Canada’s express entry program is one of the country’s immigration programs that allow you to obtain permanent residency if you are able to score high points against other applicants. If you can score enough points, this is one of the easiest paths to permanent residency in Canada. However, like other pathways, understanding express entry immigration cost Canada is crucial.
Budgeting for your move is like planning a journey – it helps you navigate the financial path ahead. This piece will unravel the essential aspects of the expenses tied to migrating to Canada through Express Entry. Thereby ensuring you embark on this exciting journey well-prepared.
Canadian Express Entry Immigration Cost
Application Processing Fee
You will need to pay some money to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for the processing of your application. Keep in mind that once they begin processing your application, this fee is non-refundable. The application fee for one person is 850 CAD and double the cost, 1,700 CAD for couples. If you have a kid, you will have to pay an additional 230 CAD for the child. That’s 1,930 CAD for a couple with a child.
Language Proficiency Tests
To prove your language proficiency in English and/or French, you may need to take language tests such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) for English, or TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) for French. Although this is not one of the direct Canada express entry fees, it makes up part of the funds you will spend on the process.
The cost of a language proficiency test might vary. But typically, it costs around 300 CAD per person and twice the price, 600 CAD for a couple. There is no extra cost for dependent children.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
You will likely need to get your educational credentials assessed by a designated organization. This will ensure they are equivalent to Canadian standards. This process may cost about 300 CAD for one person and 600 CAD for a couple.
When choosing an organization for ECA, make sure that it is recognized by IRCC. Also, ensure that it can provide the specific assessment you need for Express Entry. Each organization may have its own requirements and procedures for the assessment. So, it’s advisable to carefully review their guidelines and follow the instructions provided by the chosen organization.
Medical Exam
You may need to undergo a medical examination which will add to your express entry immigration cost Canada. This fee can vary, but we will peg it roughly at 200 CAD per person. That will result in 400 CAD for a couple, and 600 CAD for a couple with a child.
Right of Permanent Residence Fee
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and decide to submit a full application for permanent residency, you will need to pay a fee. You may pay for the permanent residence fee together with the application fee. This fee costs 515 CAD per person and 1,030 CAD for a couple. If you have a child, you do not have to pay any extra fee for them except the 230 CAD application fee mentioned earlier.
Biometrics Fee
Biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) is required as part of the application process, and there is a fee you need to pay to provide this information. For individual applicants, the fee is 85 CAD while a family undergoing the process together will pay a maximum total fee of 170 CAD.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Aside from the fees on this list, there are other moving expenses to Canada you may have to pay for which did not make it to the list. Things like certificates, notaries, translations, courier deliveries, affidavits, etc. may cost you a few dollars here and there. Let’s assume an average of 175 CAD, per person. That would mean 350 CAD for a couple (note that this is a rough estimate and you may end up spending more or less).
Total Processing Fee
The sum of the express entry immigration cost Canada above will be 2425 CAD for a single person, 4850 CAD for a couple without a child and 5455 CAD for a couple with a child.
Immigration Settlement Funds Canada
Unless you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class program or have a valid arranged employment offer, you will need to demonstrate you have sufficient money to fund the cost of living in Canada for you and whomever you are going with. You are not to pay these settlement funds to the government. But, you must have access to them for you to get approval for a permanent residence visa.
The minimum amount acceptable for this purpose is $13757 per person. If you intend to bring more people, it will cost you an extra $3706 for each additional person you bring.
An Overview of the Canadian Express Entry Immigration Process
Below is a quick step-by-step guide on the processes to follow when obtaining a permanent resident visa via express entry in Canada.
- Eligibility Criteria: Determine your eligibility based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability.
- Language Proficiency Tests: Take an approved language test (IELTS for English or TEF for French) and obtain the required score.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Get your foreign educational credentials assessed by a designated organization to ensure they are equivalent to Canadian standards.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Create an online profile through the Express Entry system. Provide information about your skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and other relevant details. You will be assigned a CRS score based on the information provided in your profile. The CRS score considers factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates with the highest CRS scores will receive invites to apply for permanent residency through regular draws that the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts.
- Submit Application: If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency. You will need to provide supporting documents, such as police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds. Express entry processing time is usually 6 months or less from the time you submit your application.
- Biometrics and Medical Examination: Provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo). You will also need to undergo a medical examination to ensure you meet health requirements.
- Permanent Residency Approval: If your application is successful, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident Visa.
Final Words
While the prospect of migrating to Canada through Express Entry is promising, it’s essential to approach it with a well-thought-out budget. From language proficiency tests to application fees, each step has its financial considerations. By understanding and planning for these express entry immigration cost Canada, you tend to make your journey smoother.
It is advisable to allocate more than the recommended amount for each fee in case of an increase in costs. Also, the Canadian government can decide to change the costs of certain fees at any time without prior notice. Hence, having some extra cash will help you manage such situations better.
