(Updated April 2020)
Welcome to the “How to immigrate to Canada” series, ten articles covering the basics—immigration categories, rights and duties as a permanent resident, first steps as a newcomer and more.
Browse these articles for more info on immigrating to Canada.
Did you find the right immigration category and check your eligibility? Are you getting ready to fill out your permanent residence application? Good job!
But wait—can you afford it?
You probably already know or suspect you will have to pay an application processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee. But did you budget for other associated expenses?
In this article, I will give you an overview of how much you should budget when applying for permanent residence in Canada. All amounts are in Canadian dollars.
The application processing fee
The fee depends on your immigration category.
- For business immigration (Quebec business immigration, Self-employed people, and Start-up visa), the processing fee is $1050.
- For economic immigration, including Express Entry (Atlantic immigration pilot, Canadian experience class, Live-in Caregiver Program, Home Child Care Provider Pilot [without the work permit fee], Home Support Worker Pilot [without the work permit fee], Federal skilled workers, Federal skilled trades, Provincial nominee, Rural and northern immigration pilot and Quebec-selected skilled workers), the processing fee is $550.
- For humanitarian and compassionate, the fee is $550.
- For spouse, partner or children sponsorship, the fee is $550.
For more details, check out the Fee list.
The Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) fee
Applicants who plan to settle in Quebec must apply for a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). The fee is $812 for the principal applicant, $174 for a spouse, and $174 for each child.
The right of permanent residence fee
All landed immigrants in Canada must pay the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF), which is $490 per person.
Note that the RPRF can be refunded if your application is denied or if you withdraw it. This is the only refundable fee.
Other application-related fees
- If your supporting documents (i.e. diplomas, certifications, etc.) are not in French or English, you must hire an authorized translator and provide a translation.
- You must include several photographs and the rules are quite specific (yes, Canadians are weird with passport pictures!). Depending on where you live, it adds up. In Canada, it cost about $14 for two pics—not cheap if you immigrate as a family!
- You may need to have your foreign degrees recognized in Canada. This is called a credential evaluation only designated organizations such as World Education Services can perform the assessment. The recommended ECA evaluation is $220.
- If English or French isn’t the official language in your country of citizenship, you will have to have your language abilities tested. This is one of the six selection factors for skilled workers. The language proficiency test must be administered by an approved organization, for example, IELTS (around $320) and CELPIP ($265) for English, or the TEF for French ($440).
- A medical exam is mandatory for each applicant and their dependents (spouse, children) and it must be performed by a panel physician. Two fees must be paid—the exam fee and the X-ray fee. Fees vary greatly so ask around. In 2005, I paid $100 for the medical exam and $100 for the X-ray in an Ottawa clinic.
Miscellaneous fees to budget for
- Travelling expenses from your city to your local Canadian visa office, typically located in world capitals. You may have to show up in person if an interview is required. Similarly, you may have to travel to the nearest panel physician for your medical exam.
- Passport fees, since you will need a valid passport issued by your country of citizenship to travel to Canada.
Unnecessary expenses
Don’t splurge for an immigration consultant! As I explained in Two Immigration Myths, most applicants don’t need to hire an immigration lawyer or an immigration consultant—it’s money wasted.
Immigration representatives typically charge from $1000 to $5000 (but the sky is the limit!). Save money, learn to Google.
Don’t forget you need savings on top of all these fees and expenses
If you apply in the skilled worker category, you will have to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family for the first few months following your arrival in Canada. For one person, it’s $12,960, and up to $27,315 for a family of five.
Good luck!
Hey,
I have gained a lot from reading your blog. I’m 29 and about to finish my masters in material engineering. I don’t know which way will be best for me to immigrate to canada. I’m still single and have no work experience yet.
You should have a look at cic.gc.ca. But yes, you will need valuable work experience to qualify.
i recently came back from UK after staying there for about three and half years. i completed my MSc in Investment Analysis from one of the recognised universities situated in Scotland. In total i have about six years of Financial Services work experience. i am an Indian citizen. Whats is the process and cost involved in order to immigrate to Canada on a Skilled Work category. Please note that i do not have any job offer from any Canadian company. Many thanks!
You can find all the info you need on http://www.cic.gc.ca 😉
hi….
could i ask how much the cost i will spent all in all when going to canada coz im her now in dubai? and do i need to go also in english proficiency like IELTS ,im a filipino. Im working her in dubai, and could you suggest me also where i could get an agency her in dubai for migration…thanks.
No idea about the agency. All the info you need is on http://www.cic.gc.ca.
Do people from the UK or US need to have language exams? If not, how do the authorities score the language portion of the skilled work points thingy?
ABE
I’m not sure but I know French people have to take the French language test!
Hello 🙂
I am from Srilankan. I am about to complete my 2nd year in Network Engineering. If i do my final year in Canada, Can i apply for a job as soon as i complete my studies or do i have to return back home. Please clarify. Loads of thanks in advance 🙂
It depends on the type of visa you have. Some restrictions come with student visas, check the conditions.
If an individual wants to apply for permenant residency whats’s the process?
Head to http://www.cic.gc.ca.
Good day sir, my name is Emmanuel.
1. Can one apply for the federal skilled worker and chose ‘SPOUSE’
category if he plans to wed before leaving for Canada with his wife?
Thanks.
2. Must i have my credentials evaluated BEFORE applying for the FSW?
3. The parts of the fsw forms that have to do with marital status, how do i fill them since my marriage hasn’t yet hold. Maybe 6 months time.
Thanks for the part that i need to start working on my Passport, am statrting this morning.
I am very much NOT a “sir” 😆
I’m not sure if I understand your first question. Either you are married, either you are not. For the second, if your credential are needed, then yes. And if you are not married yet, well, you can’t put that you are.
Hi Zhu,
Thanks for your valuable suggestions. I have a query regarding PR. Recently I met some immigrants who migrated permanently to Canada some years back. They are well qualified (Engineers, Doctors). They didn’t give me much positive reviews of the job scenario of Canada nowadays. They are still stuck in odd jobs. They told me that it isn’t worth to leave a good job and settle here in Canada. Jobs are very difficult to get nowadays. Only menial jobs are available. I was also in a mood to apply for PR under FSW in forthcoming ‘Express Entry’ scheme. I am Mechanical Engr with 4 yrs of work experience in India. Plz suggest is it really worth nowadays to apply for PR seeing the current job scenario?
I honestly have no idea, considering I’m not famiiar with your field. Immigrating is a very personal decision, some people find what they are looking for while other are disappointed. I’d suggest you connect with folks in your field, maybe though LinkedIn.
hi
i been living in Texas for 12 years on a expired visa i am Portugal citizen, kids are us citizen and spouse is indian citizen
i have associated degree in civil engineering and spouse is bachelor degree in history i am 40 and she is 35 can we apply for Canadian citizenship
Nope. You need to apply for permanent residence.
hi ,
just want to ask that iam a maarried person and i have a son. now i want to migrate to canada with permanent residentship.but the question is that i want migrate singly for job purpose.is it compulsury to include my family in all this process of pr ship.
thanks
one more thing i want to ask that if i have a permanent residentship then work permit for doing job in canada is needed or iam allowed to work in canada.
Thanks a lot, very helpful. So I am in initial stage. Preparing for IELTS, Education assessment. As you said, application fee will be- $1250 for us. That’s quite perfect for us!! How many to consider if application is granted then for VISA and ticketing?
Prove of fund just to show right? As we have a children of 3 yrs age, how much fund we must take with us for surviving just after landing? May we get any help from govt for my child? What kind of preparation to take so that after being there, before getting a job, we can lead a good life!! Thanks!
You need to save… a lot of money! There is a sufficient funds requirement, but it makes sense to save up as settling takes time and money. You may be eligible for childcare benefits but it isn’t much, maybe $150-$250 a month.
i am just high school diploma or in other way only matriculate from India .my age is 40 year now.can i get a job as security guard or related man power ?and how much it cost for me to get work permit only .i want to come single there not with family .please explain all expenses which i needed .
Regards,
All the info you need is on http://www.cic.gc.ca. Start here!
I am Irish citizens i want to immigrate to Canada but i don’t have degree or job offer the.but i am working in Ireland 7 years in same place as salle assistance but i want immigrate because i am not happy here i just want to no if i can
You have to check http://www.cic.gc.ca to see if you meet the minimum requirements.
I am a Bscnurse .I have ielts 5.5 score. Can I migrate to Canada .do I get job or do I need to write any exam ?
You ned to make sure you meet the minimum requirements. Visit http://www.cic.gc.ca.
Hi,
You mentioned:
“And don’t forget the settlement funds. If you apply in the skilled worker category, you will have to prove that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family for the first few months following your arrival in Canada. For one person, it’s roughly $10,000, and up to almost $23,000 for a family of five.”
My question is, when that family (of 5) arrived at Canada, are they suppose to bring that $23,000 with them?
Thanks
i want to know i m a pakistani woman, having two kids, one age of 2 years and younger one is 8 months old. i want to know, will it possible to go PR to canada, without husband? please guide me.
You certainly don’t need a husband to apply for permanent resident but you still have to qualify. All the info you need is one http://www.cic.gc.ca.
I’m a United States veteran and I am engaged to a Canadian citizen I also just received a misdeomener charge for outraging public decency. I’m looking to live in Canada and I have a job offer up there. I’m looking to make this transition easy as possible. But I’m afraid I won’t be able to cross the boarder with this recent charge.
I have no idea. It’s probably best to consult with a lawyer in your case.
Manitoba is good for PR? or Ontario? based on job facility. I want to go ahead to have a bachelor in education also if I be there in manitoba and earn the Teaching certificate. Is there any possibility for me (Immigrant/foreigner) to earn a teaching job there?
I don’t think Ontario offers the program.
I am South African (white) and work in Insurance industry for 15 years.
I am aged 57 years and my husband 64 years.
I don’t have any money to get to CANADA, but would love to go due to what is going on in South Africa – I am sure the world is aware of all the murders, crime – I can send such a lot of mails about how our beautiful country is falling apart with, water, electricity, food and all other living necessities. I want to flee our country before it is too late! How can I go about getting asylum in CANADA and work?
I am so scared while writing this mail and wish someone can help? I need to get out of South Africa urgently!!
I can’t stand this lifestyle, corruption, murders of whites any more – we are not safe!!!
What is the possibility of getting a job there – I am prepared to do anything!
I love animals and will do any, but anything, just to get out of South Africa!! Please help!!
I am indian. I am working in asianpaints as chemist since 4 year. is it any scope for me in Canada ? which province is good for ?
You should connect with people in your field, I don’t know!
Hi,
I am interested in coming to Canada with my two kids aged 4 and 2. i want to take up the student route and then look for work once I complete my masters. I want to know what is the best city to immigrate to, when you have kids. What if I want to bring along a nanny or a caretaker for my kids from my home country, Pakistan. Also, what total should I be looking at in terms of money to have a smooth transition. Any help will be appreciated.
All cities are pretty kid-friendly, including Ottawa, where I live. I’m not sure about bringing a nanny, you will have to see if she can get a temporary visa. Otherwise, you can hire a childcare worker in Canada. As for cost, you can read this: https://correresmidestino.com/how-much-does-immigrating-to-canada-cost/.
That helps. Thanks! How is it in terms of living expenses though? And what are the local schools and univs like?
It really depends on where you settle, your question is very broad. Cost of living in higher in Toronto than in Hamilton, for instance.
I am 27 year old. I am M.A. in English and B.ed. I have 16 months of experience of teaching in a college and 14 months of experience of teaching in a school. I am going to appear in the exam of IELTS on 26 July 2015. I am hoping to get 7 bands in each module. I want to know about my eligibility for PR of Canada. How much will it cost? Kindly do the needful. I will be thankful to you for this.
You need to take the free assessment on http://www.cic.gc.ca.
Im oracle DBA working Wells Fargo , US based mnc. I wanna immigrate to Canada , does Canada have land of oppurtunities in IT field because once I get into Canada it shouldn’t be harder to get job in IT sector.
Maybe reach out to people in your field?
I am an Indian. I have a Masters in Navigation degree from UK. I sail as a Captain on the ships for about 7 months in a year and am on leave for remaining 5 months. I wish to come to Canada with my wife and kid who is presently studying in class 7 in India. I wish to continue sailing while my family will stay In Canada. What is the scope for me to come to Canada?
You should check if you are eligible at http://www.cic.gc.ca.
Many thanks, will check as suggested.
hi, iam a Ugandan
i would like to get sponsored for a masters degree in Canada. can you help with some sponsorship information available in Canada
You can check out http://www.cic.gc.ca. You cannot get sponsored unless you have close relatives in Canada, though.
hi,
we have applied for Canadian visa via express entry and my points for the same are 372. what do you think are my chances to get the visa via skilled worker prog.. or should i apply for State nomination prog..
thanks for your help
I really can’t tell, I immigrated over 12 years ago through a different program. Best of luck!
I am person belonging to India.I have done Bachelor in Computer Application .A diploma in Call center training.I have also done a diploma in Hardware and Networking from Jetking Institure in India.
My Mother has done BA and has served in the education department as a teacher for 40 years in India
She retired as a headmistress of High School.My father has done MTech in Agricultural Engineering from Punjab Agricultural University in India.He has been missing since july 1993.
My wife is Double MA in History and Punjabi subject.
She has a diploma in Tailoring also
We run a boutique and a small karyana shop in India
We have relatives in Canada
She has 3 brothers in Canada,parents in Canada
Can we apply for immigration to Canada
Please advise
You have to check http://www.cic.gc.ca to see if you are eligible, I have no clue. Best of luck.
Yes You do not need lawyer for application
however 99% this application is rejected almost immediately
and You have to re apply over and over loosing 6 months waiting for answer
Total cost for immigration to Canada for my family 3 people cost me 36000$ total and 3 years
This is unfortunate in your case but it’s pretty rare as immigration lawyers cannot guarantee anything at all.
I would like to apply PR visa for Canada. I am Indian and have 3 people including me ( me, my wife and my 3 month old daughter). I have around 10 year experience in IT (Currently working in Samsung Electronics, Delhi- India). I have B.Tech Degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Can you please tell me how much cost will come for applying PR and how much time takes?.
All the info you are looking for is on http://www.cic.gc.ca. Good luck!
I really appreciate how you give free info on how to migrate to Canada,i am so proud of you, am a single mom from Nigeria with two children below 18 years,i will like to go and live with them in Canada. I am not a skilled worker but i have enough money to last us for years, i also do not have relatives,what do i do so i can get a permanent residence for my family.Thanks alot
You need to check out the skilled worker process on http://www.cic.gc.ca. Good luck!
I am person from india.i have university degree and work experiance in many fields such as telecom sector and Medical store Supervisor too.but in india due to lots of crupption i cant survive here .i want to settle in canada.i am fluent in english having fresh paasport too but i am not so much rich .my parents are no more .i want to come alone in canada .please guide me ..
Take the time to read the various articles on the blog and learn about the process at http://www.cic.gc.ca. That’s the best way to see your options!