Visitor Visa Cost Calculator 2028
Visitor visa costs in 2028: mandatory IRCC fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a Visitor visa in 2028? 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 Visitor Visa
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Visitor Visa application in 2028.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) fee | CA$100 | — | 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$400 – CA$1,950 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 Visitor
- 1
Confirm visa requirement
TRV vs. eTA depending on nationality; gather documents.
- 2
Complete application forms
Via the IRCC online portal or a Visa Application Centre.
- 3
Pay fees and give biometrics
$100 application + $85 biometrics, if required.
- 4
Await decision
Processing varies widely by country of application.
Typical processing time: IRCC's estimates commonly range from about 11 days (in-Canada) to 45+ days depending on country of application.
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial support
- Proof of ties to home country
- Travel itinerary/purpose of visit letter
- Proof of funds/sponsor documents if invited by someone in Canada
Common mistakes to avoid
- Insufficient proof of financial support or weak ties to home country
- Vague or inconsistent stated purpose of visit
- Missing documents, blank fields, or unsigned forms
- Inconsistent or unclear travel history raising doubts about intent to leave
Sources: canada.ca — Visitor visa
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | CA$185 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | CA$585 – CA$2,135 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | CA$740 – CA$2,650 |
How to save money on your Visitor Visa
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut CA$400–CA$1,950.
- 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.
Visitor Visa cost FAQ (2028)
How much does a Visitor visa cost in 2028?
The total estimated cost of a Visitor visa in 2028 ranges from about C$585 to C$2,650, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Visitor 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 Visitor 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 Visitor 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 Visitor 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 Visitor 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.