The Real Cost of Moving to Canada Through Express Entry

Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry is an exciting goal for many skilled workers, but before you begin, it’s important to know exactly how much the process costs. Planning ahead helps you avoid delays, stay organized, and move forward with confidence.

This guide breaks down every possible fee—from government charges to medical exams—so you know what to expect at each step. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.

Understanding the Main Expenses

Many people assume that applying for Express Entry is cheap because creating a profile is free. While that part is true, the full process involves several required and optional expenses. These include government fees, language testing, credential evaluations, document translations, and medical checks.

Let’s walk through each category in detail.

Government Fees for Permanent Residence

When you submit your application for permanent residence, you must pay the application processing fee. If you apply alone, the fee is $950. If you include your spouse or partner, you pay $1,900.

You must also pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. This costs $575 for an individual or $1,150 for a couple. Although this fee is refundable if your application gets refused, most applicants pay it upfront to prevent delays later on.

Biometrics also carry a fee. You pay $85 if you apply alone. Families pay a maximum of $170. Children under 14 and adults over 79 do not need to give biometrics.

If you have dependent children, you must add an extra $260 for each child you include in your application.

Language Test Costs

A language test is required for every Express Entry profile. You can choose from several approved exams in English or French. These include IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.

Most test fees range between $290 and $450, plus tax. The cost depends on which test you pick and where you take it. Because language scores play a huge role in your CRS score, many people retake their test to improve results, and that can increase your overall expenses.

Cost of Credential Assessments

If you completed your education outside Canada, and you want to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program or claim points for your foreign education, you must get an Educational Credential Assessment.

This usually costs between $200 and $310. Delivery or courier fees may add extra charges.

If your academic documents are not in English or French, they must be translated, which adds to your total cost.

Translation and Notarization Costs

Any document not in English or French must be translated by a certified translator. Most translations cost between $25 and $70 per document. The price depends on the complexity of your document and how quickly you need it.

Some documents may also need notarization, and that cost varies by location.

Medical Exam Costs

Every applicant must complete a medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician before submitting a permanent residence application. These exams confirm that you meet Canada’s health requirements.

Medical exams usually cost somewhere between $140 and $280 per person.

Police Certificate Costs

Applicants aged 18 and older must provide police certificates from every country where they lived for at least six continuous months in the past ten years. Cost varies widely depending on the country.

For example, certificates can cost as little as a few dollars in some countries, while others may charge over $100. In some cases, you might need a third-party service if you no longer live in that country, which increases the expense.

You do not need police certificates from Canada or from any place you lived before age 18.

Other Costs Many Applicants Forget

Beyond the main fees, several smaller costs can appear throughout the process. These include renewing your passport, paying courier fees, scanning and printing documents, and gathering supporting papers.

You may also need to travel for biometrics or medical appointments. If you need to retake a language test, that adds to your total as well.

If you are applying from outside Canada, airfare can be a major cost once you receive approval.

Your first permanent resident card is free if you submit your address and photo within 180 days after landing. If you miss the deadline, the replacement costs $50.

Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer or consultant is optional, but many applicants choose to work with one. Fees vary widely, but most full-service applications cost between $2,000 and $5,000.

People hire lawyers to avoid mistakes, improve their CRS score, handle complicated cases, and reduce stress. Professional guidance can help you feel more confident through a long and detailed process.

Settlement Funds (If Required)

Certain Express Entry applicants must show proof of savings. Settlement funds are not a fee, but they are a requirement for many people.

For a single applicant, the minimum amount is $15,263. Larger families must show more.

You do not need settlement funds if you apply under the Canadian Experience Class or if you have a valid job offer.

A Quick Overview of How Express Entry Works

Express Entry manages three immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Once you qualify for one of these programs, you can create your Express Entry profile, which enters you into the candidate pool. You receive a CRS score based on your age, language skills, education, and work experience.

The government holds regular draws, and candidates with the highest scores get an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.

You then upload your documents, pay your fees, and submit your application.

Final Thoughts

The Express Entry process involves several fees, and the total cost can vary depending on your situation. Planning early makes a big difference. With good preparation, clear expectations, and organized documents, you can move through the process more smoothly and stay confident from start to finish.

If you want help improving your chances, many newcomers use professional guidance to make the journey easier—but the choice is yours.

Canada remains one of the top destinations for skilled workers, and understanding the costs is the first step toward building your future here.