How Much Money is Required for Canada PR?

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants worldwide, offering a high quality of life, excellent job opportunities, and a welcoming multicultural society. Many people apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada every year, but one of the most common questions asked is: How much money is required for Canada PR?

The cost of obtaining a Canada PR visa depends on the immigration program you choose, your family size, and other expenses related to the process. This article provides a detailed breakdown of all the costs associated with the Canada PR visa application.

Major Costs Involved in Canada PR Application

1. Express Entry Application Fees

The most common way to get permanent residency in Canada is through the Express Entry system. The official fees charged by the Canadian government include:

• Primary applicant fee: CAD 1,365 (includes processing fee of CAD 850 and right of permanent residence fee of CAD 515)

• Spouse or common-law partner fee: CAD 1,365

• Dependent child fee (per child): CAD 230

If you are applying as a couple with one child, the total government fee would be CAD 2,960.

2. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Fees

To apply for a Canada PR visa, your education must be assessed to determine its equivalency to Canadian standards. The cost of an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) varies depending on the organization:

• World Education Services (WES): CAD 240

• Comparative Education Service (CES): CAD 240

• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS): CAD 220

• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS): CAD 225

Most applicants use WES, which costs CAD 240 plus courier charges.

3. Language Proficiency Test Fees

Proving your proficiency in English or French is essential for obtaining a Canada PR visa. The most common test for English is the IELTS General Training, while French-speaking applicants take the TEF Canada.

• IELTS (English Language Test): CAD 320

• TEF Canada (French Language Test): CAD 440

4. Proof of Funds Requirement

The Canadian government requires applicants to show that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family upon arrival. The minimum proof of funds required as of 2024 is:

Number of Family Members	Required Amount (CAD)
1	13,757
2	17,127
3	21,055
4	25,564
5	28,994
6	32,700
7 or more	36,407

This money must be readily available in liquid form, such as in a savings account or fixed deposit.

5. Medical Examination Fees

Every applicant must undergo a medical examination by a panel physician approved by the Canadian government. The cost varies depending on the country but generally falls between CAD 200 to CAD 400 per person.

6. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Fees

Applicants need to submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from every country they have lived in for more than six months in the past 10 years. The cost of obtaining a PCC varies by country but generally ranges from CAD 20 to CAD 100.

7. Biometrics Fees

Canada requires applicants to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photos). The fees for biometrics are:

• Individual applicant: CAD 85

• Family (2 or more people): CAD 170

8. Other Miscellaneous Costs

Apart from the major costs mentioned above, there are additional expenses such as:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Fees: If you apply through a PNP, some provinces charge additional fees ranging from CAD 250 to CAD 1,500.

• Translation Fees: If your documents are not in English or French, you may need to pay for certified translations, which can cost CAD 30 to CAD 100 per page.

• Courier and Postage Charges: Sending documents to Canada may cost around CAD 50 to CAD 100.

• Consultant or Lawyer Fees (Optional): If you hire an immigration consultant, expect to pay between CAD 1,500 to CAD 5,000.

Total Estimated Cost for Canada PR Visa

To summarize, here is the estimated total cost of applying for a Canada PR visa for a single applicant:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (CAD)
Express Entry Fees	1,365
ECA (WES)	240
IELTS	320
Proof of Funds (minimum)	13,757
Medical Exam	300
PCC	50
Biometrics	85
Miscellaneous	500
Total	16,617+

For a family of three (spouse and one child), the estimated cost would be CAD 21,000+, excluding consultant fees.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Canada PR visa requires a significant financial investment, especially considering the proof of funds requirement. However, the long-term benefits of becoming a Canadian permanent resident—such as free healthcare, high wages, social security, and a high quality of life—make it a worthwhile investment.

If you're planning to apply for a Canada PR visa, it's essential to plan your finances in advance and ensure you meet all the requirements. By understanding the costs involved, you can better prepare for a successful immigration journey to Canada.

For the latest updates and expert guidance, consider consulting a licensed immigration consultant or visiting the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.