A Fee Guide for Canada Express Entry Applicants

Canada is one of the most desired immigration destinations in the world. Its immigration system is flexible, allowing international immigrants to come to Canada on a temporary or permanent basis for a variety of reasons, including studying, working, and settling down. And for those who want to experience diversity and multiculturalism, there is no better place to be than here.

Skilled workers, in particular, have a good chance of being granted permanent residency if they choose to apply under the Express Entry system. Many Canadian cities and provinces require more workforces, which puts the demand at an all-time high. According to records, around 110,000 skilled immigrants are integrated into the system every year.

For beginners, the cost implication is a factor to consider to prepare an expected budget to avoid any unnecessary financial setback. This guide breaks down the fee categories for the entire application process under Express Entry.

What is Express Entry?

Canada Express Entry is a points-based immigration system launched by the Canadian government to fast-track the assessment and selection of eligible skilled candidates who want to immigrate to Canada and become permanent residents. It awards points to these applicants with different profiles under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on their human capital factors, such as:

• Age
• Work experience
• Education
• Language ability
• Relationship
• Adaptability

Candidates’ chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence increase as they accumulate points. The Express Entry system encapsulates the following programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which offers permanent residency to those who have recently worked and lived in Canada.
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST), which admits skilled tradespeople with qualifications for a job offer and the intent to become permanent residents.
• Federal Skilled Workers (FSW), which issues invitations for permanent residency to skilled workers with no connections to Canada

How to Apply for Canada Express Entry?

The process of applying for Canada Express Entry is fairly simple, as long as the applicant has all the required documentation, which includes:

• International passport
• Language test results (if applicable)
• Academic certifications and transcripts

There are three ways in which an interested immigrant can apply for the Express Entry system: CEC, FST, and FSW. If eligible for one of these programs, the individual can apply through the online application portal. A minimum of 67 points is required to qualify, which is calculated based on human capital factors. The applicant can also have a job offer from a provincial or territorial government or one of the Canadian employers who have signed the Labour Market Impact Assessment agreement.

Candidates for nomination are evaluated according to the criteria set by each province and territory. If a candidate is selected, the person’s profile will be put on the Express Entry Invitation to Apply (ITA) pool. The applicant has 60 days to apply for permanent residence. Failure to apply within this period will result in the removal of the candidate’s profile from the pool.

Who Can Apply Under Canada Express Entry?

The Express Entry system is open to skilled workers with family, spouses, or common-law partners. Ideal candidates:

• Are under 30
• Score a minimum of 67 points
• Have a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) seven in English or French
• Have a positive Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
• Have a good medical health

How Much Does the Application Process Cost?

While it’s true that Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, it is also true that its immigration process is quite challenging and expensive. Express Entry is a competitive immigration program, and thus requires a lot of preparation to succeed. The process costs an applicant $1,670 ($C2, 300) and a couple $3,265 ($C4,500). Below is a breakdown of costs:

• Biometrics: $62 ($C85) per individual
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): $145 ($C200)
• Language tests: $217 ($C300)
• Medical fees: $325 ($C450) per adult and $180 ($C250) per child
• Police clearance certification: $72 ($C100) per country
• Government fees: $960 ($C1,325) per adult and $163 ($C225)

All fees are requested during the initial profile submission, except the government fees, which are to be paid when invited to apply for permanent residence. Those who apply via a provincial or territorial nomination program, on the other hand, will be charged by the provincial or territorial government.

The fees can range from $180 ($C250) for New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) to $1,087 ($C1,500) for Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Some nominee programs come at no cost, such as:

• Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
• Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
• Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)

Related article: How Long It Takes To Process Spousal Sponsorship In Canada

What is the Requirement for Proof of Funds?

Generally, applicants are required to provide proof of financial means to demonstrate their eligibility to sponsor their stay. Applicants are required to submit a recent and valid bank statement that shows a sufficient amount of funds to support their entry to Canada. The amount may vary based on the provinces or territories the applicants choose to apply under.

The only exception to providing such details is if the individual has a valid job offer or applies under the CEC program. The required funds are as follows:

• 1 member: $9,645 ($C13,310)
• 2 members: $12,000 ($C16,570)
• 3 members: $14,760 ($C20,371)
• 4 members: $17,921 ($C24,733)
• 5 members: $20,326 ($C28,052)
• 6 members: $22,925 ($C31,638)
• 7 members: $25,519 ($35,224)

Each additional person in the family is subject to a $2,598 ($C3,586) surcharge per person. The rates are constant to change without prior notice, as well as the stated amounts.

How Long Does it Take to Process the Express Entry Visa?

The immigration process normally takes 6 months to complete. However, it may take longer, especially if the applicant is unable to complete the necessary requirements for the Express Entry system, such as financial and educational documents. It also takes longer if the application is made through a provincial or territorial nomination program, which requires a minimum processing time of 12 months.

Conclusion

Canada remains one of the most beautiful and peaceful destinations for skilled workers. For eligible candidates who have always dreamt of living in this country, now is the time to make a move and apply for an Express Entry visa. This guide has simplified the process of getting one. For further guidance, get in touch with a credible immigration consultant.