How Much Does an H&C Application Cost in Canada? Government Fees in 2026
The short answer: According to IRCC's fee list (checked October 2026), an H&C application costs $660 for the principal applicant, $660 for a spouse or common-law partner and $180 for each dependent child, plus a $600 right of permanent residence fee and a biometrics fee. IRCC says the $600 fee is refunded if the application is withdrawn or refused. Document costs such as translations, police certificates and medical exams are extra, and representative fees are set by the representative, not by IRCC. Always confirm current amounts on IRCC's fee list before you pay.
What are the IRCC government fees for an H&C application?
These are the amounts on IRCC's fee list, as checked in October 2026, for an H&C application made from inside Canada:
Processing fee, principal applicant: $660
Processing fee, spouse or common-law partner: $660
Processing fee, each dependent child: $180
Right of permanent residence fee: $600 (IRCC does not charge it for dependent children)
Biometrics fee: currently $85 per person, or $170 for a family of two or more applying together (confirm on IRCC's fee list)
IRCC's fee tool shows the processing fee both with and without the $600 right of permanent residence fee. IRCC recommends paying it with the application to avoid delays, and IRCC's pages are not worded the same way about who owes it, so use the fee tool to confirm the amount that applies to your family before you pay. A "dependent child" is defined in the immigration regulations, so check IRCC's definition for each child. Fees can change, and they did on April 30, 2026. IRCC says applications made in Canada are paid for online only.
What would the total be for a typical family?
As an illustration only, using the amounts above and before biometrics: a single applicant pays $660 + $600 = $1,260. A couple pays ($660 + $600) + ($660 + $600) = $2,520. Each dependent child adds $180, with no $600 fee. Then add the biometrics fee. Use IRCC's fee tool for your exact total.
Is the H&C fee refundable?
IRCC's fee list says the $600 right of permanent residence fee is refunded if the application is withdrawn or refused. IRCC says it is the only fee it can refund after it starts processing, so do not expect the processing or biometrics fees back. IRCC's refund rules say the refund goes to the principal applicant, not to a representative or another person who paid, and a refund can be delayed if the decision is challenged. Check IRCC's refund rules for your situation before you rely on a refund.
What other costs should I plan for?
IRCC's fees are only part of the cost. Depending on your case, you may also pay for:
Certified translations of documents not in English or French
Police certificates
An immigration medical exam, which IRCC says is not needed before stage one and will be requested later if required
A psychological or medical report, if you choose to include one
Courier, photocopying and document replacement
A representative, if you hire one
Who sets a representative's fee?
IRCC does not set the fees of lawyers or consultants. IRCC says that if you pay someone to help with your application, they must be a lawyer or Quebec notary, or a consultant licensed with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Fees vary with the work involved. A CICC-licensed consultant must give you a written service agreement that sets out the services, the fees and any payment plan, so get the scope of work, the fee and what is not included in writing before you pay, and verify the licence on the CICC public register. See how to choose a regulated immigration consultant and whether you need a lawyer or an RCIC.
E-Pathway offers full representation for H&C applications. Payment plans for full representation are discussed in your consultation, and terms depend on the case.
Do I need to hire anyone?
No. IRCC does not require you to hire a representative for an H&C application. You can apply yourself. An H&C application is a request for an exception, and what you show and how you explain it matter. Many people want a professional to review their evidence and submission before they file.
Who does this affect?
Families budgeting for an H&C application
Applicants comparing doing it themselves with hiring help
Applicants whose application was refused and who are deciding whether to apply again
What should you do?
Open IRCC's fee list and calculate your family's total.
List the other costs for your case (translations, police certificates).
Check the licence of any representative on the CICC register before you pay.
Get the fee and scope of work in writing.
Keep every receipt.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to apply for H&C in Canada in 2026?
According to IRCC's fee list (checked October 2026): $660 for the principal applicant, $660 for a spouse or partner, $180 per dependent child, a $600 right of permanent residence fee and a biometrics fee.
Is the H&C application fee refundable?
IRCC says the $600 right of permanent residence fee is refunded if the application is withdrawn or refused, but processing and biometrics fees are not refunded once processing starts.
Are there extra costs beyond IRCC's fees?
Often yes. Translations, police certificates, an immigration medical exam when requested, and any supporting reports are paid separately.
Can I apply for H&C without a lawyer or consultant?
Yes. IRCC does not require you to use a representative. If you want paid help, IRCC says the person must be a licensed lawyer, Quebec notary or CICC-licensed consultant.
Do immigration consultants offer payment plans?
It depends on the representative. At E-Pathway, payment plans for full representation are discussed in a consultation.
Key takeaways
IRCC fees (October 2026): $660 principal, $660 spouse, $180 per child, plus a $600 right of permanent residence fee and biometrics.
The $600 fee is refunded to the principal applicant if the application is withdrawn or refused. Other fees are not refunded once processing starts.
Translations, police certificates and medical exams are extra.
IRCC does not set representative fees, so get them in writing.
The bottom line
The government fees are set and published by IRCC, so start with IRCC's fee list, and confirm the amounts again before you pay because they can change. The other costs depend on your documents and whether you hire help. Work out the total before you apply, and keep every receipt.
Want to talk about your H&C application and the costs involved? E-Pathway Immigration, led by Domonic Cheung, RCIC in Vancouver, can review your situation. Book a case review.
Related guides: H&C complete guide · How to apply for H&C · H&C documents checklist · H&C processing time · H&C services in Vancouver · H&C guide index
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources: IRCC fee list · IRCC: Humanitarian and compassionate considerations · IRCC Guide 5291 · CICC public register
This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration options and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Consult a qualified representative for advice about your situation.
About the author
Domonic Cheung is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), licence R711344, with E-Pathway Immigration in Vancouver, BC. You can verify his licence on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register.
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