Planning a move to Canada is exciting, but it’s important to understand the Canada visa fees before you apply.

Many people only look at the main fee. Later, they face unexpected extra charges. All fees are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. So, knowing the full cost early is important.

This guide explains what you will pay. It also shows what each fee covers and how to avoid extra costs. Everything is simple and clear, so you know what to expect in 2026.

What Are Canada Visa Fees?

Canada visa fees are the official charges set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for processing your application. These are essential payments required to assess your eligibility.

However, not all fees are the same. They usually fall into three categories:

Application fee: The base cost to submit your visa

IRCC processing fee: The amount charged to review your application

Biometrics fee: For fingerprints and photo collection

Many people confuse the IRCC processing fee with the total cost, but that’s only one part of the overall expense.

Complete IRCC Fee Breakdown by Category 2026

Understanding immigration processing costs helps you plan your budget.

Temporary Visa Fees (Visitor, Study, Work)

If you’re applying for a temporary stay in Canada, here’s what you can expect:

Visitor visa: around $100 CAD
Study permit: around $150 CAD
Work permit: around $155 CAD
Biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person

For families applying together, there’s often a cap on biometrics fees, which can reduce overall costs.

Permanent Residence Fees

For those planning to settle permanently, the fees are higher but structured:

PR application (Express Entry): about $950 CAD
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): about $575 CAD

The RPRF is often misunderstood. It is paid after approval (or upfront) and is required before you officially become a permanent resident.

If you’re applying with a spouse or dependents, additional fees apply for each person.

Family Sponsorship Fees

If you’re sponsoring a family member:

The total cost, including the sponsorship fee, application processing fee, and Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), is approximately $1,200 CAD.

Costs vary depending on whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, child, or parent.

Other IRCC Fees

There are also smaller but important charges:

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization): $7 CAD
Restoration of status fees
Additional administrative charges

These are often overlooked but can add up quickly. Depending on the visa type, costs can vary significantly.

If you’re applying for a Super Visa, don’t forget to factor in medical insurance and other costs. You can find a full breakdown in this Canada Super Visa Cost Guide.

Canada Visa Fees and Total Canada Immigration Cost

Canada immigration costs include more than just government fees, as additional expenses such as legal, medical, and settlement costs must also be considered.

Government Fees

These include all IRCC-related charges discussed above.

Additional Costs (Often Missed)

Here’s where many applicants underestimate expenses:

Medical exam
Police clearance certificate
Language test (IELTS or similar)
Educational credential assessment (ECA)
Proof of funds (required but not a fee)

The total Canada visa fee depends on the visa type, number of applicants, and extra requirements like biometrics and medical exams. For most applicants, the overall Canada immigration cost falls between $2,500 and $4,000 CAD, so understanding the full Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada fee structure helps you plan your budget more clearly.

You should also account for additional expenses such as legal fees, medical costs, and settlement funds, which are explained in this detailed guide on Startup Visa Investment and Cost Breakdown.

Canada Visa Processing Fee Explained

The IRCC processing fee is the core part of your application cost. It covers:

Reviewing your documents
Assessing eligibility
Making a decision on your case

One important thing to know:
This fee is non-refundable once processing begins, even if your application is refused.

However, if you withdraw your application early, you may be eligible for a partial refund.

Biometrics Fee and Additional Charges

Biometrics is now a standard requirement for most applicants.

Individual biometrics fee: $85 CAD
Family maximum: $170 CAD

In addition, if you apply through a visa application center, you may also pay:

VFS service fee (varies by location)

These third-party charges are not included in the official IRCC fee breakdown, which is why many applicants miss them.

Latest IRCC Fee Updates 2025 to 2026

Canada updates its immigration fees regularly. In recent years, several permanent residence fees have increased slightly.

This means:

You should always check the latest fees before applying
If fees change after you apply, you may need to pay the difference

Staying up to date helps avoid delays or application rejections.

How to Pay Canada Visa Fees?

Paying your Canada visa fees is simple and done online through the official IRCC portal.

Accepted payment methods include:

Credit card
Debit card

After payment, you’ll receive a receipt.
Always keep this safe, as it’s required as proof.

For the most accurate and updated Canada visa fees, always check the official IRCC fee list on the government website before making any payment.

Also, avoid unofficial agents or third-party payment requests to protect yourself from scams.

Refund Policy for Canada Visa Fees

Not all fees are refundable, so it’s important to understand the rules:

You may get a refund if:

You withdraw your application early
You paid a fee by mistake

You won’t get a refund if:

Processing has already started
Your visa has been refused

Knowing this can help you avoid unnecessary financial loss.

Common Mistakes That Increase Canada Visa Costs

Many applicants end up paying more than necessary due to simple mistakes:

Paying the wrong fee category
Missing biometrics deadlines
Submitting incomplete applications
Reapplying after rejection

Avoiding these errors can save both time and money.

Plan Your Canada Visa Costs with Canada Shaw Consulting Inc.

At Canada Shaws, we provide clear and accurate guidance on Canada visa fees so you can plan your immigration budget with confidence. Our experts break down IRCC charges and help you avoid unexpected costs during your application process.

Our services include:

Complete visa fee consultation (Visitor, Study, Work, PR)
Accurate IRCC processing fee calculation
Step-by-step application guidance
Document review to avoid rejection and extra costs
Budget planning for full immigration expenses
Assistance with online fee payment and application submission

We focus on transparency and accuracy, so you always know what you are paying and why. Visit Canada Shaws Consulting Inc. for expert guidance on your Canada visa application and personalized fee planning support.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the full Canada visa fees structure is essential for a smooth immigration journey. By learning the complete breakdown of IRCC fees and calculating your total Canada immigration cost, you can plan confidently and avoid surprises.

The key is simple: don’t just focus on the application fee, look at the bigger picture. When you budget properly, your journey to Canada becomes much more manageable and stress-free.

FAQs

1. How much are Canadian visa fees in 2026?

Canada visa fees vary by type. A visitor visa costs around $100 CAD, while permanent residence fees can exceed $1,500 CAD depending on the program.

2. What is the IRCC processing fee?

The IRCC processing fee is the amount charged to review and assess your application. It is usually non-refundable once processing begins.

3. What is the total Canada immigration cost?

The total cost of a Canada visa application varies by visa type, biometrics, medical exams, language tests, and other expenses. It typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,000+ CAD.

4. Is the Canada visa fee refundable?

Most fees are non-refundable after processing starts. However, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) may be refunded if your application is refused.