PNP Application Fees by Province: Your Complete Cost Guide for 2025

Fee Overview and Payment Methods

Understanding the Two-Tier Payment Structure

Your PNP journey involves two distinct fee payments that many applicants don’t realize are separate:

Provincial Nomination Fee: Paid to your chosen province for reviewing and potentially nominating you. This ranges from $0 (some streams) to $3,500 depending on the province and stream.

Federal Processing Fee: Paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after receiving your provincial nomination. Current fees are:

• Principal applicant: $1,365
• Spouse/partner: $1,365
• Dependent child under 22: $230
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $515 per adult

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants budgeting only for provincial fees and getting caught off-guard by the $2,745+ federal fees for a family of two adults. Always budget for both.

Payment Processing and Timelines

Provincial fees are typically processed within 2-5 business days, but payment method affects timing:

• Credit card payments: Instant confirmation, recommended for urgent applications
• Bank drafts/money orders: 5-10 business days processing time
• Wire transfers: 1-3 business days, but fees can be $25-50

What this means for you: If you’re close to a program closure date, stick with credit card payments to avoid missing deadlines due to payment processing delays.

Refund Policies You Need to Know

Most provinces have strict no-refund policies once your application enters processing, but there are exceptions:

• Withdrawal before assessment begins: Usually 50-75% refund possible
• Program closure mid-application: Full refund typically provided
• Technical/administrative errors: Full refund at provincial discretion

If you’re applying from a country with high refusal rates: Countries like India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh should be especially careful about refund policies, as processing times can be longer and documentation requirements more stringent.

Atlantic Provinces Fee Analysis

Nova Scotia: Strategic Positioning with Moderate Costs

Nova Scotia offers one of Canada’s most cost-effective PNP options with fees ranging from $0 to $1,535:

Fee Structure:

• Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry: $0
• Skilled Worker Stream: $1,535
• International Graduate Entrepreneur: $1,535
• Physician Stream: $1,535

What this means for you: The Express Entry alignment streams offer exceptional value—no provincial fee means you only pay federal processing costs, making Nova Scotia one of the cheapest pathways to Canadian PR.

New Brunswick: Competitive Rates with Quick Processing

New Brunswick maintains competitive fees while offering relatively fast provincial processing:

Fee Structure:

• Express Entry Labour Market Stream: $0
• Skilled Workers with Employer Support: $1,125
• Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream: $1,125
• Self-Employed Persons Stream: $1,125

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants choosing more expensive provinces without considering New Brunswick’s bilingual advantage. If you have French language skills, New Brunswick’s lower fees plus language bonus points make it exceptionally cost-effective.

Prince Edward Island: Premium Investment, Premium Results

PEI’s fees reflect its selective approach and high success rates:

Fee Structure:

• PEI Express Entry: $300
• Labour Impact Category: $300
• Business Impact Category: $2,000 (plus minimum $150,000 investment)

If you’re applying from India or Philippines: PEI has shown strong acceptance rates for applicants from these countries, making the $300 fee excellent value despite competitive requirements.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Hidden Gem Pricing

Often overlooked but offering competitive fees and growing opportunities:

Fee Structure:

• Express Entry Skilled Worker: $0
• Skilled Worker Category: $1,000
• International Graduate: $1,000
• International Entrepreneur: $1,000

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Consider Newfoundland’s Express Entry stream for the $0 provincial fee, especially if you work in healthcare, technology, or skilled trades where the province has active recruitment.

Central Canada Fee Structures

Ontario: Premium Province, Premium Costs

Ontario’s fees reflect high demand and competitive streams, ranging from $0 to $3,500:

Fee Structure:

• Human Capital Priorities Stream: $1,500
• French-Speaking Skilled Worker: $1,500
• Masters Graduate Stream: $1,500
• PhD Graduate Stream: $1,500
• Employer Job Offer streams: $2,000
• Entrepreneur Stream: $3,500 (plus business investment requirements)

What this means for you: Ontario’s higher fees are offset by larger job markets and faster integration opportunities, but budget carefully—a family application here costs $1,500-3,500 provincially plus federal fees.

If you’re applying from Nigeria or Pakistan: Ontario has specific requirements for document authentication from these countries. Factor in additional $200-500 for notarization and authentication when budgeting.

Quebec: Unique System, Unique Costs

Quebec operates outside the federal PNP system with its own Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) process:

Fee Structure:

• Quebec Skilled Worker Program: $822 (principal) + $180 (spouse) + $180 (each child)
• Quebec Experience Program: $822
• Quebec Business/Investor Programs: $15,235-83,800 depending on category

Real mistake we’ve seen: Applicants assuming Quebec fees work like other PNPs. Quebec requires CSQ approval first, then separate federal processing—factor both timelines and fees into your planning.

Western Provinces Cost Analysis

British Columbia: Tiered Pricing for Diverse Streams

BC’s fee structure reflects its diverse economy and high demand:

Fee Structure:

• Skills Immigration (Express Entry): $1,475
• Skills Immigration (Non-Express Entry): $1,475
• Express Entry BC: $1,475
• Entrepreneur Immigration: $3,500
• Strategic Projects: $2,500

What this means for you: BC’s consistent $1,475 fee across most streams makes budgeting straightforward, but high competition means ensure you meet all requirements before paying.

Alberta: Value-Driven Investment Approach

Alberta offers competitive fees with strong economic opportunities:

Fee Structure:

• Alberta Express Entry Stream: $500
• Alberta Opportunity Stream: $500
• Rural Renewal Stream: $500
• Self-Employed Farmer Stream: $500

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Alberta’s $500 provincial fee is among Canada’s lowest, making it excellent value for skilled workers, especially in energy, agriculture, and technology sectors.

Saskatchewan: Affordable Access to Opportunity

Saskatchewan maintains some of Canada’s lowest PNP fees:

Fee Structure:

• Express Entry Sub-category: $350
• Occupations In-Demand: $350
• Saskatchewan Experience: $350
• Entrepreneur Category: $2,500

If you’re applying from India: Saskatchewan has established strong ties with Indian communities and institutions, offering cultural familiarity alongside affordable fees.

Manitoba: Community-Focused Competitive Pricing

Manitoba balances affordability with community integration:

Fee Structure:

• Skilled Worker in Manitoba: $500
• Skilled Worker Overseas: $500
• International Education Stream: $500
• Business Investor Stream: $2,500

Real mistake we’ve seen: Overlooking Manitoba’s support network requirements. The $500 fee is excellent value, but ensure you have genuine community connections or employer relationships first.

Territories and Special Programs

Northwest Territories: Premium for Unique Opportunities

NWT’s fees reflect specialized opportunities in Canada’s North:

Fee Structure:

• Express Entry System: $2,000
• Employer Driven Stream: $2,000
• French-Speaking Stream: $2,000
• Business Stream: $2,000

What this means for you: NWT’s higher fees are offset by unique opportunities in mining, government, and specialized services, plus lower competition than southern provinces.

Yukon: Strategic Investment in Northern Growth

Yukon maintains competitive fees while focusing on territorial needs:

Fee Structure:

• Yukon Express Entry: $500
• Skilled Worker Program: $500
• Critical Impact Worker Program: $500
• Business Nominee Program: $2,500

Nunavut: Emerging Opportunities

Nunavut is developing its PNP structure with focus on territorial priorities:

Fee Structure:

• Skilled Worker Stream: $500 (when available)
• Processing limited to specific occupations and French-speaking candidates

If you’re applying from France or other French-speaking countries: Territories offer unique opportunities for French speakers with significantly lower competition than Quebec.

Federal Pilot Programs

Special federal programs operate alongside provincial systems:

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot: $1,365 federal fee only (no provincial fee) Municipal Nominee Program: Community-specific fees ranging $0-500

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Strategy

Return on Investment Calculations

Smart applicants evaluate total costs against long-term benefits:

Total Investment Analysis:

• Lowest-cost option: Saskatchewan Express Entry ($350 + $2,745 federal = $3,095 for couple)
• Highest-value option: Nova Scotia Express Entry ($0 + $2,745 federal = $2,745 for couple)
• Premium investment: Ontario Entrepreneur ($3,500 + federal fees + business investment)

What this means for you: A $1,000 difference in provincial fees becomes negligible against lifetime earning potential, but cash flow timing matters for many families.

Hidden Costs Most Guides Don’t Mention

Beyond application fees, budget for these often-overlooked expenses:

Document Preparation: $500-1,500

• Translation and notarization
• Educational credential assessment
• Police certificates
• Medical examinations

Professional Services: $2,000-5,000

• Immigration consultant/lawyer fees
• Document review and preparation
• Application strategy consultation

Travel and Settlement: $5,000-15,000

• Flights for family
• Initial accommodation
• Settlement funds requirements

Real mistake we’ve seen: Focusing only on government fees and running short on settlement funds, which are mandatory and must be demonstrated at multiple application stages.

Budget Planning Recommendations

Phase 1 – Application Preparation: 30% of total budget

• Document gathering and preparation
• Language testing
• Educational assessments

Phase 2 – Application Submission: 25% of total budget

• Provincial and federal fees
• Medical examinations
• Biometrics

Phase 3 – Settlement Preparation: 45% of total budget

• Settlement funds
• Travel arrangements
• Initial living expenses

Optional—but strongly recommended by AVID experts: Maintain a 15-20% contingency fund for unexpected requests, document updates, or timeline extensions.

Strategic Fee Planning by Profile

Young Professionals: Prioritize speed over cost—higher fees offset by longer earning years Families with Children: Balance provincial fees against education and healthcare quality Entrepreneurs: Focus on business environment and support systems over application fees
French Speakers: Leverage language advantages in Quebec, New Brunswick, or territories

If you’re applying from countries with longer processing times: Factor potential fee increases during extended processing periods—Canada typically adjusts fees annually in April.

Resources from AVID

📎 Interactive Fee Calculator

Calculate your exact PNP costs by province and family composition Access Calculator →

📊 Fee Comparison Matrix

Side-by-side comparison of all provincial fees and requirements Download Matrix →

💰 Budget Planning Template

Complete immigration budget planner with hidden costs included Get Template →

📈 Fee Trend Analysis

Historical fee changes and 2025 projection insights View Analysis →

❓ Common Fee FAQs

Answers to the most frequent questions about PNP fees and payment Read FAQs →