Canada
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) fees
Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) costs about CA$1,610 in government fees for a single applicant, plus roughly CA$550 in pre-application third-party costs (ECA + language test).
Headline total
CA$1,610
Single applicant, no dependants
Currency
CAD (Canadian dollar)
Last checked
20 April 2026
Itemised fees
| Fee component | Amount | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
Application processing fee (principal applicant) | CA$950 | Yes |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee Payable before PR is finalised; refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn. | CA$575 | Yes |
Spouse / common-law partner fee Only applies if included as a dependant. | CA$950per spouse | Optional |
Spouse Right of Permanent Residence Fee | CA$575per spouse | Optional |
Dependant child fee | CA$260per child | Optional |
Biometrics (principal) Family biometric cap: $170 for 2+ people applying together. | CA$85 | Yes |
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Varies by designated organisation; WES rates shown. Required for FSW. | CA$230 | Optional |
Language test (IELTS General, indicative) Price varies by country. CELPIP-General is typically $280–$310. Required for Express Entry. | CA$320 | Optional |
Worked example
Single applicant, no dependants — CA$1,610
- CA$950 processing fee
- CA$575 RPRF
- CA$85 biometrics
- Plus ECA (≈CA$230) and language test (≈CA$320) — payable to third parties, not IRCC.
Dependant fees
Spouse adds CA$950 + CA$575 RPRF. Each dependent child adds CA$260. Family biometrics are capped at CA$170 per family.
Why fees change
IRCC raised FSW and related fees on 30 April 2024. RPRF remains CA$575 at this check. Third-party fees (ECA, IELTS/CELPIP) shift on their own providers' schedules.
Primary source
IRCC — Fee list for permanent residence applications
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) cost in government fees?
Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) costs about CA$1,610 in government fees for a single applicant, plus roughly CA$550 in pre-application third-party costs (ECA + language test). The worked example assumes single applicant, no dependants, totalling CA$1,610. Fees for dependants, priority service, or higher-tier salary bands change the total — see the itemised table above.
Are these fees refundable if my application is refused?
Most application fees are non-refundable once the government begins processing. Some jurisdictions refund specific components (e.g. Canada's Right of Permanent Residence Fee refunds if refused; UK IHS refunds if the visa is refused). Check the linked primary source for the route you are applying to.
How often do these fees change?
IRCC raised FSW and related fees on 30 April 2024. RPRF remains CA$575 at this check. Third-party fees (ECA, IELTS/CELPIP) shift on their own providers' schedules.
Do dependants pay the same fees as the primary applicant?
Spouse adds CA$950 + CA$575 RPRF. Each dependent child adds CA$260. Family biometrics are capped at CA$170 per family.