Express Entry Cost for Families: Full Breakdown by Family Size
By F. Delgado · Published
Canada Express Entry fees don't scale the way most people expect. See the real government-fee total for a single applicant, a couple, and a family of four.
Most Express Entry cost estimates only show the single-applicant number, which is misleading if you're immigrating with a partner or children — the cost doesn't scale the way you'd expect. Here's the real total by family size.
What every applicant pays
- Application processing fee: CAD $990 per adult applicant
- Right of Permanent Residence fee: CAD $600 per adult (can be deferred until approval)
- Biometrics: CAD $85 per person
- Language test: around CAD $300 per adult applicant
- Educational Credential Assessment: around CAD $300 per adult applicant
By family size
| Family | Estimated total (CAD) | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | ~$2,300 | Processing, RPR, biometrics, language test, ECA |
| Couple | $4,400–$5,500 | Two full adult applications |
| Family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) | $5,700–$7,200 | Two adult applications + two dependent-child processing fees |
The reason a family of four doesn't simply multiply the single-applicant number by four: dependent children only add a $270 processing fee each, with no Right of Permanent Residence fee, no separate language test, and no separate ECA. The big jump in cost comes from adding a second adult applicant, not from children. IRCC's own fee schedule confirms this structure directly: your application is $1,590 (processing + Right of Permanent Residence combined), a spouse or partner adds another $1,590 as a full applicant, and each dependent child adds only $270.
Don't confuse this with settlement funds
Separately from every fee above, Express Entry requires proof of settlement funds — a bank balance you must demonstrate access to, which scales with family size but is not a fee paid to IRCC. It's money you keep; the figures on this page are money you spend. Confusing the two is one of the most common budgeting mistakes we see.
Sources: Breaking Down The Costs Of Express Entry ↗ · IRCC — Express Entry fees ↗. Last checked: September 2026.
FAQ
How much does Express Entry cost for one person?
Around CAD $2,300 in total government-related fees for a single applicant, once you include the processing fee, the Right of Permanent Residence fee, biometrics, a language test, and an Educational Credential Assessment.
Does adding a spouse double the cost?
Almost — a spouse or partner immigrating with you is treated as a full applicant, so they add their own processing fee and Right of Permanent Residence fee. A couple typically totals CAD $4,400–$5,500.
How much does each child add?
Less than an adult. Dependent children add a $270 processing fee each but no Right of Permanent Residence fee, so a family of four typically lands around CAD $5,700–$7,200 rather than scaling linearly with a full adult fee per person.
Are settlement funds part of these fees?
No — proof of settlement funds is a bank balance you must show you have access to, not a fee you pay to IRCC. It's a separate requirement from the application fees covered here, and the required amount scales with family size.
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