Canada Permanent Resident Application Fee: A Comprehensive Guide to IRCC Costs and Financial Planning

The journey toward securing permanent residency in Canada is a significant step, requiring careful planning, meticulous documentation, and, critically, a thorough understanding of the associated financial commitments. For prospective applicants, navigating the stipulated structure of the Canada Permanent Resident Application Fee can often be complex. This detailed guide is designed to provide clarity on the mandated remittances required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ensuring applicants can accurately calculate and budget for the investment required to achieve permanent status.

Understanding the current fee structure is not merely a formality; it is a prerequisite for a complete and successful application. Any discrepancy or failure to submit the correct payment amount will result in the application being returned, leading to significant delays. This article breaks down the primary fee components, explores costs based on major immigration streams, and outlines essential payment protocols for a smooth submission process.

1. The Core Components of the Canada PR Application Fee

The total cost of applying for permanent residency is generally not a single figure but an aggregation of several mandatory fees designated by the IRCC. These components cover different aspects of the process, from application review to the final grant of status.

1.1. Processing Fees (Application Fee)

The processing fee is the foundational cost, covering the administrative effort involved in reviewing, assessing, and making a decision on the PR application. This fee is non-refundable if the application begins processing, regardless of the final outcome.

Applicant Type	Purpose	Current IRCC Rate (Estimated)
Principal Applicant (PA)	Review of eligibility and admissibility	[Current IRCC Rate for PA]
Spouse or Common-Law Partner	Review of dependent’s eligibility	[Current IRCC Rate for Spouse]
Dependent Child (Per child)	Review of child’s eligibility	[Current IRCC Rate for Child]

Note: Fees are subject to periodic adjustments by the Canadian government. All applicants must refer to the official IRCC Fee Schedule on the day of submission.

1.2. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

The RPRF is arguably the most crucial fee component, as it signifies the final acceptance of permanent status. This fee is often referred to as the “landing fee” and must be paid before or during the final issuance of the permanent resident visa.

Key Distinction: Unlike the processing fee, the RPRF is generally refundable if the applicant is denied PR status, withdraws their application, or chooses not to use the permanent resident status granted to them.

The RPRF applies to the Principal Applicant and their accompanying spouse or common-law partner but does not apply to dependent children. Failing to pay the RPRF in a timely manner will prevent the applicant from obtaining their PR status.

1.3. Biometrics Fee

Nearly all applicants for permanent residence must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the identity verification and security screening process. This requires a separate fee, which covers the cost of collection and storage of the biometric data.

The biometrics fee is typically charged per individual or includes a higher family maximum fee, regardless of the number of family members applying together. This fee must be paid before the biometrics appointment is scheduled.

2. Third-Party Costs: Beyond the Core IRCC Fees

While the processing, RPRF, and biometrics fees are paid directly to the government, a holistic financial plan must account for several mandatory third-party requirements that are essential for a complete application package. These costs vary significantly based on location and provider:

2.1. Language Proficiency Tests

Proof of language ability in English (IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General) or French (TEF Canada or TCF Canada) is mandatory for economic programs like Express Entry. These tests are administered by approved third-party organizations, and the costs are borne entirely by the applicant.

2.2. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Applicants educated outside of Canada typically require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for the Express Entry system to confirm their foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian credential. Organizations like WES, ICAS, and others charge a fee for this service, which includes processing and courier costs.

2.3. Medical Examination

Every PR applicant, and all accompanying dependents (even if they are not immigrating immediately), must undergo a medical examination conducted by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician. The cost of this comprehensive medical examination is determined by the specific clinic and country of examination.

2.4. Police Certificates and Translations

Applicants must provide valid police certificates from every country where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 18. If documents are not in English or French, certified, professional translations must be obtained. These translation services also incur additional costs.

3. Fee Structures by Major Permanent Residence Programs

The required Canada Permanent Resident Application Fee composition remains generally consistent, but the application volume and structure differ based on the specific stream.

3.1. Express Entry Streams (Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, FSTP)

As the most popular route, Express Entry applications are streamlined, requiring applicants to pay all processing fees and the biometrics fee upfront when receiving and accepting an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Payment of the RPRF is often requested at the time of submission or later, upon conditional approval.

Consulting services, such as those offered by Legit Vendor US, often advise clients to reserve funds for the RPRF immediately upon receiving their ITA to prevent delays later in the process.

3.2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Applicants under the PNP face a two-tiered fee system:

1. Provincial Nomination Fee: Many provinces charge a non-refundable fee for the provincial application itself. This cost varies drastically, ranging from zero (e.g., in Atlantic provinces) to several hundred or even thousands of Canadian dollars (e.g., in Ontario or British Columbia).
2. Federal PR Application Fee: Once nominated, the applicant applies to the federal government, paying the standard IRCC processing fees and RPRF.

3.3. Family Sponsorship

In most family sponsorship categories (e.g., spouse or common-law partner sponsorship), the sponsor pays an initial sponsorship fee, and the applicant pays the processing fee for the Principal Applicant. The RPRF is typically required for both the sponsored spouse/partner and the sponsor (if applicable).

4. Payment Protocols and Fee Management

IRCC has strict guidelines regarding how fees must be submitted. Adherence to these protocols is essential to ensure the application is accepted into the processing queue.

4.1. Accepted Methods of Payment

All fees paid to the IRCC must be remitted online via the official IRCC payment portal. Accepted methods generally include:

• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).
• Pre-paid credit cards (if they function as a standard credit card).

IRCC does not accept cash, personal cheques, or money orders unless specifically instructed for a rare paper-based application.

4.2. Importance of the Receipt

Once payment is successfully processed, the applicant receives an official receipt. This receipt (usually a PDF) must be included in the application package submission, as it serves as the proof of payment for the Canada Permanent Resident Application Fee. Failure to include this receipt will be treated as non-payment.

4.3. Refund Policy Overview

Understanding the refund policy is crucial for financial planning:

• Processing Fees: Non-refundable once processing has commenced.
• RPRF: Fully refundable if PR status is denied, the application is withdrawn, or the applicant does not use the status granted.
• Biometrics Fee: Generally non-refundable once the service has been utilized.

Applicants must formally request a refund if they are eligible, though in cases of refusal, the RPRF is often refunded automatically.

5. Summary and Conclusion

The current financial commitment associated with obtaining permanent residency in Canada requires careful planning. While the total Canada Permanent Resident Application Fee paid directly to the IRCC is standardized across major programs, the inclusion of mandatory third-party costs—such as language testing, medical exams, and provincial fees—means the final investment is significantly higher.

Applicants are strongly advised to consult the official IRCC fee page regularly before submission, as fees are subject to change without extensive notice. By meticulously documenting costs and adhering to payment guidelines, applicants can ensure that their application remains valid and progresses efficiently towards final approval.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Canada PR Application Fee

Q1: Are the fees the same for all Permanent Resident application streams?

The core IRCC fees (Processing Fee, RPRF, Biometrics) are generally standardized across economic and family classes. However, certain streams, particularly the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), require additional, specific provincial nomination fees that vary significantly by province.

Q2: What is the single biggest fee component in the application?

The largest single component is typically the combination of the Principal Applicant’s Processing Fee and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). For a single applicant, these two fees combined constitute the majority of the direct payment to IRCC.

Q3: Can I pay the RPRF later, after my application is submitted?

Yes. IRCC allows applicants to pay the RPRF at two stages: upfront with the initial application submission, or later, after the application has been conditionally approved. Paying upfront is sometimes desirable as it avoids potential processing delays later on.

Q4: If my application is refused, do I get all my money back?

No. If an application is refused, the Processing Fee (paid to cover the cost of the administrative review) is generally non-refundable. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), however, is refundable upon refusal. Third-party costs (medical exams, language tests, ECA) are never refundable by the IRCC.

Q5: Do dependent children have to pay the RPRF?

No. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) only applies to the Principal Applicant and their accompanying spouse or common-law partner. Dependent children are exempt from the RPRF, though a separate processing fee still applies to them.

Q6: Can fees be waived under any circumstances?

Fee waivers are extremely rare for economic and family classes. However, specific fees (such as the processing fee) are sometimes waived for certain categories of applicants, typically those applying on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or as protected persons/refugees. Applicants must check the specific program guidelines for any potential exemptions.