How much money is needed for immigration to Canada?
Immigrating to Canada typically costs around 15,500 CAD for a single applicant, 21,000 CAD for a couple, and 25,000 to 30,000 CAD for a family with a child. Key expenses include the visa application fee (825 CAD), residency fee (500 CAD), and additional costs for permits. The average cost of living for a couple in Canada is approximately 16,570 CAD, though this can vary by city and province.
In the continuation of the article, you can find details about the immigration costs to Canada, and for any other inquiries, you can contact Malekpour Immigration Institute via the provided numbers to benefit from a free initial consultation.
In the comments section, you can also pose your questions and receive answers shortly.
Immigration Costs to Canada at a Glance
As mentioned above, the cost of immigration to Canada varies according to the immigration pathway of the applicant. For example, the cost of student immigration to Canada includes the visa application fee, application fee, and university tuition. The table below provides an approximate overview of immigration costs to Canada.
| Costs/Fees | Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Fees | 150 – 2,300 |
| Temporary Resident Permit | 299.77 |
| Document Evaluation Fees | 200 – 1,500 |
| Language Test Fees | 300 – 400 |
| Medical Examination Fees | 100 – 500 |
| Biometrics | 85 per person |
| Insurance | 300 |
| Document Translation Fees | 20 – 50 per page |
| Living Costs in Canada | From 1,000 to 3,000 depending on lifestyle |
Complete List of Immigration Costs to Canada
There are several costs that are uniform across all immigration methods to Canada, which we have presented in the tables below.
| Items for One Person | Costs (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | 825 |
| Required Fee for Permanent Residency | 500 |
| Fingerprinting and Biometrics | 85 |
| Educational Credential Evaluation | 250 |
| Police Clearance Certificate | 100 |
These costs may vary if you apply as a couple. The table below provides an overview of immigration costs to Canada for a couple.
| Items for a Couple | Costs (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | 1,650 |
| Required Fee for Permanent Residency | 1,000 |
| Fingerprinting and Biometrics | 170 |
| Educational Credential Evaluation | 250 |
| Police Clearance Certificate | 200 |
Immigration Cost to Canada Through Work
The cost of Canadian work visa depends on the chosen job pathway of the applicant. The cost of Skilled Worker in Canada is around 10 to 12 thousand euros that applicants must have in their personal account, and depending on their case, they may also need to pay the immigration lawyer’s fee to Canada.
Overall, this method can be considered the cheapest way to immigrate to Canada because if the individual’s score is sufficient at the beginning, permanent residency is issued. Be aware that when calculating the cost of work immigration to Canada, the most significant cost is the financial capability. In the table below, you can see the immigration costs to Canada through work.
| Items | Costs (CAD) |
| Open Work Permit Fee | 255 |
| Closed Work Permit Fee | 155 |
| Action through Express Entry or Skilled Worker | 17,100 |
| WES Confirmation | Single Person: 240 Couple: 23,200 Family: 27,800 to 33,100 |
| Permanent Residency Permit Fee | 520 |
Immigration Cost to Canada Through Study
The cost of immigration to Canada through study includes insurance costs, university or college or school tuition, accommodation and dormitory costs, stationery, as well as visa application and processing fees and biometrics. The table below presents prices for immigration to Canada through study.
| Items | Costs (CAD) |
|---|---|
| University Tuition Fees | 14,000 to 40,000 |
| College Tuition Fees | 18,000 to 25,000 |
| School Tuition Fees | 16,000 to 45,000 |
| Financial Proof for Student | 12,000 to 15,000 |
| Study Permit Fee | 150 |
| English Language Course Fees | 4,000 to 6,000 |
| Application Fee | 100 to 300 |
| Student Health Insurance (Annual) | 600 to 1,000 |
College: 18 to 25 dollars
Immigration Cost to Canada Through Investment
The cost of immigration to Canada through investment corresponds to the pathway selected for investment in Canada, and below is the cost of immigration to Canada for each of the investment pathways.
| Path | Required Investment |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur Path | 250,000 to 350,000 CAD |
| Work-Company Path | Not specified, depends on the company |
| Active Business Purchase Path | Varies by state, 100,000 to 800,000 CAD |
| Self-Employment Path | Minimum 100,000 CAD |
| Government Bond Purchase Path | Minimum 200,000 CAD |
| Provincial Investment Path | Varies by state, 100,000 to 800,000 CAD |
| Property Purchase Path | Varies by property location, 500,000 to 1,000,000 CAD |
To establish a McDonald’s and invest in this famous brand, you should consider a cost of around 800 thousand to 1 million dollars. This level of investment can yield an annual profit of about 150 thousand dollars for individuals. To establish a Subway, around 300 to 400 thousand investment is needed, which can yield an annual net profit ranging from 30 thousand to 90 thousand dollars for individuals.
Immigration Cost to Canada Through Innovation
For the startup or innovation path, you do not need to hire Canadian labor; merely having a creative and new idea along with presenting a business plan allows you to immigrate to this country. In Canada’s innovation framework, the government supports your proposal, so the cost of immigration to Canada startup visa is not high. Between 50 to 100 thousand dollars is sufficient budget for innovation in Canada.
However, if you do not have a business plan or innovative idea, you must prepare a business plan, which you should factor its cost. Additionally, you must also calculate costs for creating a file and fingerprinting. The fingerprinting cost for one person is 85 dollars, and this cost rises to 175 dollars for a family. The table below provides prices for immigration to Canada through this method.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Financial Requirement | 25,000 CAD |
| Investment Amount with Supporting Companies | 75,000 to 200,000 CAD |
| Residency Permit Application Fee | 515 CAD |
| Visa Application Fee | 2,140 CAD |
| Fingerprinting and Biometrics Fee | 85 CAD |
Immigration Cost to Canada Through Entrepreneurship
The minimum cost of entrepreneurship in Canada starts at 100 thousand Canadian dollars. However, the required investment amount depends on the province in which you intend to start your entrepreneurship. Ultimately, the investment you make is yours, and you only need to demonstrate that you’ve invested in Canada.
You can obtain residency for your spouse and children up to 21 years of age. Below, you can see the costs associated with entrepreneurship and provincial investments in Canada for each province.
| Canadian Province | Immigration Investment Costs |
|---|---|
| Quebec (Currently Closed) | Net Worth: 2 million CAD Investment Amount: 1,200,000 CAD |
| British Columbia (Rural Areas) | Net Worth: 300,000 CAD Investment Amount: 100,000 CAD |
| British Columbia (Urban Areas) | Net Worth: 600,000 CAD Investment Amount: 200,000 CAD |
| Manitoba (Entrepreneurship) | Net Worth: 500,000 CAD Investment Amount: 150,000 to 250,000 CAD |
| Manitoba (Investment) | Net Worth: 350,000 CAD Investment Amount: 150,000 CAD |
| Nova Scotia | Investment Amount: 150,000 to 300,000 CAD |
| Ontario | Investment Amount: 200,000 to 600,000 CAD |
| Labrador | Investment Amount: 200,000 CAD |
Immigration Cost to Canada Through Intra Transfer Company
Intra Transfer Company (ICT) in Canada is a new method that requires no investment; you merely need to demonstrate that you have a legitimate business in your home country, such as a storefront with hired staff. By establishing a branch of this company in Canada, you can obtain residence in Canada. The advantage of this method is that it does not typically require high costs or investment, so there is no minimum defined for immigration costs to Canada through the Intra Transfer Company (ICT); it depends on the main company.
Immigration Cost to Canada Through Sponsorship
The cost of immigration to Canada through the sponsorship path for the applicant only includes visa application fees, and this individual is not required to present financial capability, as the sponsor must demonstrate this. For accurate information on the amount required, you can visit this Canadian site. An important aspect of this immigration path is that the sponsor must have permanent residency or a Canadian passport. The table below shows the costs of going to Canada through sponsorship.
| Type of Application | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Canada Sponsorship Application Fee | 75 |
| Application Review Process Fee | 475 |
| Visa Application Fee | Spouse: 1080 |
| Each Child: 155 | |
| Parents: 1,080 to 1,085 | |
| Permanent Residency Application Fee | 515 |
| Financial Proof Required by Sponsor | For 2 People: 32,899 |
| For 3 People: 40,445 | |
| For 4 People: 49,106 |
Each child: 155
3 people: 40,445
Immigration Cost to Canada Through Self-Employment
The cost of self-employment visa in Canada or artist visa includes the visa application costs and biometrics fees. The individual must participate in the Business Immigration Application and demonstrate their experience in cultural, artistic, or sporting programs. You can see some of the costs of immigration to Canada through self-employment in the table below.
| Type of Request | Cost (Canadian Dollars) |
|---|---|
| File Registration Fee | 1,625 |
| Biometrics and Fingerprinting Fee | 85 |
| Permanent Residency Application Fee | 515 |
| File Formation Fee for Family | Spouse: 1,325 |
| Child: 230 |
Immigration Cost to Canada Through Tourism
If you plan to go to Canada as a tourist, you may wonder how much money you need to travel to Canada. The cost of going to Canada with a tourist visa includes visa application fees, biometrics, along with financial capability costs. In other words, the most important part of the immigration costs to Canada through a tourist visa is covering living and tourist expenses in Canada. The table below shows the costs of staying in Canada through a tourist visa.
| Type of Request | Cost (Canadian Dollars) |
|---|---|
| Application Registration Fee | 1,625 |
| Biometrics and Fingerprinting Fee | 85 |
| Permanent Residency Application Fee | 515 |
| Family File Formation Fee | Spouse: 1,325 |
| Child: 230 |
Immigration Cost to Canada Through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is one of the popular ways to immigrate to Canada, specifically designed for individuals intending to live and work in Canada’s Atlantic provinces. The immigration costs through this program include visa application fees, medical fees, and costs related to educational and employment documents. Generally, the total cost can range from a few thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars, depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant.
Minimum Capital for Immigration to Canada
The minimum capital for immigration to Canada includes general costs associated with all immigration pathways, along with specific costs for each immigration pathway. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at the website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html has specified the following minimum financial requirements:
- Single person – CAD$13,310
- A family of two – CAD$16,570
- A family of three – CAD$20,371.
The table below presents the minimum capital for immigration to Canada in each immigration pathway.
| Immigration Pathway | Minimum Investment for Immigration to Canada |
|---|---|
| Study | 90,000 CAD |
| Work | 1,344 CAD |
| Investment | 1,000,000 CAD |
| Entrepreneurship | 100,000 – 200,000 CAD |
| Sponsorship | 3,000 CAD |
| Self-Employment | 4,000 CAD |
| Tourist | 3,500 CAD |
Factors Affecting Immigration Costs to Canada
The cost of immigration to Canada can be influenced by various factors, each playing a role in the overall expenses involved in the immigration process. Here are some key factors that can impact costs:
- Applicant’s chosen immigration program
Canada offers various immigration pathways, each with its own set of requirements and associated costs. For instance, the application fee via the Express Entry system may differ from that of a provincial nominee program or family sponsorship program. - Application Fee
Mandatory costs are associated with submitting immigration applications, which vary depending on the program and the number of family members applying. These costs cover processing, background checks, and other administrative fees. - Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you received your education outside Canada, you may need to have your credentials evaluated by designated organizations for equivalency to Canadian standards. ECA fees can vary depending on the required assessment level. - Legal Fees
Although not mandatory, many immigrants choose to hire immigration consultants or lawyers to assist them with the application process. Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the services provided. - Medical Examinations and Police Clearance Certificates
As part of the immigration process, applicants are often required to undergo medical examinations and obtain police clearance certificates from countries they have resided in. These examinations and documents may incur additional costs.
The most affordable Way to Immigrate to Canada
The most affordable way to immigrate to Canada depends on the applicant’s circumstances. If you have the right age, language proficiency, and solid academic résumé, the study pathway can be one of the cheapest immigration routes to Canada. If you have the required expertise along with a creative idea and a strong business plan, the innovation pathway can be the cheapest way to immigrate to Canada for you.
In general, the Express Entry immigration pathway in Canada, which awards points based on the applicant’s conditions, allows individuals to test their chances of immigration to Canada and obtain permanent residency without incurring any costs, undoubtedly stands as the cheapest immigration route for anyone who meets the requirements.
Living Costs in Canada
Another factor that plays a significant role in immigration costs is living costs in Canada. Below we discuss living costs, food, and housing costs in this country in the form of a table:
| Price | Living Expenses |
|---|---|
| 323 CAD | Average monthly grocery expenses |
| 16.00 CAD | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant |
| 80.00 CAD | Meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people |
| 1.78 CAD | 1.5-liter bottle of water |
| 2.46 CAD | 1-liter bottle of milk |
| 4.17 CAD | 1 kilogram of white rice |
| 3.97 CAD | Eggs |
| 16.30 CAD | 1 kilogram of local cheese |
| 18.01 CAD | 1 kilogram of beef |
| 15.09 CAD | 1 kilogram of chicken meat |
| 82.50 CAD | Public transportation |
| 3.50 CAD | Standard taxi fare |
| 3,706.14 CAD | Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in downtown Vancouver |
| 2,655.08 CAD | Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside downtown Vancouver |
| 12,458.01 CAD | Price per square meter to buy an apartment in downtown Vancouver |
| 9,365.01 CAD | Price per square meter to buy an apartment outside downtown Vancouver |
| 3,500 to 7,500 CAD | Student dormitory costs per year |
| 50 to 150 CAD | Health expenses |
Common Immigration Costs to Canada for All Methods
Some costs are similar across different immigration methods. The table below examines these costs.
| Fee Description | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization Application | 7 CAD |
| Permanent Residence Application Fee | 575 CAD |
| Fingerprinting (per individual) | 85 CAD |
| Fingerprinting (for couples) | 170 CAD |
| Group Fingerprinting | 255 CAD |
Income Levels in Canada
The average salary in Canada for the year 2025 varies by profession and sector. The overall average wage for full-time workers is approximately 63,013 Canadian dollars per year, which has increased by 4 percent compared to the previous year.
| Job Title | Hourly Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Farmer | 45,695 CAD annually |
| Forester | 91,197 CAD annually |
| General Practitioner | From 88,755 to 450,137 CAD annually |
| Specialist Doctor | More than 250,000 CAD annually |
| Nurse | Between 28.00 to 50.00 CAD per hour |
| Engineer | Annually between 60,000 to over 120,000 CAD |
| Executive Director | From 100,000 CAD to over 300,000 CAD annually |
| Worker | Between 30,000 to 50,000 CAD annually |
| Plumber | 30 CAD per hour |
| Social Worker | 33 CAD per hour |
Cost of Immigration Consultants and Lawyers to Canada
If you are looking to increase your chances of immigration, you should utilize the expertise of an immigration consultant or lawyer in Canada. In this case, when compiling the cost list in response to the question of how much money is needed to immigrate to Canada, you should also factor in the consultants and immigration lawyers’ costs, which can vary for each one and depend on their expertise and the range of services they provide.
Undoubtedly, a lawyer and immigration consultant to Canada with their knowledge can initially select the best and cheapest way for you to immigrate to Canada, and subsequently, by correctly organizing the case, increase your chances of obtaining a visa. Malekpour Consulting Institute, with the best official consultants from Canada and the aid of local lawyers, can assist you on your immigration path. You can contact Malekpour Institute for a free initial consultation.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Costs to Canada
- How can I apply for Canadian residency with the least cost?
The least expensive way to immigrate to Canada can be the work immigration done through the Skilled Worker program or obtaining a job offer in Canada.
- How much does legal immigration to Canada cost?
The most important methods of legal immigration to Canada include work, study, and investment, and the cost of legal immigration will vary depending on the chosen method. In all these methods, the cost of living will be fixed at approximately 10 to 13 thousand Canadian dollars per year.
- How much does studying in Canada cost?
Studying at many universities in Canada costs between 15 to 25 thousand dollars a year.
- What is the minimum capital required for investment in Canada?
In various provinces of Canada, the minimum required capital varies. In the cheapest investment method to Canada, you must invest 100 thousand dollars and have at least 300 thousand Canadian dollars as financial backing.
Conclusion:
In this article, we analyzed and examined the costs of immigration to Canada. Given that immigration and obtaining residency in Canada attract many applicants and enthusiasts, the cost of immigration to Canada often becomes a question for them. The costs of immigration to Canada through various methods including work, study, investment, lifestyle expenses in this country, and average salary and income in various occupations were discussed in this article.
You can always contact Malekpour Institute worldwide or directly reach their central branch in Vienna to discuss various immigration pathways and obtaining residency in Canada and other top countries with senior consultants and specialized experts. You can also pose your questions regarding the costs of immigration to Canada in the comments section of this article, and our experts will respond to them as soon as possible.
