Visa Fees Explained

Canada visitor visa and biometrics fees

Last checked: 19 October 2026 · Visa fees by destination

A Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) costs CAN$100 per person, or CAN$500 for a family of 5 or more applying together 1. Most applicants pay a biometrics fee of CAN$85, capped at CAN$170 for a family 1. That makes CAN$185 for one adult. Visa-exempt travellers who fly in need an eTA, which costs CAN$7 1. You pay online by card at the end of your application 2.
Visitor visa, per person
CAN$100 1
Visitor visa, family of 5 or more
CAN$500 maximum 1
Biometrics, per person
CAN$85 1
Biometrics, family
CAN$170 maximum 1
eTA
CAN$7 1
Extend your stay as a visitor
CAN$100 1

Visitor visa fees

IRCC charges the same CAN$100 for single-entry and multiple-entry visitor visas 1. Every applicant pays the processing fee, though some may be exempt from some or all fees 2.

FeeAmount (CAN$)
Visitor visa, per person$100 1
Visitor visa, family of 5 or more applying at the same time$500 1
Biometrics, per person$85 1
Biometrics, family of 2 or more applying at the same time$170 1
Biometrics, group of 3 or more performing artists$255 1
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)$7 1
Extend your stay as a visitor$100 1

Biometrics fee and who is exempt

First-time applicants pay the biometrics fee when they submit their application, if they are not exempt 2. Biometrics for a transit visa are free 3.

IRCC lists these exemptions, among others 3:

  • Children under 14 3.
  • Applicants over 79 (asylum claimants have no upper age exemption) 3.
  • Visitors applying only for an eTA 3.
  • Heads of state and government, and holders of diplomatic or official visas 3.
  • US visa holders transiting through Canada 3.

How to pay

You pay at the end of the online application. IRCC accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and UnionPay credit and prepaid cards, plus some debit cards. The card does not need to be in your name 2.

If you pay with a prepaid card, IRCC advises you to keep it for at least 18 months to make any refund easier 2.

Refunds

IRCC says the right of permanent residence fee is the only fee it can refund after it starts processing an application 1. That means the visitor visa and biometrics fees are not refunded once processing has begun.

Changes in 2025 and 2026

We found no change to the visitor visa or biometrics fee in 2025 or 2026. The IRCC fee list was last modified on 21 September 2026 and still shows CAN$100 and CAN$85 1.

Common questions

How much does a Canada visitor visa cost in total?

CAN$100 for the visa plus CAN$85 for biometrics, so CAN$185 for one person 1.

Is there a family cap on Canadian visa fees?

Yes. The visa fee is capped at CAN$500 for a family of 5 or more, and biometrics at CAN$170 for a family 1.

Do children pay the biometrics fee for Canada?

Children under 14 are exempt from giving biometrics 3.

Is the Canada visa fee refunded if I am refused?

IRCC says only the right of permanent residence fee can be refunded after processing starts 1.

How much is a Canadian eTA?

CAN$7. An eTA is for visa-exempt travellers and does not need biometrics 1,3.

Which cards can I use to pay Canadian visa fees?

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB and UnionPay, plus some debit cards. The card does not have to be in your name 2.

Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.

Sources

  1. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: Fee list (modified 21 September 2026)
  2. Government of Canada: Apply for a visitor visa (modified 28 August 2026)
  3. Government of Canada: Biometrics (modified 30 March 2026)

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