Immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system is a promising pathway to permanent residency—but one that comes with financial responsibilities. Maple News reports that understanding the total cost is crucial for applicants to avoid surprises and properly plan their immigration journey.
The fees for applying under Express Entry are set at different tiers based on personal situations. As of 2024, a sole applicant can expect to pay a minimum of $1,870 CAD, while an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner will need at least $3,480 CAD. This includes the application processing fee ($950 for one person or $1,900 for a couple), the Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($575 per adult), and biometrics ($85 per person, capped at $170 for a family).
If children are included in your application, an additional $260 per child will be required. Biometrics—fingerprints and a photo—must be submitted by most applicants aged 14 to 79. While only the application processing fee is mandatory at submission, paying all fees upfront can help reduce potential delays in processing.
According to Maple News, third-party expenses also play a critical role in the total cost of immigration. Chief among them are language proficiency tests. These tests, such as IELTS or CELPIP for English or TEF for French, must be conducted through designated testing organizations. Costs for these examinations typically range between $280 and $350 CAD, depending on provider and location.
Additional fees might include Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) if you’re applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program. ECAs often cost between $200 and $250 CAD. Applicants may also need to obtain medical exams, costing up to $300 CAD per adult, and police certificates, which vary by jurisdiction but usually fall under $100 CAD per country where you’ve previously lived.
Though not mandatory, many applicants choose to hire immigration consultants or lawyers to navigate the application process more effectively. These services can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 CAD, depending on the complexity of the file and the provider.
Prospective immigrants should also be aware of proof of funds requirements. While not a fee, this is a financial threshold set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to ensure newcomers can support themselves in Canada. For example, a single applicant must show that they have at least $13,757 CAD in available funds, while a family of four needs around $25,564 CAD (figures updated annually).
In total, when combining mandatory fees and third-party expenses, a single applicant should budget anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000 CAD, while a couple with children might spend upwards of $7,000 to $10,000 CAD—not including settlement funds. Maple News encourages all prospective immigrants to consider these costs in advance and explore programs that offer exemptions or financial support where available.
With proper planning and clear understanding of all associated costs, Express Entry can be a smooth and strategic route to building a future in Canada.