The fees charged by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) can vary widely depending on several key factors. It is important to note that the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) has not established or approved a standardized fee table. CICC’s regulation says, “All fees shall be fair and reasonable”. Therefore, the onus goes to the RCIC to come up with the fair and reasonable fees.
The fee ranges provided are intended to reflect prevailing market practices and are for general informational purposes only. Individuals are responsible for conducting their own due diligence and forming independent judgments before making any decisions. Prior to reviewing these estimates, it is important to understand the key factors that contribute to the variation in fees. The following outlines the primary considerations that may explain the differences in fees charged by various RCICs
- Experience and Reputation
- More experienced RCICs or those with a strong track record may charge higher fees.
- Consultants with a niche expertise (e.g., complex immigration cases, appeals) may also charge more.
- Type and Complexity of the Service
- Simple applications (e.g., ETA, visitor visa) typically cost less than complex ones (e.g., Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, LMIA, PR under humanitarian grounds).
- Scope of Services Included
- Some RCICs offer full-service packages including document review, interview prep, translations, etc., while others may offer a limited-scope retainer.
- Flat fee vs. hourly billing can also affect total cost.
- Location of the Consultant
- RCICs in major Canadian cities (e.g., Toronto, Vancouver) tend to charge more due to higher overhead costs.
- International RCICs or those operating virtually from lower-cost regions may charge less.
- Business Model and Overhead
- Solo practitioners may have lower fees than consultants working for large firms or agencies with higher operational costs.
- Client Demand
- High-demand consultants may price their services higher due to limited availability.
- Some offer tiered pricing or priority processing for additional fees.
- Languages and Cultural Support
- RCICs offering services in multiple languages or who cater to specific immigrant communities may charge differently depending on market demand and the added support they provide.
Here’s a sample Service Fee List for a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), based on common immigration services offered across Canada. This list reflects average market rates as of 2025:
✳️ Initial Consultation
| Service | Fee (CAD) |
| Initial Consultation (30-60 mins) | $100 – $250 |
🧑🎓 Study Permit
| Service | Fee (CAD) |
| Study Permit for adults (First Application) | $800 – $1,500 |
| Study Permit for minors (First Application) | $1500 – $2,000 |
| Study Permit Extension | $400 – $800 |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | $500 – $900 |
👷 Work Permit
| Service | Fee (CAD) |
| Employer-Specific Work Permit | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| LMIA Application (Employer-side) | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Open Work Permit (SOWP / BOWP / VOWP) | $600 – $1,200 |
| Bridging Open Work Permit | $400 – $800 |
| Vulnerable Open Work Permit | $800 – $1200 |
🏡 Permanent Residence (skilled base / economic programs)
| Service | Fee (CAD) |
| Express Entry /Federal Skilled Worker / CEC / FST | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program including AIP, RCIP (PNP part only) | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP + Federal application) | $4,500 – $5,500 |
| Caregiver Programs | $3,000- $5,000 |
| Start up visa program (legal representation only, without any incubation) | $15,000- $20,000 |
💍 Family Sponsorship
| Service | Fee (CAD) |
| Spousal Sponsorship (Inland/Outland) | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Dependent Child Sponsorship (in addition to the spouse) | $500 – $1,000 |
| Parent/Grandparent Sponsorship | $2,500 – $4,000 |
🛂 Visitor Visa / eTA / TRV
| Service | Fee (CAD) |
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | $700 – $1000 |
| Super Visa (for Parents/Grandparents) | $800 – $1,500 |
| Business visitor visa | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| eTA Assistance | $100 – $200 |
📢 Citizenship & PR Card
| Service | Fee (CAD) |
| Canadian Citizenship Application | $500 – $1,000 |
| PR Card Renewal | $200 – $400 |
| PR Travel Document | $400 – $800 |
⚖️ Other Services
| Service | Fee (CAD) |
| GCMS Notes Request | $100 – $200 |
| Application Review Only (for DIY applicants) | $300 – $700 |
| Representation Before IRCC (Response to procedural fairness, etc.) | $200 – $400/hour |
👋 IRB Services
| Service | Fee (CAD) |
|
Refugee Protection Division (RPD) |
|
| Initial Claim Preparation & Submission (Basis of Claim Form) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Hearing Preparation (including client meetings and submissions) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Representation at Refugee Hearing | $1,000 – $1,500 |
|
Refugee Appeal Division (RAD) |
|
| Notice of Appeal & Documentation Review | $800 – $1,200 |
| Legal Written Submissions (Memorandum of Argument) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Response to Minister’s Intervention (if applicable) | $500 – $800 |
|
Immigration Division (ID) |
|
| Detention Review Representation | $750 – $1,500 |
| Admissibility Hearing Preparation and Representation | $1,000 – $2,000 |
|
Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) |
|
| Notice of Appeal & File Review | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| Disclosure Package Preparation | $800 – $1,200 |
| Written Submissions & Representation at Hearing | $1,500 – $3,000 |
|
Additional Services |
|
| File Access Requests (ATIP) | $200 – $400 |
| Translations (if applicable, per page) | $30 – $50 |
| Per Hour Consultation Rate (General IRB Matters) | $200 – $400/hour |
✅ Note: These are the average fee ranges. HST/GST may be applicable. Always confirm scope of services, payment terms, and retainer agreement with your client(s).
