Canada
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): government fee breakdown
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) costs about CA$1,675 in government fees for a single applicant, plus roughly CA$550 in pre-application third-party costs (ECA + language test).
These are the fees paid to the Canada government. You pay these directly as part of your application. Fees for dependants, priority services, or higher salary bands may change the total.
How much does the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) cost in Canada?
Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker) costs about CA$1,675 in government fees for a single applicant, plus roughly CA$550 in pre-application third-party costs (ECA + language test).
Verified against IRCC — Fee list for permanent residence applications on 1 June 2026.
Headline total
CA$1,675
Single applicant, no dependants
Currency
CAD (Canadian dollar)
Last checked
1 June 2026
Itemised fees
| Fee component | Amount | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
Application processing fee (principal applicant) Raised from CA$950 in the 30 April 2026 IRCC fee increase. | CA$990 | Yes |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee Raised from CA$575 on 30 April 2026. Payable before PR is finalised; refundable if the application is refused or withdrawn. | CA$600 | Yes |
Spouse / common-law partner fee Only applies if included as a dependant. | CA$990per spouse | Optional |
Spouse Right of Permanent Residence Fee | CA$600per spouse | Optional |
Dependant child fee | CA$270per 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$1,675
- CA$990 processing fee
- CA$600 RPRF
- CA$85 biometrics
- Plus ECA (≈CA$230) and language test (≈CA$320) — payable to third parties, not IRCC.
How to read these fees
The CA$1,675 headline covers single applicant, no dependants. Of the 8 components listed above, 3 are mandatory and 5 are optional add-ons (such as priority processing) you can choose to skip. The single biggest mandatory line is Application processing fee (principal applicant) at CA$990.
Bringing family changes the total — see the dependant section below. Treat the figure as a planning estimate rather than a quote: confirm each line on the official source linked below on the day you pay, because these fees are revised regularly.
Dependant fees
Spouse adds CA$990 + CA$600 RPRF. Each dependent child adds CA$270 (raised from CA$260 on 30 April 2026). Family biometrics are capped at CA$170 per family.
Why fees change
IRCC raised permanent-residence fees on 30 April 2026: the principal processing fee rose CA$950→CA$990 and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee CA$575→CA$600. Biometrics held at CA$85. 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$1,675 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$1,675. 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 permanent-residence fees on 30 April 2026: the principal processing fee rose CA$950→CA$990 and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee CA$575→CA$600. Biometrics held at CA$85. 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$990 + CA$600 RPRF. Each dependent child adds CA$270 (raised from CA$260 on 30 April 2026). Family biometrics are capped at CA$170 per family.
Next steps
Full visa guide
Eligibility, application steps, and FAQs for the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW).
Processing time
How long the Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) takes from application to decision.
Compare: Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC) fees
Federal permanent-residence stream for applicants with qualifying Canadian work experience.
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.