Express Entry Fees 2026: Every Cost Updated in CAD

The Express Entry fees in 2026 add up to at least $2,585 CAD per adult — including the IRCC processing fee ($1,365 CAD), the Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($515 CAD), biometrics ($85 CAD), the medical exam (~$300 CAD), IELTS (~$320 CAD) and ECA (~$200 CAD). For a couple, the total investment lands between $4,500 and $5,500 CAD. These numbers are real — and we know that knot-in-your-stomach feeling when you finally add it all up.

The fear of running out of money halfway through the process is the most common one among the newcomers we help. So in this guide you will find every fee broken down, with exact amounts in CAD, to plan your budget as a couple without surprises.

What Express Entry is and why the fees matter in 2026

Express Entry is the Canadian government system that manages three permanent immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). It is not a visa — it is the management system where you create your profile, receive a CRS score and, if invited (ITA), apply for permanent residence.

In 2026, the Express Entry fees remain one of the largest upfront investments of the process. IRCC raised the processing fee to $1,365 CAD (it was $850 until 2023), which caught many people off guard. You need to understand each amount so nothing surprises you along the way.

If you are planning the move as a couple — and most of the newcomers we help arrive as couples — you need to multiply almost everything by two. Let’s break down each cost.

Express Entry fees 2026 in CAD: the complete table

Here is a summary of every Express Entry fee in 2026 for a single adult, all in one place:

Processing fee (Application Fee): $1,365 CAD — required
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $515 CAD — required
Biometrics: $85 CAD — required
Medical exam (IME): ~$300 CAD — required
IELTS General Training: ~$320 CAD — required (or another approved test)
ECA (WES or equivalent): ~$200-$300 CAD — required for FSW
Certificates and certified translations: ~$150-$400 CAD — required
Application photos: ~$15-$20 CAD — required
TOTAL (principal applicant): ~$2,950-$3,305 CAD

If you apply through Quebec (PEQ/CSQ), a French test (TEF/TCF) replaces the IELTS, at a similar cost.

IRCC processing fee (Application Fee): $1,365 CAD

The processing fee is what IRCC charges to review your permanent residence application. In 2026 it is $1,365 CAD per adult. For dependent children under 22, the fee is $230 CAD per child.

This is paid only after you receive the ITA (Invitation to Apply). In other words, you pay nothing to create your Express Entry profile — the cost appears when Canada invites you to apply.

Important for couples: if one of you is the principal applicant and the other is the accompanying spouse/partner, both pay the full $1,365 CAD processing fee each. There is no discount for the second adult. Dependent children under 22 pay $230 CAD each.

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF / Landing Fee): $515 CAD

The RPRF, also called the landing fee, is a $515 CAD charge for each adult who receives permanent residence. Dependent children do not pay this fee.

You can pay the RPRF together with the processing fee or separately, before the COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) is issued. We recommend paying everything together to keep things simple — but if your budget is tight, you can split it.

For a couple, that is $1,030 CAD in RPRF across both adults. If IRCC refuses the application, the RPRF is refundable. The processing fee is not.

Biometrics: the fee and how it works — $85 CAD

The biometrics fee is $85 CAD per person or $170 CAD for a family of two or more. Biometrics include fingerprints and a photo, collected at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

VACs are located in major cities around the world — book early, because slots fill up fast, especially in the busy first months of the year. Find your nearest centre on the IRCC portal.

Biometrics are valid for 10 years. If you already gave biometrics for a study or visitor application in the last 10 years, you may not need to repeat them — but confirm on the IRCC portal.

Medical exam (IME): how much it costs in 2026 — ~$300 CAD

The Immigration Medical Examination costs between $250 and $400 CAD depending on the designated panel physician and your location.

The exam must be done with a physician authorized by IRCC — the full list is on the official site. Any other doctor will not count. The exam includes a chest X-ray, blood tests (HIV, syphilis) and a general physical.

The result is valid for 12 months. Don’t take the exam too early — if processing takes longer than 12 months, you will have to redo it (and pay again).

IELTS or CELPIP: language test costs — ~$320 CAD

For Express Entry you must prove proficiency in English (and/or French). The accepted options in 2026 are:

IELTS General Training (English): ~$320 CAD
CELPIP General (English): ~$280-$340 CAD
TEF Canada (French): ~$300-$390 CAD
TCF Canada (French): ~$350-$400 CAD

Practical tip: if you are a couple and both need the test, that’s ~$640 CAD in IELTS alone. Start studying early — rebooking the test costs almost the same amount. And remember: IELTS results are valid for 2 years.

If you plan to settle in Montreal or Quebec, a French test (TEF or TCF) can earn extra CRS points and is required for some provincial programs. It can be worth taking both tests — English and French — to maximize your score.

ECA (Educational Credential Assessment): validating your diploma — ~$200-$300 CAD

The ECA is the assessment that validates your foreign diploma against the Canadian standard. It is required for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program and recommended for the others because it earns extra CRS points.

The most-used organizations are:

WES (World Education Services): ~$220 CAD, 20-35 business days
IQAS: ~$200 CAD, 12-16 weeks
ICAS: ~$200 CAD, 15-20 weeks
Comparative Education Service (U of T): ~$210 CAD, 12-16 weeks

Heads-up: on top of the organization’s fee, you will spend on a certified translation of your diploma and transcript (~$100-$250 CAD) plus shipping your documents by mail or a digital service. WES is the fastest and most popular option. The ECA is valid for 5 years from the date of issue, so a recent ECA from another process can often be reused.

Hidden costs nobody tells you about

Beyond the official fees, there are costs that catch many people off guard. Here are the main ones:

Certified translations: birth, marriage and police clearance certificates all need certified translation into English or French. Cost: $50-$150 CAD per document. For a couple, this easily passes $400 CAD.
Police clearance certificates: you will need a clearance from each country where you lived for more than 6 months — costs vary by country, roughly $0-$200 CAD each (requirements vary by nationality — check your eligibility).
Immigration photos: IRCC-standard photos cost $15-$20 CAD per person. It seems small, but it is one more item on the list.
Proof of funds: not a fee, but you must prove you have enough money to support yourself in Canada. In 2026, the minimum for a couple with no children is roughly $21,000 CAD. This money is not spent — it just has to exist in the account.
Immigration consultant (optional): an RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) charges between $3,000 and $8,000 CAD. It is not mandatory, but many couples prefer that peace of mind.

Express Entry fees 2026 for a couple: full simulation

Let’s get to what matters: how much does a couple spend, from zero to COPR? This simulation assumes two adults, no children, applying through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program.

IRCC processing fee: $1,365 + $1,365 = $2,730 CAD
RPRF (landing fee): $515 + $515 = $1,030 CAD
Biometrics: $170 CAD (family rate)
Medical exam: $300 + $300 = $600 CAD
IELTS: $320 + $320 = $640 CAD
ECA (WES): $220 + $220 = $440 CAD
Translations and certificates: $400 CAD
Photos: $40 CAD
TOTAL: ~$6,050 CAD

Summary: a couple spends roughly $6,050 CAD on the Express Entry process in 2026, without a consultant. With a consultant, it can reach $14,000 CAD.

If you have children, add $230 CAD in processing fee plus ~$300 for the medical exam and ~$85 for biometrics per child.

And remember: beyond the Express Entry fees of the process itself, you must have the proof of funds in your account. For a couple without children, IRCC requires roughly $21,000 CAD available. That amount is not spent in the process — it simply proves you can support yourselves in Canada.

Express Entry vs PNP: which one costs more?

Many people ask whether applying through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is cheaper than Express Entry directly. The short answer: no, it is usually more expensive.

The federal fees (processing $1,365 CAD, RPRF $515 CAD, biometrics $85 CAD, medical ~$300 CAD, IELTS ~$320 CAD, ECA ~$220 CAD) are the same either way. The difference is the provincial fee, which can add $0-$1,500 CAD. So a direct application runs ~$2,805 CAD per adult, while Express Entry + PNP runs ~$2,805-$4,305 CAD per adult.

Provincial fees vary: some provinces charge around $1,150-$1,500 CAD, while others charge nothing. Always check the specific province’s website.

The advantage of the PNP is not the cost — a provincial nomination gives 600 extra CRS points, practically guaranteeing the ITA. For anyone with a lower CRS, the PNP may be the only way in, even if it costs more.

How to save on Express Entry fees in 2026

There is no way around the government fees — they are fixed. But there are ways to lower the total cost:

Apply without a consultant: if your English is strong and you can navigate the IRCC portal, you can save $3,000-$8,000 CAD. We know it feels intimidating, but the process is well documented on the official site.
Choose WES for the ECA: it is the fastest and competitively priced. Avoid organizations that charge more and take longer.
Take your language test before you move: prices and test dates are often easier to manage at home than after you arrive.
Get certified translations before you move: translators in your home country usually charge less than translators in Canada. Get everything translated early.
Transfer money smartly: use international transfer services with a low spread to avoid losing money on exchange rates.
Don’t redo exams unnecessarily: biometrics last 10 years, ECA lasts 5 years, IELTS lasts 2 years. Plan your timing so nothing expires before you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does Express Entry cost in 2026 for one person? The total for a single adult applying through Express Entry in 2026 is between $2,585 and $3,305 CAD, including the processing fee ($1,365), RPRF ($515), biometrics ($85), medical exam (~$300), IELTS (~$320) and ECA (~$220).

How much does Express Entry 2026 cost for a couple? A couple without children spends roughly $6,050 CAD on the complete Express Entry process in 2026, covering all mandatory fees for both adults, without an immigration consultant.

Is the IRCC processing fee refundable? No. The $1,365 CAD processing fee is not refundable if the application is refused. The RPRF ($515 CAD) is refundable if you are refused or withdraw before the COPR is issued.

Do I have to pay the Express Entry fees before receiving the ITA? No. The processing fee and RPRF are paid only after you receive the ITA (Invitation to Apply). Before that, your only costs are IELTS, ECA, biometrics and translations.

How much do I need for the Express Entry proof of funds? In 2026, a couple without children must show roughly $21,000 CAD in available funds. For a single person, it is roughly $14,690 CAD. This money is not spent — it proves financial capacity.

Can I pay the Express Entry fees in installments? No. IRCC does not accept installment payments. All fees must be paid in full by credit card at submission. However, you can pay the RPRF separately, at a later stage.

What is the difference between the processing fee and the RPRF? The processing fee ($1,365 CAD) covers the review of your application and is not refundable. The RPRF ($515 CAD) is the “landing” fee charged when permanent residence is approved — it is refundable if the application is denied.

Do these fees include the cost of a visitor visa? No. The fees listed are exclusive to the permanent residence process via Express Entry. If you need a separate visitor visa or eTA, that has an additional cost (around $100 CAD for a visitor visa) — requirements vary by nationality, so check your eligibility.

Talk to Daitana, your Comfort Living concierge

Adding up every fee is overwhelming, and the biggest fear we hear from newcomers is running out of money mid-process. That is exactly where a concierge helps: Daitana and the Comfort Living team can walk you through a realistic budget, the right timing, and the smartest order to spend, so nothing expires and nothing surprises you. Reach out and let’s plan your move to Canada together.

Sources

IRCC — Fees for permanent residence applications (Express Entry): canada.ca
IRCC — Biometrics fees: canada.ca
IRCC — Panel physicians (medical exam): secure.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx
WES — Educational Credential Assessment fees: wes.org/ca/fees
IELTS — Test fees: ielts.org
IRCC — Proof of funds: canada.ca

Data verified in April 2026. Always check the official IRCC site for the most current information.