Getting permanent residency in a new country is a big decision. It can change your life and open the door to many new opportunities. But before you start the process, it’s important to understand how much it will cost. How much does it cost to get permanent residency? The cost of permanent residency can be different depending on the country you apply to, your personal situation, and the type of application you submit. In this article, we will break it all down in simple terms so you can plan ahead with confidence.
What Is Permanent Residency?
Permanent residency, also called PR, means that you are allowed to live and work in a country for an unlimited amount of time. It is not the same as citizenship, but it does give you many of the same rights. Permanent residents can usually work, study, and enjoy most public services in their new country. However, they still keep the citizenship of their home country and may not have the right to vote or get a passport from their new country.
What Affects the Cost of Permanent Residency?
The total cost of applying for permanent residency depends on many things, such as:
The country you apply to
Application type (family, work, investment, etc.)
Legal or consultant fees
Medical checks
Police certificates
Translations and document preparation
Government application fees
These costs can add up quickly. Some are one-time fees, and others may be ongoing, like travel costs or document renewals. It’s important to plan your budget carefully.
Cost of Permanent Residency in Popular Countries
Let’s take a look at how much it usually costs to apply for permanent residency in some popular immigration destinations. Remember that these are average estimates and may change.
United States
The United States offers permanent residency through a green card. This can be gained through family sponsorship, employment, or special programs.
Application fee for adjustment of status: Around $1,225 (including biometrics)
Medical exam: $200–$500
Attorney or immigration consultant fees: $1,000–$5,000
Other costs (translations, courier, etc.): $100–$500
So, for one person, the total cost may range between $2,500 and $7,000 depending on the case.
If applying through an employment-based green card, employers often cover the main costs, but not always.
Canada
Canada is known for its clear and organized immigration system. Most people apply through Express Entry, family sponsorship, or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Government fees for permanent residence: Around CAD 1,365
Medical exam: CAD 200–400
Language test (IELTS/CELPIP): CAD 300
Educational credential assessment (ECA): CAD 200–300
Police certificates: Free to CAD 100 depending on country
Other expenses (translations, photos, etc.): CAD 100–300
Consultant or lawyer fees (optional): CAD 2,000–5,000
A single applicant might spend around CAD 2,500 to CAD 7,000 depending on whether they use a consultant or lawyer.
Australia
Australia offers permanent residency through the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, family visas, and business visas.
Visa application charge (Skilled Independent – subclass 189): AUD 4,640
Medical exam and police checks: AUD 500–800
Language test (IELTS/PTE): AUD 300
Skills assessment: AUD 300–1,000 depending on profession
Consultant or lawyer fees (optional): AUD 2,000–5,000
Other costs (photos, documents): AUD 100–300
Altogether, the cost for one person can be around AUD 6,000 to AUD 10,000.
United Kingdom
The UK offers several paths to permanent residency, known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Application fee for ILR: Around GBP 2,885
Healthcare surcharge (if applicable): GBP 624 per year for temporary visas (not for ILR itself)
Biometric fee: GBP 20
Legal fees (optional): GBP 1,000–3,000
Other costs: GBP 100–300
Applicants might spend around GBP 3,000 to GBP 6,000 in total.
Hidden Costs You Should Expect
There are some costs that many people don’t think about right away. These are not listed on government websites, but they can be important:
Travel costs for interviews or document delivery
Translation services for non-English documents
Document notarization
Passport renewal if yours is expiring soon
Language training if your test score is not high enough
These hidden costs can add a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars to your total expenses, especially if your case takes a long time or requires extra steps.
Do You Need a Lawyer or Consultant?
Hiring a lawyer or immigration consultant is not required in most countries. You can apply on your own. However, some people choose to get help because the process can be confusing or time-consuming. A good consultant can help you avoid mistakes that might delay or harm your case.
Consultant or legal fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of your case. If you choose to use one, make sure they are licensed or registered in the country where you’re applying.
Can You Get a Refund If Your Application Is Rejected?
Unfortunately, in most countries, application fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused. That means if your documents are incomplete or you don’t meet the requirements, you will lose the money you already spent.
Some parts of the process, like language tests or medical exams, also cannot be refunded. That’s why it’s very important to prepare carefully before applying.
Are There Cheaper Paths to Permanent Residency?
Yes, some immigration paths may cost less than others. For example:
Spousal or family sponsorship is often cheaper than skilled or business visas.
Refugee or humanitarian programs may have little or no fees, but these are only for people in special situations.
Some countries offer free or low-cost PR to people with certain skills or who invest in rural or low-population areas.
If you are flexible about where to move, research different countries and programs. Some smaller countries in Europe, Asia, or Latin America offer low-cost residency or citizenship for retirees or remote workers.
Tips to Reduce Costs
Here are some simple ways to save money when applying for permanent residency:
Apply without a consultant if your case is simple and you understand the process.
Check your documents carefully before submitting to avoid rejection.
Get free help from local community groups or legal aid services.
Use certified translators only when required — avoid overpaying for documents that don’t need translation.
Combine application steps when possible (some countries allow you to apply for work and PR together).
Apply early — fees may rise over time.
Conclusion
Getting permanent residency is a big financial commitment. The total cost can range from a few thousand to over ten thousand dollars depending on the country and your situation. It’s important to plan your budget, understand what you’re paying for, and avoid surprises.
Here are a few things to remember:
Always check the official immigration website of the country you’re applying to.
Compare programs to see which one fits your budget and profile best.
Keep all your receipts and documents — you may need them later.
Be patient. The process can take months or even years.
If you prepare well and understand the costs, permanent residency can be a great step toward building a better future. It gives you the freedom to live, work, and enjoy life in a new place. With the right planning, it’s a goal that’s within reach.
Related topics:
- How Much Does a Jordan Visa Cost for Travelers?
- How Much Does a Vietnam Work Permit Really Cost?
- How Much Does an Immigration Lawyer Make Monthly?
