Total Expense for Canada PR from India

It’s a moment of victory, but have you ever wondered about the hidden costs of acquiring a Canadian PR from India? Thousands of Indian citizens successfully obtain their permanent residency (PR) in Canada each year. However, what seems like a dream-come-true is often accompanied by a long and expensive process that many aren’t fully aware of. How much does it really cost to get a Canada PR from India? Is it worth every penny? By the end of this guide, you’ll have a detailed breakdown of all the expenses you might incur on your way to becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

The expenses for getting a Canada PR from India aren’t straightforward. The fees vary based on the type of visa program, your family situation, and even where you’re applying from. Here, we’ll go step by step and explore every significant cost.

1. The Government Fees

• Express Entry Fees: If you are applying through the Express Entry system, one of the most common pathways, you’ll encounter several key fees. The application fee for an individual is CAD $850. Additionally, if you are moving with your spouse or partner, you will need to pay another CAD $850 for them. Any dependent child will incur a fee of CAD $230.
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): After your application is approved, you will also have to pay a Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), which is CAD $515 per adult. Children are exempt from this fee.

Total cost for government fees for an individual: CAD $1,365, which includes the application fee and the RPRF. For a couple, the total would rise to CAD $2,730.

2. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

To apply for Canada PR, you need to verify your academic credentials. This step involves getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization. The cost of an ECA varies but is generally around CAD $200 to CAD $300 per person. Additionally, you might have to bear the expense of shipping your documents to the assessment body, which could be another CAD $20 to CAD $50.

3. Language Proficiency Test

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is mandatory for almost all PR applicants. The test itself costs around INR 15,500 (approximately CAD $250). If you have to retake the test to achieve a higher score, this will be an additional expense.

4. Medical Examination

A medical exam is compulsory for all PR applicants. This needs to be done by a doctor who is approved by the Canadian government. The cost of the exam can range from INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 (CAD $85 to CAD $170) per person, depending on the clinic and the tests required.

5. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

As part of your application, you’ll need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from India. The cost of obtaining a PCC from the Passport Seva Kendra is INR 500 (approximately CAD $9). If you’ve lived in another country for six months or longer, you might need to obtain additional PCCs from those countries as well, which can be more costly.

6. Biometric Fees

Canada also requires biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) for PR applicants. The fee for biometrics is CAD $85 per person, and for a family applying together, the total biometric fee is CAD $170.

7. Visa Application Center (VAC) Fees

In India, you might also need to pay fees related to the visa application center (VAC), where biometrics are processed. These costs can vary but usually hover around CAD $25 to CAD $50 per person.

8. Proof of Funds

While this isn’t an expense in the traditional sense, you will need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The amount required depends on the number of family members. For an individual, the minimum requirement is CAD $13,757, and for a family of four, it is CAD $25,564. This amount can’t be borrowed or sourced from loans.

9. Miscellaneous Costs

Other costs that applicants commonly encounter include:

• Travel to the IELTS Test Center: Depending on where you live, getting to the test center might incur some travel costs.
• Courier fees for document submissions: If any documents need to be mailed to Canada or other organizations, expect to spend around CAD $50 to CAD $100 on international couriers.
• Translations: If any of your documents are not in English or French, you will need to get them translated by a certified translator. Translation costs can vary widely depending on the number of pages, but typically, you can expect to spend INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 (CAD $17 to CAD $85).

10. Professional Consultation Fees

Many applicants hire immigration consultants or lawyers to help with the process. Their fees vary significantly depending on the consultant’s reputation and services offered. Typically, consultant fees can range from CAD $1,000 to CAD $3,000 for the entire process. While this isn’t mandatory, many applicants choose this route to avoid errors that could delay or complicate their application.

11. Post-Arrival Expenses

Once your PR is approved, you’ll also need to consider the cost of moving to Canada, including airfare, initial accommodation, and settling-in costs. Airfare from India to Canada can range from CAD $1,000 to CAD $2,000, depending on the season and flight route. Additionally, the first few months in Canada will require you to have enough funds for housing, groceries, and transportation until you find a job or settle into a routine.

The Final Tally So, what’s the total expense? Let’s do a quick calculation assuming you’re applying as a single individual:

• Government fees: CAD $1,365
• ECA: CAD $250
• IELTS: CAD $250
• Medical exam: CAD $125
• PCC: CAD $9
• Biometrics: CAD $85
• VAC fees: CAD $50
• Miscellaneous: CAD $100

Total estimated cost: CAD $2,234 (approximately INR 1.3 to 1.4 lakhs). If you’re applying as a family, these costs can double or triple depending on the number of members.

Is It Worth It?

The answer to this question largely depends on your goals and expectations. Canada offers a high standard of living, world-class healthcare, and an excellent education system, but the path to PR requires a financial investment. For many, the benefits far outweigh the costs, but it’s important to be fully informed about every expense before diving in.