Top 5 Canadian Visitor Visa Costs [2025-2026 Guide]

TL;DR: The standard Canadian Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) application processing fee is $185 CAD per person. This is the single, mandatory fee most applicants pay directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, total costs can be higher when including biometrics, passport services, medical exams, or applying for a Super Visa.

Planning a trip to Canada involves budgeting for more than just flights and hotels. Understanding the official government fees for a visitor visa is crucial to avoid surprises and ensure your application is processed. This guide breaks down every potential cost for 2025-2026, from the basic application fee to additional charges like biometrics.

What is the Current Fee for a Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV)?

The current fee is $185 CAD. This is the mandatory processing fee for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application submitted to IRCC. It is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

You must pay this fee online through the IRCC website when you submit your application. According to IRCC’s official fee page, this fee covers the cost of processing your application for a temporary resident visa, a study permit, or a work permit. It’s the foundational cost for anyone wanting to visit Canada who requires a visa.

• Primary Applicant: $185 CAD
• Processing Time: Varies by country, but the fee remains the same globally.
• Payment Method: Must be paid online via credit card, debit card, or through a Canadian bank if applicable.

Are There Any Additional Mandatory Fees on Top of the Visa Cost?

Yes, the most common additional fee is for biometrics. For most applicants, the total cost will be the $185 processing fee plus a $85 biometrics fee.

Biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) are a security requirement. You pay this fee alongside your processing fee, and then you receive a letter instructing you where to give your biometrics. The combined cost for one person is therefore $270 CAD. It's essential to factor this in from the start to budget correctly.

• Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD per person (or $170 per family applying together).
• Validity: Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so you won't pay this again if you reapply within that period.
• Check Requirement: Use the IRCC tool to see if you need to give biometrics.

How Much Does a Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents Cost?

A Super Visa costs $185 in processing fees, plus a $100 fee for the visa itself, totalling $285. This is before biometrics and other potential costs.

The Super Visa is a special multi-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing stays of up to 5 years at a time. According to IRCC’s Super Visa page, the $100 "Open Work Permit Holder fee" is a unique charge for this visa category. The total mandatory fees to IRCC start at $285 per person.

• Base Cost: $185 (Processing) + $100 (Super Visa holder fee) = $285 CAD.
• Plus Biometrics: + $85 CAD = $370 CAD total per person.
• Mandatory Medical Insurance: You must also purchase private Canadian medical insurance for at least one year, which is a separate and significant cost (often $1,500-$2,500+).

What Other Costs Should I Budget For When Applying?

Budget for passport services, translations, medical exams, and courier fees. These are not paid to IRCC but are often necessary for a complete application.

The IRCC fee is just one part of the financial picture. To prepare a strong application, you may need certified translations of documents, passport photos that meet strict specifications, or a medical exam if you plan to stay for over 6 months or work in certain fields. Missing these can lead to delays or refusal.

• Passport & Photos: Local costs for new passports or compliant photos.
• Document Translation & Notarization: Varies by country and document volume.
• Immigration Medical Exam (IME): Required in some cases; cost set by the panel physician (often $200-$400+).
• Courier/Postal Fees: For sending documents or your passport for stamping.

Can a Visitor Visa Application Be Refused, and Do I Get a Refund?

Yes, applications can be refused, and the processing fee is non-refundable. This is why a strong application is critical to avoid losing money.

IRCC does not refund the $185 processing fee if your application is unsuccessful. The fee pays for the cost of an officer reviewing your file, regardless of the outcome. Common reasons for refusal include insufficient proof of funds, unclear purpose of visit, or concerns you will not leave Canada at the end of your stay.

• No Refund Policy: The processing fee is for the service of assessment, not a guarantee of approval.
• Biometrics Fee: Also non-refundable once you have given your biometrics.
• Reapplication Cost: If refused, you must pay all fees again for a new application.
• Get It Right First: Tools like Evola AI's Immigration Success Predictor can help you identify potential weaknesses in your visitor visa application before you submit, saving you time and the cost of a failed application. Unlike static checklists, it analyzes your specific profile against IRCC's criteria.

How to Pay Your Canadian Visitor Visa Fees Correctly

1. Calculate Your Total: Add up processing fees ($185), biometrics ($85 if needed), and any other applicable fees (e.g., Super Visa $100).
2. Pay Online: Go to the official IRCC "Pay your fees" tool. Never pay fees to a third party claiming to be IRCC.
3. Save Your Receipt: You will receive a receipt (PDF) with a barcode. You must upload this receipt to your online application or include the copy with a paper application.
4. Complete the Application: Link your payment to your application immediately. Fees are typically valid for one year from the date of payment.

Comparing Your Options: Visitor Visa, eTA, or Super Visa?

Visa Type	Who Is It For?	IRCC Processing Fee	Key Additional Costs
Visitor Visa (TRV)	Citizens of visa-required countries.	$185 CAD	Biometrics ($85), possible medical exam.
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)	Visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada.	$7 CAD	None. Linked to passport.
Super Visa	Parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs.	$285 CAD ($185+$100)	Biometrics ($85), mandatory private health insurance.

Need help estimating your total budget or understanding the requirements? Evola AI's platform can guide you through the specific costs and document checklist for your situation, ensuring you don't miss a critical step that could lead to refusal.

Conclusion

Navigating Canadian visitor visa costs is about more than just the $185 processing fee. A successful trip requires budgeting for the full picture: biometrics, potential medical exams, and mandatory insurance for Super Visas. The key is to be thorough, pay fees only through official IRCC channels, and submit a complete, convincing application to protect your investment.

Understanding the rules is the first step. Taking confident, correct action is the next. Let Evola AI help you build that confidence.

Ready to plan your visit with clarity? Start your journey with Evola AI today and get personalized, up-to-date guidance on your visa application.