How much does a Canada visitor visa cost? For most people, the base visa fees for Canada visitor visa start with IRCC’s official charges, but the total you pay is often higher once you add the real-world extras.

As of early 2026, the main official cost for a Canada Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is the application fee of $100 CAD per person. Many applicants also need biometrics, which adds $85 CAD (biometrics are usually valid for 10 years). If you’re applying as a family, your total can look different depending on how you submit.

After that, it’s common to see extra costs that don’t go to IRCC, like Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees, travel costs to give biometrics (for many Kenyans, this can mean planning for a visit to the Nairobi VAC), and courier or photo charges. Some people may also need a medical exam, a police certificate, or certified translations, depending on their case and documents.

All fees are listed in Canadian dollars, and they can change, so confirm the latest amounts on the official IRCC fee page before you pay. If you want a broader context on Canada visa options and costs, Canada Visa is a helpful starting point.

The official Canada visitor visa fees (TRV) you must pay to IRCC

When people talk about visa fees for Canada visitor visa, they often mix IRCC fees with extras like biometrics, VAC charges, photos, or courier. In this section, we’re sticking to the official IRCC Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) fee for a visitor visa, the amount you pay to submit the application for processing.

One quick reminder before you pay: IRCC fees are charged in Canadian dollars (CAD). If you pay with a Kenyan card (or any non-CAD card), your bank may apply a foreign exchange rate and a small cross-border fee, so your card statement can show a slightly higher amount. That’s normal, it doesn’t mean IRCC overcharged you.

TRV fee amount and what it includes

The IRCC fee for a Canada visitor visa (TRV) is CA$100 per person. It’s per applicant, so adults and children are each counted, unless your family qualifies for a cap (covered below).

This CA$100 is the application processing fee. In simple terms, it’s what you pay for IRCC to open your file, review your forms and documents, and make a decision. You usually pay it online at the time you submit your visitor visa application through your IRCC account.

Here’s what that fee does, and doesn’t do:

It covers: processing your TRV application (review, assessment, decision).
It doesn’t cover: biometrics, medical exams, translations, police certificates, VAC service fees, courier, or travel costs to give biometrics.
It doesn’t guarantee approval: think of it like paying an exam fee, you pay to sit the exam, not to “pass” it.

A common point of confusion is single-entry vs multiple-entry. The good news is the same CA$100 fee applies whether you request a single-entry or multiple-entry visitor visa. You can ask for multiple entry, but the visa you receive (single or multiple, and how long it’s valid) is always up to the officer based on your situation and documents.

If you want a practical walkthrough of paying and submitting online, see Paying the Canada visitor visa fee through IRCC.

Family caps and special cases that can lower the IRCC visa fee total

If you’re applying as a family, IRCC has a rule that can limit how high the TRV application fee goes.

Family maximum (cap): CA$500 total for eligible family members who apply at the same time and in the same place. Once you hit that cap, you don’t keep paying CA$100 per person beyond it.

A quick example makes it clearer:

Who is applying together	Normal total at CA$100 each	What you may pay with the family cap
1 person	CA$100	CA$100
3 people	CA$300	CA$300
5 people	CA$500	CA$500
7 people	CA$700	CA$500

Two important notes so you don’t get caught out:

Children count as applicants, so they’re included in the per-person math and in the cap rules.
The cap is about how you apply, meaning timing and location matter. If family members apply separately, you may not qualify.

You may also see references in current IRCC guidance to a “large family” rule where a family of 5 or more applying together could pay a much lower total (some wording suggests CA$100 total in specific situations). Because eligibility details can be narrow and wording changes, don’t rely on that idea from memory or social media. Confirm the exact requirement on IRCC’s fee page before you budget around it, then plan your payment based on what IRCC states for your case.

Biometrics fees: who needs them, how much they cost, and how long they stay valid

When you budget for visa fees for Canada visitor visa, biometrics is the extra charge that catches many people off guard. Biometrics are simply your fingerprints and a photo. Canada uses them to confirm your identity, reduce fraud, and match your records if you apply again later.

Most visitor visa applicants are asked for biometrics, and the biometrics fee is separate from the visitor visa application fee. After you pay and submit your application, IRCC issues a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) in your online account. That letter is your green light to book an appointment and give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

If you want a Kenya-focused walkthrough of the overall process (including common document prep issues that can slow things down), see the Canada visa application process and biometrics guide.

Biometrics fee in 2026 and the family maximum

For 2026, the biometrics fee is CA$85 per person. If you are applying as a family, there’s a cap: CA$170 total for two or more eligible family members applying together.

Here’s the key point many applicants miss: this biometrics fee is not the same as the CA$100 visitor visa (TRV) fee. In most cases, you pay both.

A quick way to picture it:

TRV fee (application processing): CA$100 per person
Biometrics fee (fingerprints + photo): CA$85 per person
Family biometrics maximum: CA$170 total (for 2+ applying together)

Example: If you and your spouse apply together, you may pay CA$200 in TRV fees (CA$100 each) plus CA$170 in biometrics fees (family maximum), for CA$370 total to IRCC (before VAC or travel costs).

After payment, don’t rush to the VAC without the BIL. Wait for the Biometrics Instruction Letter, then book your appointment. At the VAC, you’ll give your fingerprints and photo, it’s usually quick, but plan for queues and travel time.

When you may not need to pay biometrics again

Biometrics are usually valid for 10 years. That’s good news if you travel often. If IRCC already has your biometrics on file and they are still valid, you may not be asked to give them again, and you may not need to pay the biometrics fee again.

This is where people waste money by guessing. Instead, do two simple checks:

Check biometrics validity using IRCC’s online tool (it shows whether biometrics are still valid).
Read the instructions in your IRCC account after you submit. If IRCC needs biometrics, you’ll see the BIL. If they don’t, you won’t get one.

A practical example: You gave biometrics for a Canadian visa a few years ago, and now you’re applying for a new visitor visa in 2026. If your biometrics are still within the 10-year window, IRCC may reuse them. If they’ve expired, you’ll be prompted to pay again and you’ll receive a new BIL.

The extra costs most people forget (VAC fees, medical exams, police certificates, and documents)

When people budget for visa fees for Canada visitor visa, they usually stop at the IRCC application fee and biometrics. Then the “small things” start stacking up, and the total jumps. These extras often go to third parties (VACs, clinics, translators, and government offices), so they can feel unpredictable.

A good way to plan is to treat this section like a checklist. If you tick off what applies to you, you’ll avoid last-minute spending and delays.

VAC fees and courier charges: why the amount depends on where you apply

If you give biometrics or submit a passport through a Visa Application Centre (VAC), expect service fees on top of IRCC fees. These fees vary by country and city, because VACs price services locally and may offer different “add-ons” depending on where you apply.

Common VAC-related costs to watch for include:

Passport transmission: after approval, many applicants must submit their passport via the VAC for visa stamping. The VAC may charge a handling fee for this service.
Courier return: getting your passport returned by courier is often optional, but many people choose it for safety and time.
Appointment-related fees: some locations charge for premium appointment slots or special submission services.
SMS or email updates: convenient, but it’s another line item.
Printing and scanning: if you arrive with missing pages, the VAC can print or scan for a fee.
Passport photo services: if your photos do not meet specs, you may pay for new ones on the spot.

Why this matters: two applicants can pay the same IRCC fees, but end up with different totals because their VAC charges are different. In some countries, VAC service fees are modest, in others they are noticeably higher, and optional services (courier, SMS, premium lounge) can push the total up fast.

Practical tip: before you submit your application, check the VAC website for your country and read the “Fees” page carefully. Do it before you book travel or appointments, because the VAC costs and service options can change.

Medical exam costs: only for some visitors

Most visitor visa applicants do not need a medical exam, especially for a short trip. A medical exam usually comes up only when IRCC says you need one, or when your situation clearly triggers it.

In plain terms, the common triggers are:

Long stays: if you plan to stay more than 6 months.
Time spent in certain countries: if you lived in or visited certain countries for 6 months or more in a row (IRCC flags some locations due to public health risk).
Certain jobs: work that involves close contact with vulnerable people (for example, health care or child care), even if the trip is not “work” in the usual sense.
IRCC request: sometimes IRCC asks based on your history or file review.

Here’s the key budgeting point: you don’t pay IRCC for the medical exam. You pay an IRCC-approved panel physician directly. Costs depend on the clinic, your age, and which tests are required (an adult exam can include lab tests and a chest X-ray).

Also plan for the hidden add-ons that come with a medical:

Transport to the clinic (especially if you live outside the city)
Extra tests if the clinic requests them
Copies, photos, or ID requirements the clinic asks you to bring

If IRCC requests a medical, treat it like a timed task with a price tag. Book quickly, keep receipts, and follow the clinic’s instructions so you do not repeat tests.

Police certificates and supporting documents that can add up

Police certificates are not automatic for every visitor. Many TRV applicants never need one. Still, IRCC can request police certificates, and if they do, the cost and effort depend heavily on the country issuing it and how fast you need it.

Common scenarios where a police certificate may be requested include:

Longer stays (especially over 6 months)
A complex travel or residence history
Time spent living abroad for extended periods
Any concerns raised during review

If requested, you might need certificates from each country where you lived for 6 months or more since age 18. Each certificate can come with its own fees, fingerprints, photos, postage, and processing time.

Beyond police checks, supporting documents can quietly become a big part of your visa fees for Canada visitor visa budget. Typical costs include:

Certified translations (if documents are not in English or French)
Affidavits (for name differences, missing documents, or clarifying family ties)
Notarization or certification of copies
Bank statement charges (some banks charge for stamped statements or reference letters)
Printing and scanning (especially for large PDF uploads)
Passport photos (if you need physical photos for VAC or medical clinics)
Internet or cyber cafe fees (uploads, account access, document scans)
Postage and courier (sending documents or getting certificates delivered)
Travel to biometrics appointments (transport, meals, and sometimes an overnight stay)

If you want a clean way to budget, think in two buckets: fees you pay to IRCC, and case-and-location costs (VAC, documents, clinic, travel). The first bucket is predictable. The second bucket is where most people overspend because they didn’t plan for it early.

How to pay Canada visitor visa fees safely and avoid common money mistakes

Paying your visa fees shouldn’t feel risky. The safest approach is simple: pay directly inside your official IRCC account during your application. That way, your payment automatically attaches to your file, and you can download proof anytime.

Be careful with “helpful” links sent on WhatsApp, email, or social media. A real IRCC payment happens on an IRCC secure page, and it generates an IRCC receipt. If someone says they paid for you but can’t provide a proper receipt, treat that as a red flag.

Paying online through your IRCC account, and keeping proof of payment

Most applicants pay online at the point of submission (or when IRCC prompts payment in the portal). Use a bank card you control, on a device you trust, with stable internet. Avoid public Wi-Fi when you can, because payment pages contain personal and card details.

After payment, don’t just close the tab and move on. Save your proof of payment immediately, in two places (for example, your phone and email).

An official IRCC proof of payment usually includes:

A payment confirmation shown in your IRCC account after the transaction
A downloadable receipt (PDF), with an IRCC receipt number or confirmation number
A record in your account history showing the fee was paid

Receipts matter for real-life problems that happen to normal people, like:

Proving you paid if your application shows “incomplete” due to a payment mismatch
Fixing an accidental double payment, where you may need to request a refund (refunds are not automatic, and you’ll be asked for receipt details)
Tracking who paid for what when you apply as a couple or family

Quick habit that helps: rename the file clearly, like IRCC_TRV_fee_receipt_John_Njeri_2026.pdf, so you can find it fast later.

Common fee mistakes that delay applications

Most payment problems come from small mix-ups, not big ones. Here are the ones that show up again and again, plus how to avoid them.

Paying only CA$100 and forgetting biometrics: The visitor visa (TRV) processing fee is CA$100 per person, but many applicants also need biometrics at CA$85 per person. If you miss biometrics payment when required, your file can stall until it’s fixed.
Mixing up a visitor visa (TRV) vs an eTA: A TRV is for visa-required nationals, an eTA is for visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada. Paying the wrong fee type can mean you paid for the wrong product.
Selecting the wrong number of applicants: One wrong click can underpay (which triggers delays) or overpay (which triggers refund steps). Double-check the count for adults and children before you confirm.
Paying twice: It happens when a payment page times out, you refresh, or you submit again from a second device. Before paying again, check your IRCC account for a posted receipt.
Currency conversion surprises: IRCC fees are in CAD, but your card may charge extra due to exchange rates and cross-border fees. Budget a small buffer so the payment doesn’t fail.
Not budgeting for VAC and courier costs: VAC service fees, passport transmission, and courier charges are separate from IRCC fees and vary by location. Plan for them early so you’re not stuck after approval.

Here’s a mini checklist to run before you hit “Pay”:

Confirm you’re paying inside your IRCC secure account, not a third-party link.
Confirm the fee type (TRV vs any other category).
Confirm the number of applicants matches your forms.
Add biometrics (if needed), plus a buffer for card exchange fees.
Plan for VAC and courier costs later, so you’re not surprised.

Refunds, refusals, and fee changes: what happens to your money

When you pay visa fees for Canada visitor visa, you’re paying IRCC to review your application, not buying an approval. Think of it like paying a doctor’s consultation fee, you’re paying for the assessment, even if the outcome is not what you hoped for.

That’s why refund rules can feel unfair at first. But they follow a simple idea: some fees cover work already done (so they usually won’t come back), while others may be refundable if IRCC never started, never completed a step, or returns your file.

If your Canada visitor visa is refused, do you get the fees back

In most cases, a refusal doesn’t mean a refund. The main processing fee is generally not refunded just because you were refused, because IRCC still opened the file and made a decision.

Biometrics is also important here. Biometrics fees are usually not refunded once biometrics are collected, because the service has already happened (fingerprints and photo were taken and stored for future use). So if you gave biometrics and then got refused, don’t count on getting that money back.

Refunds can still happen in a few real situations, and the exact rule depends on IRCC policy at the time:

You withdraw before processing starts: If you submit and pay, then withdraw quickly (before IRCC begins processing), IRCC policy can allow a full refund for the fees tied to processing.
Your application is returned as incomplete: If IRCC returns the application because it’s incomplete (missing forms, signatures, required uploads, or other required items), you may get fees back depending on the specific reason and the current policy. Don’t assume it’s automatic.
Overpayment or duplicate payment: If you accidentally pay twice, refunds are possible, but you’ll need your receipt details.

Because policies and handling can change, treat any refund expectation as a “maybe,” not a plan. If you want help after a refusal, this guide on How to appeal a Canada visitor visa refusal can help you understand your options (reconsideration vs judicial review).

How to protect yourself from fee changes and scams

Fees can change, sometimes with little warning. IRCC updated various immigration fees in late 2025, tied to inflation adjustments, so the safest habit is to verify the current fee list right before you pay, even if you checked last week.

Your best protection is simple:

Pay only on official IRCC platforms (inside your IRCC account or on official Government of Canada payment pages).
Save your receipts immediately (PDF and screenshot), then keep them in a dedicated folder.

Watch for scam signs, especially on WhatsApp and Facebook:

Pressure to pay by mobile money to a personal number
No official receipt, or they send a “receipt” that isn’t from IRCC
Promises of a guaranteed visa (nobody can guarantee approval)
Requests to “pay fast” to hold a slot, speed up approval, or bypass biometrics

If you’re refused, don’t panic or rush to pay again. Read the refusal reasons, fix what was weak, then reapply with stronger documents if it makes sense, and keep every payment receipt for your records.

Conclusion

Visa fees for Canada visitor visa are simple on paper, but the final total depends on your steps and location. The core IRCC charge is CA$100 per applicant for the visitor visa application. Most people also pay CA$85 per person for biometrics, with a family biometrics cap of CA$170 when eligible family members apply together. After that, plan for add-ons that do not go to IRCC, like VAC service fees, courier costs, travel to give biometrics, and document expenses such as translations, photos, notarization, or bank statement charges.

The best approach is to budget in two buckets, IRCC fees first, then your real-world extras. That way, you avoid last-minute stress and rushed choices.

Checklist for your next step:
Confirm the latest fees on IRCC
Gather documents early
Budget for VAC and document add-ons
Submit and pay online
Book biometrics after you get the BIL

Visa Fees for Canada Visitor Visa in 2026: Full Cost Breakdown (IRCC, Biometrics, Extras)