Caregiver Visa Cost Calculator 2025
Caregiver visa costs in 2025: mandatory IRCC fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Caregiver visa in 2025? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — IRCC filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory IRCC fees for the Caregiver
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Caregiver application in 2025.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (Home Care Worker Immigration) | CA$990 | — | Official ↗ |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | CA$600 | — | Official ↗ |
| Biometrics fee | CA$85 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: IRCC Fee List. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
CA$2,600 – CA$6,500 in Toronto. Typical cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
CA$150 – CA$350 — Panel physician exam, cost varies by country and clinic.
Translation services
CA$40 – CA$150 — Certified translations of documents not in English/French.
How to apply for the Caregiver
- 1
Confirm intake status
IRCC paused new applications effective December 19, 2025, with no new applications accepted from March 31, 2026 through March 30, 2030.
- 2
For applicants already in the queue
Secure a full-time job offer and meet CLB 4 language, a high school diploma (via ECA), and 6 months relevant experience/training.
- 3
Submit the application
Work permit and PR pathway documents combined (direct-to-PR model).
- 4
Await processing
Existing applications continue to be decided per the Immigration Levels Plan.
Typical processing time: Estimated at 12–18 months for the 2025 cohort; no new applications are being accepted until at least March 2030.
Documents you'll need
- Full-time job offer from an eligible employer
- Language test results (CLB 4 minimum)
- Educational Credential Assessment for high school diploma equivalency
- Proof of relevant work experience/training
- Police certificate and medical exam
Common mistakes to avoid
- Attempting to apply during the intake pause
- Insufficient proof of the 6-month relevant experience/training requirement
- Missing or invalid ECA for high school diploma equivalency
- Job offer from an employer that doesn't meet program eligibility
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | CA$1,675 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | CA$4,275 – CA$8,175 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | CA$4,430 – CA$8,690 |
How to save money on your Caregiver
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut CA$2,600–CA$6,500.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the IRCC website so you never overpay a third party.
Caregiver cost FAQ (2025)
How much does a Caregiver visa cost in 2025?
The total estimated cost of a Caregiver visa in 2025 ranges from about C$4,275 to C$8,690, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Caregiver application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. IRCC publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Caregiver visa?
Attorney fees typically add C$2,000–C$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Caregiver visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Caregiver visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the IRCC website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with IRCC before paying.
How often do IRCC fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Caregiver visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.