If you are planning to apply for Canada permanent residence (PR) in 2026, understanding the total cost is just as important as meeting the immigration requirements. The government application fee is only one part of the budget. Depending on your immigration pathway, you may also need to pay for biometrics, language tests, educational credential assessments, medical examinations, police certificates, document translation, and other services.
As of April 30, 2026, Canada increased its permanent residence application fees. This means applicants using older fee information may underestimate their immigration budget.
This guide explains the Canada PR application fees for 2026, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), family sponsorship, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), biometrics, and common additional expenses.
Canada PR Application Fees at a Glance
For many economic immigration applicants, the main federal government charges are:
- Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $990
- Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: CAD $990
- Accompanying dependent child: CAD $270 per child
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD $600 for the principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner
- Biometrics: CAD $85 per individual or a maximum of CAD $170 for a family applying together
The exact amount depends on your immigration program and family composition. IRCC recommends checking its official fee list before submitting an application because fees can change.
What Is the Canada PR Application Fee?
The Canada PR application fee is the amount paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your permanent residence application.
There is not one universal “Canada PR fee.” The amount depends on the immigration program you are applying under.
For example, a typical economic immigration application through Express Entry can involve a processing fee, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, and biometrics. A family sponsorship application has a different fee structure.
It is therefore important to calculate your costs based on your specific immigration pathway rather than relying on a single figure found online.
Canada PR Fees for Express Entry in 2026
Express Entry is one of Canada’s major systems for managing applications under economic immigration programs.
For many Express Entry applicants, the relevant federal processing fees in 2026 are:
| Applicant | Processing Fee | RPRF | Total Government Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal applicant | CAD $990 | CAD $600 | CAD $1,590 |
| Accompanying spouse/partner | CAD $990 | CAD $600 | CAD $1,590 |
| Dependent child | CAD $270 | Generally no RPRF | CAD $270 |
The RPRF does not apply to dependent children. Certain other applicants are also exempt, so applicants should verify their individual circumstances with IRCC.
Example: Single Express Entry Applicant
Suppose you are applying alone through Express Entry.
Your basic federal fees could be:
- Processing fee: CAD $990
- RPRF: CAD $600
- Biometrics: CAD $85
That gives an estimated government-fee total of CAD $1,675.
This does not include language testing, an educational credential assessment, medical examination, police certificates, translations, or other expenses.
Example: Express Entry Couple
For a principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner:
- Principal applicant processing fee: CAD $990
- Spouse processing fee: CAD $990
- Principal applicant RPRF: CAD $600
- Spouse RPRF: CAD $600
- Family biometrics: up to CAD $170
The estimated federal government and biometrics cost is therefore CAD $3,350, before other immigration-related expenses.
What Is the Right of Permanent Residence Fee?
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is a separate charge from the application processing fee.
As of April 30, 2026, the RPRF is CAD $600 for the principal applicant and an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
The RPRF is generally paid before permanent resident status is granted. IRCC allows eligible applicants to pay it together with their application fees, which can help avoid delays later in the process.
If you do not pay the RPRF when submitting your application, IRCC can provide instructions for paying it later.
If your application is refused and you paid the RPRF upfront, IRCC states that the RPRF can be refunded.
Dependent children are generally exempt from the RPRF.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Application Fees
The Provincial Nominee Program allows participating Canadian provinces and territories to nominate eligible immigrants for permanent residence.
For many federal PNP applications, the IRCC processing fees in 2026 are:
- Principal applicant: CAD $990
- Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: CAD $990
- Accompanying dependent child: CAD $270
- RPRF for principal applicant: CAD $600
- RPRF for accompanying spouse or partner: CAD $600
However, this is not necessarily the complete cost of a PNP application.
Some provinces or territories may charge their own provincial nomination application fees. These are separate from federal IRCC fees and vary depending on the province, stream, and application.
Therefore, a person applying through a PNP should budget for both:
- Provincial or territorial nomination costs, where applicable
- Federal permanent residence processing costs
Always check the official immigration website for the province or territory involved before calculating your final budget.
Canada Family Sponsorship PR Fees
Family sponsorship has a different fee structure from economic immigration.
As of April 30, 2026, the federal fees listed by IRCC include:
- Sponsorship fee: CAD $90
- Sponsored principal applicant: CAD $570
- Accompanying spouse or partner: CAD $660
- Accompanying dependent child: CAD $180
The exact amount depends on who is being sponsored and which family sponsorship category applies.
For example, sponsorship of a spouse or partner and sponsorship of parents or grandparents can have different requirements and fee calculations.
Applicants should use IRCC’s official fee calculator or fee list rather than assuming that every family sponsorship application costs the same amount.
Canada PR Biometrics Fee
Biometrics are another important cost to include in your Canada PR application budget.
For most applicants who need to provide biometrics, the current fee is:
- Individual applicant: CAD $85
- Family applying at the same time: maximum CAD $170
Biometrics generally involve fingerprints and a digital photograph. IRCC states that applicants between 14 and 79 years old generally need to provide biometrics for permanent residence applications unless an exemption applies.
Importantly, having provided biometrics for an earlier application does not automatically mean you should ignore the biometrics instructions for a new permanent residence application. Check your current application instructions and IRCC’s eligibility rules.
Other Costs You Should Include in Your Canada PR Budget
Government fees are only part of the overall cost of immigrating to Canada.
1. Language Test Fees
Most economic immigration applicants need an approved language test, depending on their program.
Common tests include English or French language assessments accepted by IRCC.
The price depends on the test provider and country where you take the examination.
You may need to pay again if your result expires or if you decide to retake the test to improve your immigration profile.
2. Educational Credential Assessment
Applicants who completed education outside Canada may need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for certain immigration programs.
An ECA verifies how a foreign educational credential compares with Canadian educational standards for immigration purposes.
The price varies depending on the organization providing the assessment and whether you request additional services, such as courier delivery.
3. Medical Examination
Many permanent residence applicants need an immigration medical examination with an approved panel physician.
The medical examination is not normally included in the IRCC processing fee.
Costs vary by country, clinic, age, and whether additional tests are required.
You should contact an approved panel physician for the current price before booking your examination.
4. Police Certificates
Applicants may need police certificates from countries or territories where they have lived for the required period under IRCC’s rules.
The cost varies significantly.
Some police certificates are free, while others involve government charges, fingerprints, courier fees, or other expenses.
5. Translation and Certification
Documents that are not in English or French may require translation according to IRCC requirements.
You may also need certified copies, affidavits, or other supporting documentation depending on the circumstances.
Translation costs usually depend on:
- Number of pages
- Language combination
- Document type
- Certification requirements
- Turnaround time
6. Provincial Nomination Fees
If you apply through a PNP stream, check whether your province or territory charges a separate application fee.
A provincial fee is not the same as the federal permanent residence fee paid to IRCC.
7. Immigration Lawyer or Consultant Fees
Hiring a lawyer or authorized immigration professional is optional for many applicants.
Professional fees are separate from government application fees and can vary considerably depending on the complexity of the case and the services provided.
Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a permanent residence approval. No representative can guarantee that IRCC or another immigration authority will approve an application.
How Much Money Should You Budget for Canada PR?
There is no single Canada PR cost that applies to everyone.
A single Express Entry applicant could have federal government charges of approximately CAD $1,675, including the processing fee, RPRF, and individual biometrics.
However, the real cost will be higher after adding expenses such as:
- Language test
- ECA
- Medical examination
- Police certificates
- Translation
- Provincial nomination fees, if applicable
- Travel to biometrics or medical appointments
- Professional representation, if used
For this reason, it is better to think of Canada PR expenses as two separate categories.
Category 1: Government Fees
These are fees paid to Canadian government departments or agencies for processing your application.
Category 2: Supporting Costs
These are expenses associated with preparing and completing the application but are not necessarily paid directly to IRCC.
Keeping these categories separate makes it easier to calculate your actual immigration budget.
Are Canada PR Application Fees Refundable?
Refund rules depend on the type of fee and the stage of processing.
For Express Entry, IRCC states that if an application is incomplete, the processing fee and RPRF, when paid, may be refunded. However, the processing fee is generally not refundable once IRCC has started processing the application.
The safest approach is to carefully check your application before submitting it.
A rejected or refused application does not necessarily mean every immigration-related expense will be refunded. Costs for language testing, medical examinations, police certificates, translations, and professional services may already have been incurred.
What Happens If You Pay the Wrong Canada PR Fee?
Fee changes can create problems when applicants use old information.
IRCC’s 2026 fee update states that applications received on or after April 30, 2026 are subject to the new permanent residence fees. If an applicant paid an old fee, IRCC can request payment of the difference.
This is one reason applicants should check the official IRCC fee information immediately before submitting their application.
Do not rely solely on an immigration blog, social media post, video, or fee calculator that has not been recently updated.
How to Pay Canada PR Application Fees
IRCC provides an online payment system for immigration and citizenship fees.
After payment, keep a copy of your official receipt. IRCC’s payment instructions indicate that applicants can save or access their payment receipt for their records and application.
For Express Entry applications, the online system shows the fees that apply to your application. IRCC advises applicants to pay the required processing fees and biometrics fee and recommends paying the RPRF upfront where applicable to help avoid delays.
Canada PR Fees: Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes is assuming that the processing fee is the total cost of permanent residence.
Other mistakes include:
Using outdated fee information: Canadian immigration fees can change. The 2026 increase took effect on April 30.
Forgetting the RPRF: Eligible applicants need to account for the CAD $600 RPRF for the principal applicant and accompanying spouse or partner.
Ignoring biometrics: Biometrics can add CAD $85 for an individual or up to CAD $170 for a family applying together.
Confusing provincial and federal fees: A PNP nomination fee, where applicable, is separate from the federal PR processing fee.
Forgetting dependent children: Children can add processing costs even though they are generally exempt from the RPRF.
Budgeting only for government fees: Tests, medical examinations, police certificates, translations, and other supporting expenses can significantly increase the total budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada PR Application Fees
How much is the Canada PR application fee in 2026?
For many economic immigration applications, including many Express Entry and PNP applications, the federal processing fee is CAD $990 for the principal applicant, plus CAD $600 for the RPRF. An accompanying spouse or partner generally has the same $990 processing fee and $600 RPRF, while an accompanying dependent child is generally charged $270.
How much does Express Entry cost in Canada?
For a single applicant, the main federal charges can total CAD $1,590 for processing and the RPRF, or approximately CAD $1,675 when individual biometrics of $85 are included. Other expenses such as language testing, ECA, medical examinations and police certificates are additional.
Is the Canada PR fee the same for everyone?
No. Canada PR fees depend on the immigration program, number of applicants, family composition, and applicable exemptions.
Is the Right of Permanent Residence Fee refundable?
If the RPRF was paid upfront and the application is not approved, IRCC states that the RPRF can be refunded.
Do dependent children pay the RPRF?
Generally, no. Dependent children of a principal applicant or sponsor are among those exempt from the RPRF.
How much are Canada PR biometrics?
The current biometrics fee is CAD $85 per individual, with a maximum of CAD $170 for a family applying at the same time.
Does a PNP application have extra fees?
It can. Some provinces and territories charge their own nomination application fees. These are separate from federal IRCC permanent residence fees.
Can I pay the RPRF later?
In many cases, yes. However, IRCC recommends paying it when you submit your application where possible because this can help avoid delays.
Final Canada PR Cost Checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure your budget accounts for the costs that apply to you:
- Canada PR processing fee
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee
- Biometrics
- Language test
- Educational Credential Assessment
- Medical examination
- Police certificates
- Translation and certification
- Provincial nomination fee, if applicable
- Travel and appointment expenses
- Professional immigration services, if applicable