they’ve lived for more than 6 months in the last 10 years (excluding time in Canada).

Fee examples by country:

• India: $8–$38
• Philippines: $4–$39
• China: $40–$120 (can be tricky to obtain abroad)
• Cameroon: $3–$207
• Nigeria: $5–$180

Additional and Miscellaneous Expenses

Beyond the core fees, it’s wise to budget for some potential extras:

• Passport renewals
• Notary and courier services
• Document scanning, printing, and translations
• Retaking language or ECA tests if needed
• Travel to biometrics or medical appointments
• Airfare for your initial landing in Canada

If you don’t provide your address and photo within 180 days of landing, you’ll also need to pay $50 to get your PR card reissued.

Immigration Lawyer Fees (Optional)

While not required, many choose to hire a trusted immigration lawyer for help with optimizing their application and avoiding mistakes. Fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and level of service.

Estimated range: $2,000–$5,000

Benefits of working with a lawyer include:

• Higher CRS scores through strategic advice
• Guidance through tricky situations like criminal inadmissibility or complex work history
• Accurate document preparation to avoid delays or refusals
• Legal protection from mistakes or misrepresentation
• Peace of mind during a high-stakes process

Proof of Settlement Funds

If you’re applying under FSWP or FSTP and don’t have a valid job offer, you must show you have enough money to support your family after arriving in Canada. The amount depends on your family size.

Example: For a single person, you’ll need to show at least $15,263 in available funds. These funds must be readily accessible and shown again at the time of landing.

Overview of the Express Entry Process

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration pathway for skilled workers. It manages applications for three key programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Once you create your online profile, you’ll receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for PR in regular Express Entry draws.

There’s no fee to submit an Express Entry profile. But once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll need to gather documents, pay applicable fees, and submit your full PR application through the IRCC portal.

Final Thoughts: Budget Smart, Plan Ahead

Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry is an exciting opportunity—but it does come with a financial commitment. On the low end, you can expect to spend at least $2,000–$3,000 for a single applicant. For families, the cost goes up accordingly.