Understanding Application Fees for Successful Express Entry in Canada

If you've been successful in the Express Entry System (EE) and have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you might be interested in knowing what the application fees are for your Canada Permanent Residence (PR) application. This article will guide you through the fees associated with both primary and secondary applicants, along with any fees for dependent children.

Canada PR Application Fees Overview

The cost of applying for Canada PR can vary depending on whether you are a primary applicant, a secondary applicant, or a dependent child. It is important to understand these costs upfront so that you can plan accordingly and ensure there are no unexpected financial surprises during the process.

Primary and Secondary Applicants

For primary applicants and secondary applicants, the fee for applying for Canada PR is substantially higher:

Primary Applicants: $550 CAD per applicant. This includes the processing of your PR application, sponsorship records, criminal record checks, and medical assessments. Secondary Applicants: $550 CAD per applicant. Similar to primary applicants, secondary applicants also incur the same processing fees, including sponsorship records, criminal record checks, and medical assessments.

Dependent Children

In addition to primary and secondary applicants, you might have dependent children who also need to apply for PR. The fees for these children are:

Dependent Children Aged Below 22 Years and Not Married: $150 CAD per child. It is important to note that these children are under 22 years of age and not yet married when the application is submitted.

Understanding the ITA and Its Impact on Application Fees

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a significant milestone in the Express Entry process. Once you receive an ITA, it indicates that you have met the eligibility criteria and have been selected for the PR application. This ITA does not directly affect the application fees, but it does mean that you are now eligible to apply and should consider the associated costs.

When to Pay the Application Fees

Once you have been selected with an ITA, you will need to pay the applicable fees to proceed with your PR application. It is crucial to pay these fees in a timely manner to avoid any delays in your application process. You can pay the fees online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website, and it is recommended to complete the payment as soon as possible after receiving the ITA.

Additional Costs to Consider

While the primary and secondary applicant fees and dependent child fees are the most significant costs, there are other fees and expenses that you should be aware of:

Medical Assessments: The medical examination cost can vary depending on the specific medical requirements for your application. It is advisable to budget an additional $200 to $400 CAD for medical assessments. Criminal Record Checks: Both the primary and secondary applicants need to undergo a criminal record check, which can cost around $95 CAD per person. Additional costs might apply if the check is not processed in the country of origin or if there are any special circumstances. Travel Document Fees: If you are from a non-EE country and need to obtain travel documents for your application, these fees can add to your overall expenses. The cost varies depending on the specific type of travel document required.

Conclusion

Understanding the application fees for Canada PR after receiving an ITA is crucial for planning your financial resources effectively. The primary and secondary applicants will need to pay $550 CAD, while dependent children need to pay $150 CAD. Other additional costs can also be expected, such as medical assessments, criminal record checks, and travel document fees.

To ensure a smooth and efficient application process, it is best to plan and budget for these expenses well in advance. If you have any questions or concerns about the application fees or the process, it is advisable to consult a legal advisor or an experienced immigration consultant.

By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate the Canada PR application process with confidence and ease.