Start-up Visa Cost Calculator 2025
Start-up visa costs in 2025: mandatory IRCC fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Start-up 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 Start-up Visa
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Start-up Visa application in 2025.
| 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 Start-up
- 1
Secure a Letter of Support
From a designated venture capital fund, angel investor group, or business incubator.
- 2
Meet language and funds requirements
CLB 5 language requirement and settlement funds (~CAD $15,263 for a single applicant).
- 3
Submit the PR application package
With the Letter of Support, language results, proof of funds, police certificates, and medicals.
- 4
Await processing
Currently severely backlogged.
Typical processing time: The program stopped accepting new applications as of December 31, 2025 (final applications tied to 2025 letters of support were due by June 30, 2026). Existing applications in the queue face processing times that have grown to roughly 52 months.
Documents you'll need
- Letter of Support from a designated organization
- Business/incorporation documents proving a qualifying business
- Language test results (CLB 5 minimum)
- Proof of settlement funds
- Police clearance certificates and medical exam results
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating the visa as a passive immigration route without genuine intent to operate the business
- Ownership share below the 10% minimum or a business that isn't properly incorporated
- Weak Letter of Support application (poor market validation, weak team, unrealistic financials)
- "Non-arm's-length" transaction concerns where the deal looks structured mainly for immigration benefit
Sources: canada.ca — Start-up Visa
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 Start-up Visa
- 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.
Start-up Visa cost FAQ (2025)
How much does a Start-up visa cost in 2025?
The total estimated cost of a Start-up visa in 2025 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 Start-up Visa 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 Start-up 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 Start-up 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 Start-up 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 Start-up 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.