Decoding Canadian Immigration Fees: Your Essential 2026 Guide

Temporary Stay: Your Short-Term Canada Entry Points

These fees cover applications for visitors, students, and temporary workers. Generally, these are the lowest costs you'll encounter on your immigration journey, making them relatively accessible for many. Still, understanding the nuances of each is key.

1. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

At a mere $7.00 CAD, the eTA is by far the cheapest item on this entire list, making it a truly exceptional deal. This mandatory requirement applies to visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada. Think of it as a digital pre-screening, a small hurdle to ensure you're eligible before you even board a plane.

Honestly, for the security and efficiency it provides, this fee is almost symbolic. It's processed online, usually approved within minutes, and valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Given that many countries charge significantly more for similar entry authorizations, Canada's eTA remains incredibly accessible. It's often the first fee many visitors encounter, so it's a good introduction to the fee structure.

Verdict: Best for visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada; incredibly affordable and straightforward.

2. International Experience Canada (IEC)

The International Experience Canada program comes in at $184.75 CAD. This program is a fantastic opportunity for young people from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada. It's a popular choice for those looking to gain international experience, and the fee reflects the value of an open work permit or a working holiday visa.

Unlike a standard work permit that might be tied to a specific employer, the IEC often grants an open work permit, giving participants significant freedom to explore different job opportunities across Canada. For an experience that can genuinely be life-changing, this fee is quite reasonable. It's an investment in a unique cultural and professional adventure, and one that consistently receives high praise from participants.

Verdict: Ideal for young adults seeking a flexible work and travel experience in Canada.

3. Study Permits (Including Extensions)

A study permit will cost you $150.00 CAD per person, with the same fee applying to extensions. This is a standard and expected cost for anyone pursuing education in Canada. Considering the quality of education and the potential pathways to permanent residency that often follow, this fee is a foundational investment.

Here's where things get interesting: if you let your student status expire, restoring it along with a new study permit jumps the cost to $396.25 CAD (comprising a $246.25 restoration fee plus the $150.00 permit fee). This serves as a stark reminder to keep track of your expiry dates! The restoration fee is a penalty, yes, but it does offer a lifeline for those who inadvertently overstay or miss deadlines. Planning ahead definitely saves you money here.

Verdict: Essential for international students; budget carefully to avoid restoration fees.

4. Visitor Visa (Including Super Visa) or Extend Your Stay

A standard visitor visa, whether single or multiple entry, will set you back $100.00 CAD per person. This is a common fee for individuals from non-visa-exempt countries looking to visit Canada. The ability to get either a single or multiple entry visa for the same price is a nice touch, with the decision resting on the immigration officer's discretion based on your application.

For families, there's a practical cap: $500.00 CAD for a family of 5 or more people applying at the same time and place. This family maximum is a sensible provision, especially for larger families, ensuring costs don't spiral out of control. Similarly, extending your stay as a visitor costs $100.00 CAD per person. However, if you need to restore your visitor status, that alone is $246.25 CAD, highlighting the importance of timely applications for extensions. No one wants to pay extra for an administrative oversight.

Verdict: Standard cost for tourism/visits; families benefit from a maximum fee.

5. Work Permits (Including Extensions)

A work permit, or its extension, costs $155.00 CAD per person. This fee is a fundamental part of securing temporary employment in Canada. It's slightly higher than a study permit, which makes sense given the direct economic contribution associated with work. For many, this is the first step towards a long-term career or even permanent residency.

Like visitor and study permits, there are special provisions for groups. Performing artists applying as a group of three or more receive a maximum fee of $465.00 CAD. This is a logical concession for touring groups. And, once again, the restoration fee for a worker's status is hefty: $401.25 CAD ($246.25 for restoration plus $155.00 for the new permit). For those with open work permits, there's an additional fee of $100.00 CAD. This all underscores the need for diligent tracking of expiry dates and proactive application submissions. Do you really want to pay nearly double just for being late?

Verdict: Essential for temporary workers; group discounts for artists are a nice touch, but avoid restoration fees.

Permanent Residency: The Path to Calling Canada Home

These are the fees associated with long-term settlement. They are significantly higher than temporary residence fees, often including a "Right of Permanent Residence Fee" (RPRF). This category is where your financial planning really needs to shine, as these are substantial investments.

6. Business Immigration & Economic Immigration (Including Express Entry)

Here's where the fees jump significantly, reflecting the life-altering nature of permanent residency. For business immigration streams (Quebec, Self-employed, Start-up Visa) and economic immigration streams (Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, etc.), the base application fee including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is $2,495.00 CAD for business applicants and $1,590.00 CAD for economic applicants.

The RPRF alone accounts for a substantial chunk of this, currently sitting at $600.00 CAD. It's a fee you pay when your application is approved, confirming your intent to become a permanent resident. You can pay it upfront with your application to avoid delays. If your application is refused or withdrawn, this specific fee is fully refundable, which is a rare but welcome policy. For a spouse or partner, the costs mirror the principal applicant's: $1,590.00 CAD (including RPRF) for economic and $1,590.00 CAD (including RPRF) for business. Dependent children are a more modest $270.00 CAD per child, thankfully, and they are exempt from the RPRF. The sheer difference between a business application (where an applicant might be bringing significant capital) and an economic application is notable, reflecting potentially different processing complexities or government priorities.

Verdict: Significant but essential investment for skilled immigrants and entrepreneurs; RPRF is refundable if not granted PR.

7. Home Care Workers (Caregivers)

The fees for home care workers depend on when the program opened. For programs opened in 2026 (such as the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots for Child Care and Home Support), the fees are aligned with other economic programs: $1,590.00 CAD for the principal applicant (including RPRF), $1,590.00 CAD for a spouse or partner (including RPRF), and $270.00 CAD per dependent child. This standardization is a positive step, simplifying the fee structure.

However, for older caregiver programs (like the Live-in Caregiver Program or the Home Child Care Provider Pilot without the work permit fee), the fees are slightly lower: $1,260.00 CAD for the principal applicant (including RPRF), $1,260.00 CAD for a spouse or partner (including RPRF), and $180.00 CAD per dependent child. A critical point for these older programs: if you also need a work permit, you must pay for it *separately*. This separate payment requirement for work permits adds a layer of administrative complexity and extra cost for some caregivers under older streams. This split payment system could easily trip up an unsuspecting applicant. Who enjoys chasing multiple receipts for one application?

Verdict: Costs vary by program launch date; newer programs align with general economic streams; older programs might require separate work permit payments.

8. Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications / Protected Persons

Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications and those for Protected Persons represent avenues for individuals facing unique circumstances. For H&C applications (and related pathways like the Health-care worker pathway or TR to PR pathway), the principal applicant fee is $1,260.00 CAD (including RPRF), with similar costs for spouses/partners and $180.00 CAD per dependent child.

Protected persons, including Convention Refugees, also face processing fees. A principal applicant pays $660.00 CAD, with $660.00 CAD for a spouse or partner, and $180.00 CAD per dependent child. Notably, protected persons are exempt from the RPRF of $600.00 CAD, which significantly reduces their overall cost. This exemption is a compassionate policy, recognizing the difficult circumstances these individuals often face. It's a clear demonstration of Canada's commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.

Verdict: Lower RPRF or exemption for protected persons and H&C applicants, recognizing their unique situations.

9. Permanent Resident Cards and Travel Documents

Maintaining your PR status comes with a recurring cost: a permanent resident (PR) card renewal or replacement is $50.00 CAD. This fee is relatively minor but crucial for demonstrating your status. It’s important to remember that your PR card can only be mailed to a Canadian address. If you're outside Canada and your card is lost, stolen, or expired, you'll need a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter, which also costs $50.00 CAD. While the fees are low, the administrative implications of not having a valid PR card or PRTD can be significant, potentially delaying re-entry into Canada. Don't let a $50 fee become a major headache.

Verdict: Low fees for essential documents; crucial for maintaining valid PR status and travel.

Family Sponsorship: Uniting Loved Ones in Canada

Sponsoring family members involves a blend of sponsorship fees, processing fees, and often the RPRF. The costs vary depending on the relationship and age of the sponsored individual.

10. Sponsoring Spouse, Partner, or Children

Sponsoring a spouse or partner, whether they are abroad or already in Canada, will cost $1,260.00 CAD. This comprehensive fee includes the sponsorship fee, the processing fee, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). It's a significant investment, but one that directly facilitates family reunification. If you elect to pay without the RPRF upfront, the cost is $660.00 CAD, with the RPRF due upon approval.

For dependent children, the cost is much lower: $180.00 CAD per child. This fee covers the sponsorship and processing, and importantly, dependent children are exempt from the RPRF. This exemption makes a substantial difference for families with multiple children. The consistency in fees regardless of whether the sponsored family member is inside or outside Canada simplifies the process, though specific application forms and requirements might differ slightly. It's a fair structure that prioritizes family unity without making it prohibitively expensive for larger families.

Verdict: Clear and consistent fees for immediate family; dependent children are exempt from RPRF, which is a huge relief.

11. Sponsoring Parents, Grandparents, Adopted Children, and Other Relatives

Sponsoring parents or grandparents mirrors the spouse/partner costs: $1,260.00 CAD (including RPRF). Including their spouse or partner also costs $1,260.00 CAD. A dependent child of a parent or grandparent is $180.00 CAD per child. Again, these costs reflect the government's commitment to family reunification, with the RPRF being the most substantial portion for adult applicants.

For adopted children or orphaned relatives, the fee is $180.00 CAD per child, aligning with other dependent children and exempt from RPRF. Sponsoring other relatives who are 22 years or older costs $1,260.00 CAD (including RPRF), while those under 22 (and not your dependent child) cost $780.00 CAD (with RPRF) or $180.00 CAD (without RPRF, just processing). The varying costs based on age and relationship can be a bit tricky, but the pattern is that direct dependents and children generally have lower fees and RPRF exemptions. Planning becomes crucial here, especially if you're sponsoring a complex family unit.

Verdict: Similar costs for parents/grandparents as spouses; dependent children and adopted children benefit from lower fees and RPRF exemption.

Citizenship: The Ultimate Goal

Once permanent residency is achieved, the next step for many is Canadian citizenship. These fees cover the application process and various related services.

12. Citizenship Application Fees

The journey to full Canadian citizenship for an adult (18 and over) costs $653.00 CAD, which includes both the processing fee and the Right of Citizenship fee. This is a significant final investment, reflecting the privileges and responsibilities of becoming a citizen. For stateless adults (18 or over) born to a Canadian parent, the fee is reduced to $123.00 CAD, which only covers the Right of Citizenship fee. This distinction acknowledges their unique circumstances and parental lineage.

For minors (under 18), the fee is a much more palatable $100.00 CAD, covering just the processing fee. Minors are exempt from the Right of Citizenship fee, a compassionate policy that makes the process more accessible for families. This structured approach helps manage the costs for families seeking citizenship together. The "Right of Citizenship" fee, at $123.00, essentially finalizes the process, similar to the RPRF for permanent residence.

Verdict: Reasonable costs for citizenship, with a notable reduction for minors and specific stateless individuals.

13. Other Citizenship Fees and Services

Beyond the initial application, several other services are available. A Citizenship Certificate (proof of citizenship) costs $75.00 CAD. This document is essential for various official purposes, from obtaining a passport to demonstrating your status. If you need to search for your record of citizenship, that's also $75.00 CAD.

For those looking to resume their Canadian citizenship (perhaps after renouncing it previously), the fee is $530.00 CAD for adults and $100.00 CAD for minors. If you decide to renounce your citizenship, the fee is $100.00 CAD. These ancillary services cover various scenarios, but they highlight the ongoing administrative costs associated with maintaining or altering one's citizenship status. It’s clear that proving or re-establishing your citizenship requires dedicated administrative effort, hence the fees.

Verdict: Standard fees for administrative tasks like certificates, searches, and resuming/renouncing citizenship.

Inadmissibility & Other Services: Unforeseen Costs and Necessary Admin

This category covers situations where an individual is deemed inadmissible to Canada, or for various essential administrative services.

14. Inadmissibility: Authorization to Return and Rehabilitation

If you've been removed from Canada previously, an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) will cost $492.50 CAD. This fee is for those seeking permission to re-enter after being removed, and it's a necessary step to overcome prior inadmissibility. The fee reflects the detailed assessment required for such cases.

For individuals inadmissible due to criminality, rehabilitation is an option. Simple inadmissibility on grounds of criminality costs $246.25 CAD. However, if the grounds are serious criminality, the fee jumps significantly to $1,231.00 CAD. This substantial difference underscores the gravity of serious offenses and the intensive review process required to overcome them. These aren't fees you want to pay, but they represent a pathway to potential re-entry for those who qualify.

Verdict: Crucial fees for overcoming past inadmissibility, with serious criminality incurring a significantly higher cost.

15. Repaying Removal Expenses

This category is one you absolutely want to avoid! If you were removed from Canada, you may be liable for the costs. The fees vary dramatically based on the removal date and method. For removals *before* April 1, 2026, costs were $899.00 CAD for the U.S.A. and St. Pierre and Miquelon, and $1,799.00 CAD for any other country. These were hefty, but manageable.

However, for removals *on or after* April 1, 2026, the costs skyrocket. An escorted removal by air (excluding medical escort) is an astonishing $13,098.96 CAD. Even an unescorted removal, an escorted removal by other means (not air), or a removal under medical escort by air will cost you $3,905.28 CAD. This change in fee structure is clearly designed to be a significant deterrent, highlighting the severe financial consequences of being removed from Canada. It serves as a strong incentive to maintain legal status at all times. Isn't it shocking how much this can cost?

Verdict: Extremely high and newly increased costs for removals, designed to be a major deterrent; absolutely avoid this category.

16. Biometrics, Employer Compliance, and Document Verification

These are the essential administrative fees that often accompany various applications. Biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photo) cost $85.00 CAD per individual. This is a non-negotiable step for many applicants, and the fee is standardized. For families of two or more eligible people, there's a maximum fee of $170.00 CAD, and for a group of three or more performing artists, it's $255.00 CAD. These group discounts are a thoughtful provision, easing the financial burden for multiple applicants.

Employers hiring temporary foreign workers also face an Employer Compliance Fee of $230.00 CAD, or $690.00 CAD for a group of three or more entertainers. This fee ensures employers meet their obligations. Finally, verifying your status or replacing an immigration document costs a modest $30.00 CAD. These fees are generally small but critical components of the overall immigration process, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the system.

Verdict: Mandatory, relatively low fees for crucial identity verification and employer accountability; group discounts are a plus.