Self-Employed Visa Cost Calculator 2027
Self-Employed visa costs in 2027: mandatory IRCC fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Self-Employed visa in 2027? 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 Self-Employed
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Self-Employed application in 2027.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing fee (principal applicant) | CA$2,140 | — | 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$3,250 – CA$7,800 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 Self-Employed
- 1
Confirm current intake status
The program has been paused to new applications since April 30, 2024.
- 2
If a legacy/backlog applicant
Demonstrate 2+ years of relevant self-employed or world-class experience in cultural activities or athletics.
- 3
Score against the selection grid
Education, experience, age, language, adaptability — meet the 35/100 pass mark.
- 4
Submit and await processing
Currently a multi-year backlog.
Typical processing time: Paused to new applications since April 30, 2024. Canada.ca currently lists processing time for the existing backlog as "more than 10 years."
Documents you'll need
- Evidence of self-employed/world-class experience (portfolios, contracts, awards)
- Language test results
- Educational credentials/ECA
- Proof of funds
- Police certificates and medical exam
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying without checking current intake status — the program isn't accepting new applications
- Insufficient evidence of "world-class" or significant-contribution-level experience
- Weak documentation connecting claimed experience to the cultural/athletic categories covered
- Failing to score above the 35-point pass mark due to weak adaptability/language factors
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | CA$2,825 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | CA$6,075 – CA$10,625 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | CA$6,230 – CA$11,140 |
How to save money on your Self-Employed
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut CA$3,250–CA$7,800.
- 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.
Self-Employed cost FAQ (2027)
How much does a Self-Employed visa cost in 2027?
The total estimated cost of a Self-Employed visa in 2027 ranges from about C$6,075 to C$11,140, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Self-Employed 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 Self-Employed 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 Self-Employed 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 Self-Employed 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 Self-Employed 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.