Super Visa Application Fee: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

When you're preparing a Super Visa application for your parents or grandparents, the government processing fees are probably the most straightforward part of the entire process. Unlike medical insurance costs that vary wildly based on age and health, everyone pays the same application fee to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)—no exceptions, no negotiation.

But "straightforward" doesn't mean there aren't important details to understand. When do you pay? Can you get a refund if things don't work out? What payment methods does IRCC accept? Let's break it all down.

The $100 CAD Processing Fee Explained

The Super Visa application processing fee is exactly $100 CAD per applicant. This fee covers IRCC's administrative costs to review your application, conduct background checks, and make a decision on whether to approve or refuse the visa.

This isn't a deposit or a reservation fee—it's payment for the service of having your application assessed. Think of it like paying an admission fee to submit your case. Whether IRCC approves or denies the Super Visa, they've still invested time and resources into processing your application, which is why this fee is non-refundable once processing begins.

What the Processing Fee Covers

• Application review: Officers assess your submitted documents, letter of invitation, and proof of insurance
• Eligibility verification: Checking that you meet parent/grandparent relationship requirements and LICO income thresholds
• Background screening: Security and admissibility checks to ensure you don't pose a risk to Canada
• Decision-making: Final assessment and visa issuance (if approved) or refusal letter (if denied)

Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD (But You Might Not Pay It)

In addition to the processing fee, most Super Visa applicants must provide biometrics—fingerprints and a digital photograph. This costs $85 CAD per person, with a maximum family fee of $170 CAD if two or more family members are applying together.

Here's the Good News About Biometrics

Biometrics are valid for 10 years from the date they're collected. If your parent or grandparent provided biometrics for any previous Canadian visa application (visitor visa, study permit, work permit) within the last decade, they don't need to provide them again—and they won't pay the $85 fee.

You can check biometrics validity on IRCC's website before submitting your application. If they're still valid, you'll save $85 right off the bat.

How to Pay Your Super Visa Application Fee

IRCC accepts payment through several methods, all processed through their secure online payment system:

When Do You Pay the Application Fee?

You pay the Super Visa application fee when you submit your application. The payment process works like this:

1. Complete your Super Visa application form online through IRCC's portal
2. Upload all required documents (letter of invitation, proof of insurance, passport copies, etc.)
3. Click "Submit" and you'll be directed to the payment page
4. Pay the $100 processing fee and $85 biometrics fee (if required) using one of the accepted payment methods
5. Save your official payment receipt—you'll need it to track your application

Your application isn't considered "submitted" until payment is complete. IRCC won't begin processing until they receive payment confirmation.

Can You Get a Refund on the Application Fee?

Here's where things get a bit strict. The $100 processing fee is non-refundable in most cases once IRCC begins processing your application. Even if your Super Visa is refused, you won't get this money back.

Why? Because IRCC has already invested time and resources into reviewing your case, conducting background checks, and making a decision. The fee covers these administrative costs regardless of whether the outcome is approval or refusal.

Exceptions: When You CAN Get a Refund

There are a few specific circumstances where IRCC will refund your application fee:

• Application returned without processing: If IRCC returns your application because it's incomplete, missing required documents, or was submitted before a program reopened, you'll receive a full refund.
• Withdrawal before processing begins: If you withdraw your application before IRCC starts reviewing it, you may be eligible for a refund (though timing this is tricky).
• Overpayment: If you accidentally pay more than required, IRCC will process your application and refund the difference.
• Fees paid but application not submitted: If you pay online but decide not to submit the application, you can request a refund through IRCC's webform.

Special Note on Biometrics Refunds

Biometrics fees are treated differently. While they're non-refundable if your application is refused, IRCC must refund the biometrics fee if:

• Biometrics collection didn't occur at all
• You were required to provide biometrics in error (e.g., you were actually exempt)
• You paid for biometrics but they were already valid from a previous application

Application Fee vs. Total Super Visa Cost

It's easy to fixate on the $185 government fee and think "that's not too bad"—but remember, this is just one component of the total Super Visa cost. The mandatory medical insurance is where most families feel the financial impact, with annual premiums ranging from $1,200 to $5,000+ depending on age and health status.

Add in the medical examination ($200-$500) and potential document translation costs, and your all-in first-year expenses typically land between $1,485 and $5,385 CAD. The $185 application fee represents only about 10-15% of the total cost for most applicants.

For a complete breakdown of all Super Visa costs, check out our detailed guide: How Much Does a Super Visa Cost in 2026?