Canada PR Fees for Express Entry in 2025 and 2026: What You'll Actually Pay

One of the most common surprises in the Express Entry process is discovering that the IRCC government fee is only part of what you will spend. For Colombian applicants, the total out-of-pocket cost to reach permanent residency — from starting your WES evaluation to landing — typically runs between CAD 3,000 and CAD 4,500 per adult, depending on family size and whether you take the French exam route. Here is a precise breakdown.

Government Fees: What IRCC Charges

The core IRCC application fee for permanent residency through Express Entry has two components: the processing fee and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).

For applications received before April 30, 2026 (single adult):

• Processing fee: CAD 950
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 575
• Total for principal applicant: CAD 1,525

For applications received on or after April 30, 2026 (single adult):

• Processing fee: CAD 990
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 600
• Total for principal applicant: CAD 1,590

Note: The RPRF can be paid later in the process — after the application is approved in principle — but you can also pay it upfront. IRCC accepts both approaches.

For a couple applying together:

• Before April 30, 2026: CAD 1,525 per adult, or CAD 3,050 total
• On or after April 30, 2026: CAD 1,590 per adult, or CAD 3,180 total

For a family with two dependent children:

• Before April 30, 2026: CAD 260 per dependent child (no RPRF), or CAD 3,570 for two adults and two children
• On or after April 30, 2026: CAD 270 per dependent child (no RPRF), or CAD 3,720 for two adults and two children

IRCC revised these permanent-residence fees effective April 30, 2026. Use the fee set that applies on the date IRCC receives your application and check the current fee schedule before submitting.

Biometrics Fee

Most Express Entry applicants who receive a Biometric Instruction Letter must provide biometrics. For Colombians, this is done at the VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre in Bogotá (EAR Tower, Office 203, Calle 99 #14-49). The fee is:

• Single applicant: CAD 85
• Family applying together (two or more members): CAD 170 (capped at this amount regardless of family size)

You normally pay the biometrics fee with the e-APR, unless it was already paid. After submission, IRCC issues the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL), and you then book your appointment at the Bogotá VAC.

Medical Examination Fee

IRCC may require an Immigration Medical Examination (IME) for a permanent residence application. Follow the medical instructions in your personalized checklist; do not assume a blanket Colombia-specific rule.

The exam must be conducted by an IRCC-approved Panel Physician. Colombian costs vary by city:

• Bogotá (Panel Physicians: Dr. Rodolfo José Dennis, Dr. Jairo Roa Buitrago): approximately COP 598,071 for the base consultation
• Medellín (Clinica Las Vegas): comparable rate
• Cali (Fundación Clínica Valle del Lili): comparable rate

Additional costs for the IME include X-rays and laboratory blood tests (tuberculosis screening, etc.), which are typically billed separately. Budget COP 800,000 to 1,200,000 total per adult, depending on the tests required. At an approximate exchange rate of 3,000 COP/CAD, this is roughly CAD 270 to 400 per adult.

Medical results are sent directly from the Panel Physician to IRCC — you do not handle these documents yourself.

Pre-Application Costs: WES and Language Tests

These are not fees paid to IRCC. Language testing is required for an Express Entry profile; an ECA is required when you rely on foreign education for FSWP eligibility or CRS education points.

World Education Services (WES) ECA:

• Basic evaluation fee: approximately CAD 250 (COP 750,000 at 3,000 COP/CAD)
• Some Colombian universities charge a fee to send official transcripts directly to WES (typically COP 50,000–200,000 depending on the institution)

IELTS General Training:

• British Council / IDP Colombia: approximately COP 1,045,700 (approximately CAD 350)
• Test centers: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga

TEF Canada or TCF Canada (if pursuing French strategy):

• TEF Canada: COP 1,200,000 – 1,400,000 (approximately CAD 430–470)
• TCF Canada: COP 1,150,000 – 1,350,000 (approximately CAD 385–450)

Document Authentication Costs

Colombian applicants may need to apostille and translate several documents, depending on the IRCC checklist:

• Apostille (via the Cancillería digital portal): COP 50,000–120,000 per document, depending on the document type and processing speed
• Certified translations (Traductor Oficial): typically COP 80,000–150,000 per page

For a standard application, budget COP 600,000 to 1,200,000 for apostilles and certified translations of birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and degree certificates.

Complete Cost Estimate: Single Colombian Applicant

These figures do not include the settlement funds you must prove in your bank account. For a single applicant in 2025-2026, the settlement funds requirement is approximately CAD 15,263 — this money stays in your account (you do not spend it) but must be demonstrably liquid and available.

What Is Not Included in This Estimate

A few costs fall outside this framework:

• Police certificate fees: The Colombian national police issues the Antecedentes Judiciales through its online portal, and the Cancillería apostille is a separate fee. For Colombians who have previously lived in the United States, follow the IRCC checklist for whether an FBI Identity History Summary is required — it involves fingerprinting in Colombia and sending the submission to the FBI, with a fee of approximately USD 18 plus any fingerprinting service cost.
• Immigration consultant or lawyer fees (if hired): RCIC representation in Colombia typically costs COP 5 million to 15 million depending on the complexity of the case. For most standard Express Entry profiles, self-guided applications are completely feasible.
• Travel costs for biometrics: If you are in Medellín, Cali, or another city, you will need to travel to Bogotá for biometrics at the VFS Canada VAC unless a satellite service is offered in your region.

When Do You Pay?

The payment timing through the process:

1. WES and language tests: Before creating your profile
2. Biometrics fee: With the e-APR, unless already paid; the BIL follows after submission
3. IRCC processing fee: When you submit the e-APR (within the 60-day ITA window)
4. RPRF: Can be paid with the processing fee or after approval in principle
5. Medical exam: After receiving your ITA, typically done early in the 60-day window

The 60-day ITA window is fixed and non-extendable under almost all circumstances. Start collecting documents, scheduling the medical, and preparing translations before you receive your ITA — not after.

The Colombia to Canada Express Entry Guide includes a Colombian-specific cost planner, the Cancillería apostille process for each document type, and a day-by-day action plan for the 60-day post-ITA sprint.

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