Canada Immigration Fees and Processing Times Explained

Moving to Canada costs money long before you arrive, and one of the most common questions newcomers ask is how much the whole process will cost and how long it will take. The honest answer is that it depends on which program you apply through and your personal situation. Canada immigration fees are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and they can change at any time, so this guide focuses on the types of fees you should expect and exactly where to confirm the current amounts and timelines yourself.

Below we break down the main categories of fees, explain how IRCC processing times work, and point you to the official tools so you are always working from current, accurate numbers rather than figures that may be out of date.

Types of immigration fees you should expect

Most applications involve a combination of fees paid to IRCC and fees paid to third parties (such as doctors and assessment bodies). Knowing the categories helps you budget even before you look up exact amounts. Common fees include:

• Application and processing fees: The core fee charged to process your application, whether for permanent residence, a work permit, a study permit, citizenship, or sponsorship. These vary by program.
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): A separate fee that permanent residence applicants generally pay before becoming a permanent resident. It is distinct from the processing fee.
• Biometrics fee: Most applicants between 14 and 79 must give fingerprints and a photo, and a biometrics fee applies. You usually pay it when you submit your application.
• Immigration medical exam: Many applicants need a medical exam done by an IRCC-approved panel physician. You pay the physician directly, and the cost is set by that clinic, not by IRCC.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): For programs like Express Entry, you may need an ECA from a designated organization to verify your foreign education. The organization sets its own fee.
• Language test fees: Approved English or French tests are required for many economic programs, and the testing organization charges its own fee.

Some fees go to IRCC and some go to third parties, so your total budget is more than just the application fee shown on a single page.

How to check the current fees

Because fees change, never rely on a number you saw in a forum, a video, or even an older article. IRCC publishes the official, up-to-date fee list online, and you can also pay directly through its system once you know what applies to you. To confirm current amounts, start at the official IRCC fees pages, find your specific application type, and read the full list of fees attached to it.

The IRCC payment system lets you select your application type and see every fee tied to it before you pay. This is the most reliable way to avoid surprises, because it reflects any recent fee changes automatically. If a program you are considering (such as Express Entry or a work permit) has its own application guide, that guide will also point to the correct fees.

How processing times work

Processing time is the estimate of how long IRCC takes to make a decision on your application once it is received and complete. IRCC publishes these estimates through an official processing times tool that you can filter by application type and, in some cases, by your country or program.

The tool generally shows two kinds of estimates. Forward-looking times estimate how long an application submitted today is expected to take and are updated regularly. Historical times show how long it recently took to finish most applications of that type. Both are estimates, not guarantees, so treat them as planning tools rather than promises.

What affects how long your application takes

Even within the same program, timelines vary from person to person. Several factors can lengthen processing:

• Completeness: Incomplete applications can be returned or delayed. Submitting everything correctly the first time is the single biggest thing you control.
• Verification needs: If IRCC needs to verify documents, request more information, or wait on background or security checks, processing takes longer.
• Medical and biometrics: Delays in completing your medical exam or giving biometrics can hold up a decision.
• Application volume and complexity: High volumes and complex cases naturally take more time than straightforward ones.

Responding quickly to any requests from IRCC and keeping your contact information current are practical ways to avoid unnecessary delays.

Paying your fees and getting refunds

IRCC explains how to pay on its official pages, and the accepted payment methods depend on the fee type and where you are paying from. Online payment with a credit, debit, or prepaid card is common, and you should always keep your receipt, since the receipt number is needed for many follow-up steps.

Refunds are limited. As a general rule, if processing has not started you may be eligible for a refund, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee can be refunded if your application is withdrawn or refused. Other fees, especially once processing begins, are typically not refundable. Because refund rules and timing are specific, confirm the details on the official refund page before assuming you will get money back.

Putting it together

The smartest approach is to budget by category, then confirm every number against IRCC. List the fees that apply to your program, look up the current amounts on the official fee list, check the processing times tool for a realistic timeline, and read the how-to-pay and refund pages before you submit. Doing this protects you from outdated figures and helps you plan your move with confidence. When in doubt, the official canada.ca pages are always the final word.