Canada Express Entry Cost: Top 5 Crucial Fees 2025

Canada Express Entry Cost is a critical keyword for many aspiring immigrants looking to start a new life in Canada. The Express Entry system is the gateway through which skilled workers can apply for permanent residency in Canada. It manages three main immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program, each custom to meet the diverse needs of professionals seeking new opportunities in this vibrant nation.

Application Fee: $1,525 CAD
Spouse Fee: $1,525 CAD
Dependent Child Fee: $260 CAD
Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD per family

Navigating the financial aspects of the Canada Express Entry cost is essential. With fees for the application, family members, and biometrics, understanding these costs upfront helps in better planning. Additionally, preparing for expenses like medical exams and language proficiency tests ensures a smoother transition through the application process.

As someone deeply familiar with the intricacies of Canada Express Entry cost, I am Baddo Magical, and I’ve helped many individuals achieve their immigration goals. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the costs associated with the Express Entry system, ensuring you’re well-prepared to take the next steps toward your Canadian dream.

Simple guide to canada express entry cost:

What is Canada Express Entry?

The Canada Express Entry system is a streamlined, online platform designed to manage immigration applications for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. Launched in 2015, it simplifies the process by organizing applications into a pool and selecting candidates based on a points system. This approach ensures that Canada attracts the best talent to meet the country’s economic needs.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class is one of the three programs managed under Express Entry. It’s specifically custom for individuals who have already gained work experience in Canada. If you’ve worked in Canada for at least one year in a skilled occupation, this program might be your ticket to permanent residency.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is aimed at skilled workers with foreign work experience. It uses a points-based system to evaluate candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. This program is ideal for those who have never worked in Canada but possess the skills and experience that are in demand.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program targets individuals with qualifications in a skilled trade. This program is for those who have job offers or are certified in a trade occupation by a Canadian province or territory. It’s a great path for tradespeople looking to bring their expertise to Canada.

The Express Entry system is not just about filling out forms; it’s about showcasing your skills and potential to contribute to Canada’s economy. By understanding the nuances of each program, you can better position yourself for success in this highly competitive process.

Canada Express Entry Cost Breakdown

Navigating the Canada Express Entry system involves understanding the costs associated with the application process. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the key expenses you can expect:

Processing Fee

The processing fee is a mandatory charge for all applicants. For the primary applicant, this fee is $1,525 CAD. This covers the cost of evaluating your application and ensuring all requirements are met. It’s crucial to pay this fee promptly to avoid any delays in processing.

Right of Permanent Residence Fee

The right of permanent residence fee is an additional cost that applicants must pay before becoming permanent residents. This fee is $575 CAD. While you can choose to pay it later in the process, it’s recommended to pay it upfront to expedite your application. Paying early can help avoid future delays.

Costs for Family Members

If you’re applying with family members, there are additional fees:

Spouse: The processing fee for a spouse is $1,525 CAD. This fee ensures that your spouse’s application is processed alongside yours.
Dependent Child: Each dependent child incurs a processing fee of $260 CAD. This fee covers the evaluation of your child’s application.

Important Considerations

Non-refundable Fees: These fees are non-refundable. If your application is unsuccessful, you won’t get your money back. So, ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission.
Payment Recommendations: Paying your fees online is the most efficient method. It ensures that your payment is processed quickly and securely.

Understanding these costs upfront can help you plan better and avoid unexpected surprises. Being prepared financially is a key step towards a successful Express Entry application.

Next, we’ll explore additional costs and considerations that might affect your Express Entry journey.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When planning your Canada Express Entry journey, account for several additional costs beyond the basic application and processing fees. Let’s break these down:

Biometrics

Biometrics are a necessary part of the application process for many applicants. This involves providing fingerprints and a photo. The cost for biometrics is $85 CAD per person, with a maximum fee of $170 CAD for a family applying at the same time. This fee is non-refundable, so make sure you’re eligible before proceeding.

Language Proficiency

Language proficiency is a critical component of your Express Entry profile. You’ll need to prove your skills in either English or French through tests like IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF. Costs for these tests vary:

IELTS: Approximately $300 CAD + tax
CELPIP: Around $280 CAD + tax
TEF: Roughly $440 CAD + tax
TCF: About $460 CAD + tax

These fees can add up quickly, so budget accordingly. Higher language scores can improve your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS), potentially increasing your chances of success.

Application Fees

In addition to the main application fees, there might be other charges depending on your specific situation. For instance, if you need an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify foreign qualifications, expect to pay around $200 CAD, plus courier fees. If translations are necessary, those will incur additional costs as well.

Non-Refundable Fees

Most fees associated with the Express Entry process are non-refundable. This includes the application processing fee, biometrics fee, and language test costs. If your application is denied, these fees won’t be returned, so ensure all your documentation is correct and complete before submission.

Being aware of these additional costs and considerations can help you better prepare for your immigration journey. Next, we’ll discuss how to pay your Canada Express Entry fees efficiently.

How to Pay Your Canada Express Entry Fees

Paying your Canada Express Entry fees is a straightforward process, predominantly conducted online. Here’s how you can manage this efficiently and avoid any hiccups along the way.

Online Payment

The Canadian government has streamlined the fee payment process by offering an online platform, making it easy for applicants to pay their fees securely. You can pay using a credit card or through other electronic payment methods that are accepted on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

To make a payment:

Log in to your IRCC account: Once you’re ready to submit your application, log into your account where your Express Entry profile is stored.
Select the fees you need to pay: This will typically include the processing fee and, if applicable, the right of permanent residence fee.
Use a secure payment method: Ensure that your payment details are accurate to avoid any delays. A confirmation receipt will be provided once the transaction is successful.

Payment Recommendations

Pay early: It’s advisable to pay the right of permanent residence fee upfront along with your application fee. This can prevent delays later in the process, especially once you’ve been approved for permanent residency.
Double-check your information: Verify that all details, especially payment amounts and personal information, are correct before submitting.
Keep records: Save all payment confirmations and receipts. These documents can be crucial if there are any discrepancies or if you need to prove payment later on.

Fee Refund Policies

While most fees are non-refundable, there are certain situations where you might be eligible for a refund:

Right of Permanent Residence Fee: If you withdraw your application before it’s processed, you may request a refund for this specific fee.
Overpayments: If an error leads to an overpayment, you can apply for a refund of the excess amount.

Application processing fees and other related costs are typically non-refundable, even if your application is unsuccessful. Therefore, ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid unnecessary financial losses.

By carefully managing your payments and keeping track of all related documentation, you can ensure a smoother process as you steer the Canada Express Entry system. Next, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about the costs involved in this process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Canada Express Entry Cost

What is the total cost for a primary applicant?

The Canada Express Entry cost for a primary applicant consists mainly of two fees:

Application Processing Fee: This is $850 CAD. It’s essential for every individual applying through the Express Entry system.
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): Once your application is approved, you’ll need to pay an additional $515 CAD. This fee is specifically for granting permanent residency.

In total, a primary applicant should expect to pay $1,365 CAD. This does not include other potential costs like language tests or document translations.

Are there any non-refundable fees?

Yes, several fees associated with the Canada Express Entry process are non-refundable:

Application Processing Fee: Once submitted, this fee is generally non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Language Test Fees: If you take tests like CELPIP or IELTS, the fees paid for these are non-refundable, regardless of your scores.
Biometrics Fee: If applicable, this fee is also non-refundable once the biometrics have been collected.

It’s crucial to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission to avoid losing these fees due to errors or rejections.

How can I avoid delays in my application process?

Delays can be frustrating, but you can take steps to minimize them:

Complete Your Application Accurately: Double-check all details and ensure that every section is filled out correctly. Missing information can lead to delays.
Pay All Required Fees Promptly: As mentioned, paying the right of permanent residence fee upfront can prevent future hold-ups.
Submit Required Documents: Gather and submit all necessary documents, such as language proficiency results and medical exams, promptly.
Monitor Your Application: Regularly check your IRCC account for any updates or additional requests from immigration officers. Responding quickly can keep your application moving smoothly.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your Express Entry application is processed as efficiently as possible.

Conclusion

Navigating the Canada Express Entry cost can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. At Validate Exams, we aim to make your immigration journey smoother by providing stress-free certification services. Our unique approach offers guaranteed scores for language proficiency certificates without the need for traditional exams. This means you can focus on your Express Entry application without worrying about the stress of language tests.

Language proficiency is a critical component of the Express Entry process, and obtaining the right certification can significantly impact your application. By choosing Validate Exams, you gain a partner that ensures your language certificates are genuine, verifiable, and recognized by Canadian immigration authorities.

Our services are custom to eliminate unnecessary stress and uncertainty, allowing you to secure the necessary certification quickly and efficiently. This not only saves you time but also helps you avoid potential delays in your application process.

For more information on how we can assist you in your journey to Canada, visit our study abroad certification page. Let us help you achieve your immigration goals with confidence and ease.