Total Cost of Canada PR from India: Complete Fee Breakdown in INR
Total Cost of Canada PR from India: Complete Fee Breakdown in INR
Most India-to-Canada PR guides quote the IRCC processing fee and stop there. The reality is that the IRCC fee is just one of eight cost categories, and for many Indian applicants it is not even the largest. Before you start your Express Entry journey, you need to know what the full bill looks like — in rupees, not just Canadian dollars.
This breakdown covers every mandatory cost for a single applicant in 2026, with estimates for a couple and a family of four at the end.
The Eight Cost Categories
1. Educational Credential Assessment (WES)
WES Canada charges approximately USD 236 for a course-by-course evaluation (the level required for Express Entry). At the current exchange rate of roughly ₹83 per dollar, that is around ₹19,600. Add courier charges for sealed transcripts from Indian universities — typically ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 depending on your city and institution — and the realistic cost is ₹21,000 to ₹23,000.
If your degree requires IQAS instead of WES (common for three-year B.Com or B.Sc graduates chasing a better equivalency), the fee is CAD 200, or about ₹12,400 at ₹62 per CAD. IQAS takes 15 to 20 weeks though, so build that into your timeline.
2. Language Testing (IELTS or PTE Core)
IELTS General Training in India costs approximately ₹16,250 per attempt. PTE Core is slightly less at around ₹14,700. Most applicants require one to two attempts before achieving CLB 9. Budget ₹17,000 to ₹35,000 for language testing alone.
If you are adding a second official language (French) for the CRS bonus, TEF Canada costs roughly ₹12,500 for the full test. That is an optional but often high-value spend — 50 CRS points for passing CLB 7 in French is among the cheapest points you can buy.
3. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
The PCC from Passport Seva Kendra costs approximately ₹500. If you are in a city without a PSK and need to travel, add travel costs. The two-way courier service from VFS if you are in a non-VFS city costs around ₹1,716. Total: ₹500 to ₹2,500.
Note: Do not apply for your PCC until after you receive your ITA. The PCC has a limited validity and must be current when you submit your full application.
4. Medical Examination (Panel Physician)
IRCC requires a medical exam from a designated panel physician. In India, the standard adult exam costs between ₹7,000 and ₹10,000 depending on the city and clinic. Panel physicians in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, and Hyderabad all charge in this range. Add ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per dependent child. Budget ₹8,000 to ₹12,000 for a single applicant.
5. IRCC Government Processing Fees
This is the largest single-line item. For a Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP) application:
| Fee Item | CAD | INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Principal applicant processing fee | $850 | ₹53,000 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $575 | ₹35,900 |
| Biometrics | $85 | ₹5,300 |
| Total (single applicant) | $1,510 | ₹94,200 |
For a couple (principal + spouse), IRCC processing fees approximately double. For a couple with two dependent children, the total government fees can reach CAD 3,000 to CAD 3,500 — around ₹1,87,000 to ₹2,18,000.
The IRCC fees are the biggest stake in the process. Every other cost in this list is protecting that ₹94,200 principal applicant fee from being wasted on a rejected application.
6. Biometrics Appointment and VFS Charges
Biometrics are included in the $85 fee above. The VFS appointment itself is covered under that fee. However, if you use VFS India's Premium Lounge service (₹4,767) or the two-way passport courier service (₹1,716), that adds to your out-of-pocket costs. These are optional services. Budget ₹0 to ₹5,000 for VFS add-ons.
7. Document Procurement and Attestation
Indian applicants typically incur costs that overseas applicants do not:
- University transcript procurement (courier or physical collection): ₹1,500 to ₹5,000
- Employment reference letter notarization or affidavit: ₹500 to ₹2,000
- CA Net Worth Certificate with UDIN (if self-employed or using gift deeds): ₹3,000 to ₹8,000
- Translation of regional-language documents: ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per document
Budget ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 for miscellaneous document costs.
8. Proof of Settlement Funds
This is not a fee you pay to anyone — it is money you must demonstrate you have available in a liquid account. For 2026, the required settlement funds are:
| Family Size | CAD | INR (approx. at ₹62.45/CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,263 | ₹9,53,174 |
| 2 | $19,001 | ₹11,86,612 |
| 3 | $23,360 | ₹14,58,832 |
| 4 | $28,362 | ₹17,71,207 |
These funds must sit in a bank account in your name — savings, fixed deposits, or mutual funds all work. PPF is not accepted because it is a locked-in instrument. Gold and real estate are not accepted at all. If relying on a parental gift, you need a notarized Gift Deed and a clear bank-to-bank transfer trail.
Total Cost Summary by Applicant Type
| Category | Single Applicant | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| WES ECA | ₹22,000 | ₹22,000 | ₹22,000 |
| IELTS/PTE | ₹18,000 | ₹36,000 | ₹36,000 |
| PCC | ₹1,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 |
| Medical | ₹9,000 | ₹18,000 | ₹25,000 |
| IRCC Fees | ₹94,200 | ₹1,60,000 | ₹2,10,000 |
| Documents | ₹8,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹12,000 |
| Total (excl. settlement funds) | ~₹1,53,000 | ~₹2,49,000 | ~₹3,08,000 |
| Settlement funds required | ₹9,53,000 | ₹11,87,000 | ₹17,71,000 |
The settlement funds are not spent — you keep them. But you need to demonstrate they are available throughout the process.
What This Means for Your Planning
The direct out-of-pocket cost for a single applicant who passes each test on the first attempt is roughly ₹1.5 lakhs. For a family of four, it is closer to ₹3 lakhs before settlement funds. Each language test re-attempt adds another ₹16,000 to ₹18,000. A second ECA evaluation at IQAS adds another ₹12,000. A rejected application that requires refiling costs you the full IRCC fee again.
This is why the documentation strategy matters as much as the eligibility calculation. The India → Canada Express Entry Guide at /from-india/ca-express-entry/ covers every India-specific document requirement in detail — WES transcript protocols, IRCC-compliant bank letters, and the alternative evidence package for TCS/Infosys employees whose HR departments will not issue custom reference letters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay IRCC fees in INR? No. IRCC fees are paid in CAD via credit card. Your card will charge the INR equivalent at the prevailing exchange rate. Expect the amounts in the table above to fluctuate by 5 to 10% based on the CAD/INR rate on the day of payment.
Is there a fee refund if my application is rejected? The RPRF (Right of Permanent Residence Fee) is refunded if your application is refused before you are granted PR. The principal applicant processing fee is not refunded.
Do I need to pay the settlement funds upfront? No. You just need to show evidence of having these funds available. The money stays in your account.
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