Canada Sets New Express Entry Processing Fees
The government has established standardized application fees while issuing 2,500 new invitations for permanent residence.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Immigration
Live Poll
Would you consider applying for Canadian permanent residence despite the increased processing fees?
Canada has introduced official processing fees for Express Entry permanent residence applications, setting the cost for primary applicants at CAD 1,590. Alongside this update, the government recently issued 2,500 invitations to Canadian Experience Class candidates through its points-based system.
Why it matters
These fee structures formalize the costs for individuals navigating the Express Entry system, which manages key economic immigration programs. As Canada continues to manage its labour needs, the government projects it will admit up to 230,000 temporary foreign workers by 2026.
The standard processing fee is CAD 1,590 per adult applicant, while each dependent child incurs a CAD 270 charge. A family of three faces a total processing cost of CAD 3,450.
The players
Express Entry
This is the primary electronic system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence under federal economic immigration programs.
Canadian Experience Class
This is one of the three federal economic immigration programmes managed through the Express Entry system for skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
The details
Candidates must create a profile to enter a points-based pool, where immigration authorities select applicants with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System scores. In the latest draw, 2,500 candidates were invited, with the lowest-ranked individual holding a score of 519.
Timeline
Canada expects to admit 230,000 temporary foreign workers in 2026.
Political Context
This policy update follows the regulatory frameworks established by the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Opponents of current immigration levels have frequently criticized the government for maintaining high intake targets despite ongoing housing and infrastructure shortages across the country.
Applicants must be prepared to pay the CAD 1,590 fee per adult and CAD 270 per child upon submission of their permanent residence application. Prospective immigrants should ensure their Comprehensive Ranking System scores are competitive, as the minimum threshold for invitations recently reached 519.
The takeaway
Prospective applicants should carefully review the updated fee structure before submitting their profiles to the Express Entry pool. Maintaining a strong Comprehensive Ranking System score remains essential for those aiming to receive an invitation in future draws.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Canada Immigration.
Live Poll
Would you consider applying for Canadian permanent residence despite the increased processing fees?
