Express Entry Visa Cost in Toronto 2026
How much a Express Entry visa costs in Toronto in 2026. Government fees, attorney fees and total estimated cost.
Applying for a Express Entry visa in 2026? 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 Express Entry
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Express Entry application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (principal applicant) | 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 Express Entry
- 1
Create an Express Entry profile
Enter language test results, education (with an Educational Credential Assessment for foreign credentials), and work history to get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and enter the pool.
- 2
Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC issues ITAs through regular draws — both general (all programs) and category-based (e.g. French language, healthcare, trades). Cutoff scores vary widely by draw type, from the low 100s in some category draws to 500+ in general draws.
- 3
Submit a complete application within 60 days
This deadline is fixed and cannot be extended. Missing it forfeits the invitation and removes the profile from the pool.
- 4
Medical exam and police certificates
Complete an upfront medical exam with an IRCC panel physician, and provide police certificates for every country lived in for 6+ months since age 18.
- 5
Decision
IRCC may issue a procedural fairness letter if something needs clarifying before it makes a final decision.
Typical processing time: IRCC's service standard is 80% of applications processed within 6 months; actual processing in 2026 runs close to that standard for most programs.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport for every family member included
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, TEF or TCF Canada) — valid for 2 years
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for any foreign degree or diploma
- Work experience reference letters matching the duties of the claimed NOC/TEER code
- Proof of funds (not required for Canadian Experience Class or with valid arranged employment) — roughly C$15,263 for a single applicant, more per additional family member
- Police certificates for every country of residence for 6+ months since age 18
- Upfront medical exam from an IRCC panel physician
Common mistakes to avoid
- Proof of funds from ineligible sources — real estate, investments, cryptocurrency or borrowed money are routinely rejected; funds must be liquid cash
- Work experience reference letters that don't clearly match the duties of the claimed NOC/TEER code
- Expired language test results, or scores that no longer meet the claimed level by the time of application
- Missing a police certificate from any qualifying country of past residence
- Missing the fixed 60-day deadline to submit a complete application after receiving an ITA
Sources: canada.ca — Express Entry: apply for PR · canada.ca — documents checklist · canada.ca — proof of funds
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 Express Entry
- 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.
Express Entry cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Express Entry visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Express Entry visa in 2026 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 Express Entry 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 Express Entry 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 Express Entry 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 Express Entry 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 Express Entry 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
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