Updated 1 November 2026
The Canada Express Entry cost for Kenyans starts with Canadian government fees of CAD 1,590 for the main applicant (CAD 990 processing plus CAD 600 right of permanent residence fee), another CAD 1,590 for a spouse and CAD 270 per dependent child, plus CAD 85 for biometrics (CAD 170 for a family). On top of that, Federal Skilled Worker applicants without a Canadian job offer must show settlement funds: CAD 15,263 for a single person on the latest table we could access. Language tests, credential assessment, medicals and police certificates come on top.
Updated November 2026. Fees from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) fee list at ircc.canada.ca, checked 1 November 2026; proof-of-funds table from canada.ca (dated 7 July 2025).
Canada Express Entry cost for Kenyans: government fees (CAD)
| Fee | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant (processing + right of permanent residence fee) | 1,590 |
| Main applicant without right of permanent residence fee | 990 |
| Spouse or partner (with RPRF) | 1,590 |
| Each dependent child | 270 |
| Biometrics, one person | 85 |
| Biometrics, family of 2 or more applying together (maximum) | 170 |
Source: IRCC fee list, economic immigration (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee and related programmes).
What the fees add up to for a Kenyan family
| Household | Government fees (CAD) | How we got there |
|---|---|---|
| Single applicant | 1,675 | 1,590 + 85 biometrics |
| Couple | 3,350 | 1,590 x 2 + 170 family biometrics |
| Couple with two children | 3,890 | 1,590 x 2 + 270 x 2 + 170 |
You can choose to pay the right of permanent residence fee later, when IRCC asks for it, which lowers the upfront amount to CAD 990 per adult. It still has to be paid before you become a permanent resident.
Proof of funds: the biggest cost to plan for
If you apply under the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades programme and do not have a valid Canadian job offer with work authorisation, you must show you have money to settle. IRCC sets this at 50% of Canada’s low-income cut-off and updates it every year. The latest table we could access on canada.ca, dated 7 July 2025, sets:
| Family members | Funds needed (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 15,263 |
| 2 | 19,001 |
| 3 | 23,360 |
| 4 | 28,362 |
| 5 | 32,168 |
| Each extra member beyond 7 | 4,112 |
Check the live canada.ca page before you apply, as the figures change each year. The money must be yours and accessible: IRCC says you cannot count equity in property or money borrowed from another person. You need official letters from every bank where you hold an account, showing current balances, account opening dates, outstanding debts and the average balance over the past six months. Canadian Experience Class applicants and those with a valid job offer and work authorisation do not need proof of funds.
For Kenyans, this means building a six-month savings record in a Kenyan account well before you are invited. Our guide on diaspora bank accounts covers account options, and a money market fund vs fixed deposit comparison helps you decide where to park savings while you wait (check that your bank can issue the letter IRCC wants).
Other costs outside the IRCC fee list
- Language test: IELTS General Training or another approved test. See IELTS fees in Kenya and IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL (check which tests IRCC accepts for permanent residence).
- Educational credential assessment (ECA): required for foreign degrees under the Federal Skilled Worker programme, from an IRCC-designated organisation; fees are set by each organisation.
- Medical exam: done by an IRCC panel physician; the clinic sets the price.
- Police certificate: a Kenyan certificate of good conduct from the DCI, applied for on eCitizen.
- Flights and first months’ rent: covered, in practice, by your settlement funds.
Avoid paying agents for what is free
Creating an Express Entry profile on IRCC’s website is free, and you do not need an agent to apply. If you use a consultant, check they are licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants in Canada, and see our guide to what recruitment agencies can legally charge. Comparing destinations? Read about the Germany Opportunity Card for Kenyans.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Canada Express Entry cost for one person from Kenya?
Government fees are CAD 1,590 plus CAD 85 for biometrics, a total of CAD 1,675, before language tests, credential assessment, medicals and police certificates.
How much proof of funds do I need for Express Entry?
On the canada.ca table dated 7 July 2025, CAD 15,263 for one person and CAD 28,362 for a family of four. IRCC updates the amounts every year.
Do I need proof of funds if I have a job offer?
No, if you are authorised to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, or if you apply under the Canadian Experience Class.
Can I use a loan or land title as proof of funds?
No. IRCC says you cannot use equity in real property or money borrowed from another person.
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