A Breakdown of Settlement Funds and Government Processing fees
Making the decision to immigrate to Canada can be exciting, but we know that it can be daunting if you do not know exactly how much the big move will cost.
Canada is relatively affordable when it comes to comparing immigration costs to that of Australia and the US for example. The total cost of Canadian immigration will depend on the size of your family and the program that you apply for.
Here we will be giving you a breakdown of several Express Entry programs and how much settlement funds you will need for you and your family.
Settlement Funds:
Settlement Funds are the amount of money you will need to have readily available to sustain and support you and your family for a minimum of 6-months while you look for work in Canada. The Express Entry system (Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Trades Class) requires settlement funds. The Start-up visa class also requires settlements funds:
1 Person - $13,213
2 People - $16,449
3 People - $20,222
4 People - $24,553
Something we see very often is clients who find themselves using their settlement funds unsparingly when they first arrive in Canada and don’t budget efficiently enough to sustain themselves while searching for work.
It is important to make sure that you plan for unexpected expenses and consider living in areas outside of expensive cities, or renting affordable accommodations, at least until you have found work and are able to move to your desired location.
We always advise our clients on the best and most cost-effective areas in their preferred province to live in. Our 2021 Guide To Moving To Canada has a detailed section dedicated to helping you decide which province is best for you in terms of cost of living, main occupations, climate, lifestyle, and more.
GOVERNMENT Processing FEES:
A second item to consider is the government processing fees associated with an Immigration application, these should be factored into your overall budget when preparing to immigrate.
Temporary Residence:
Type of Application | Government Fees (Canadian Dollars) |
Electronic Travel Authorization | $7 |
International Experience Canada participation | $156 |
Study permit (including extensions) | $150 |
Restore your status as a student | $350 |
Temporary resident permit | $200 |
Work permit (including extensions) | $155 |
Restore your status as a worker | $355 |
Permanent Residence:
Type of Application | Government Fees (Canadian Dollars) |
Business Immigration (includes Start-up visa): Your application processing fee and right of permanent residence fee. | $2,075 |
Caregivers: Your application Processing fee and right of permanent residence fee. | $1,050 |
Economic Immigration (including express entry) Your application Processing fee and right of permanent residence fee. | $1,325 |
Humanitarian & Compassionate Your application Processing fee and right of permanent residence fee. | $1,050 |
Family sponsorship
Type of Application | Government Fees (Canadian Dollars) |
Sponsor your relative (22 years or older) | $1,050 |
Sponsor your parent or grandparent | $1,050 |
Sponsor your spouse or partner | $1,050 |
Citizenship
Type of Application | Government Fees (Canadian Dollars) |
Adult (18 and over) | $630 |
Stateless adult (18 or over) born to Canadian parent | $100 |
Minor (under 18) | $100 |
Additional fees:
There are also additional fees that applicants need to budget for when immigrating, we've included these costs below and their approximate cost:
Required Item | Cost (Canadian Dollars) |
Medical exams | $200 per person |
Police Clearances | $50-$100 per person |
Translations | $100-$500, depending on translation service, and amount of content |
Immigration Consultant/ Lawyer fees | $3000-$5000 depending on application |
Our Services
Calver and Associates is rated Canada's number one boutique immigration consultancy. We serve clients across Canada and internationally. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in Canada and abroad.
We can assist with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
Moving To Canada - 2021's Guide to Life in Canada.
I’ve written this guide to help you with the big picture planning, detailing everything you need to know and do before, during and after this amazing process. This is more information than any other consultant is willing to share upfront at such a low rate!
