How Much Is Family Visa to Canada 2026

Quick Answer

From the UAE, a Canadian family sponsorship or visitor visa for a spouse and two children costs roughly AED 7,500–9,500 in government fees plus medicals, biometrics and courier. The exact amount depends on the stream (visitor, spousal sponsorship or dependent child) and the number of applicants.

Why UAE Residents Ask About Canada Family Visas

Many expats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have Canadian PR or citizenship and want to bring family members over. Others are planning a long-stay visit to see relatives already settled in Canada. Because applications are handled online through IRCC, the fees are the same whether you apply from the UAE or anywhere else, but local costs for medicals, biometrics and courier add up.

Official IRCC Fees in 2026 (AED)

All figures below are converted at 1 CAD = 2.72 AED and rounded. Always confirm the live CAD amount on the IRCC website before you pay.

• Visitor visa (per adult): CAD 100 / AED 272
• Visitor visa (per child under 18): CAD 100 / AED 272
• Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): CAD 200 / AED 544
• Spousal sponsorship main fee: CAD 1,080 / AED 2,938
• Dependent child sponsorship: CAD 155 / AED 422 each
• Biometrics (per person 14+): CAD 85 / AED 231

Step-by-Step Cost Breakdown for a Typical Family

Scenario: Dubai-based Canadian PR sponsoring spouse + two children (ages 10 and 14)

1. Sponsorship application fee: AED 2,938
2. Two dependent children: AED 844
3. Biometrics for three applicants: AED 693
4. Medical exams (Dubai or Abu Dhabi panel physician): AED 1,200–1,500 total
5. Police certificates (if requested): AED 600–800
6. Document courier to Canada: AED 250–400
7. Subtotal: AED 6,525–7,175

Add a 10–15 % buffer for exchange-rate changes and possible re-submission of documents.

Additional Costs Most Families Forget

• Translation of Arabic documents into English or French: AED 300–600 per document.
• Canadian medical exam repeat if one family member fails: AED 400–600 each.
• Passport photos and certified copies: AED 150–250.
• IRCC portal access or representative fees (if you hire a RCIC): CAD 1,000–3,000 / AED 2,720–8,160.

Common Mistakes That Increase the Total

• Paying the wrong fee because you chose “visitor” when sponsorship is required.
• Skipping the medical exam until the last minute, causing a six-month delay.
• Using an expired police certificate; IRCC wants one issued within six months of submission.
• Forgetting that children turning 18 during processing must pay the adult biometrics fee.

Tips to Keep Costs Down

• Book the medical exam at the first panel physician you can reach; prices in Abu Dhabi are often AED 50–100 cheaper than Dubai.
• Upload colour scans yourself instead of paying a typing centre to do it.
• Group courier shipments: one FedEx envelope for the entire family saves AED 120–150.
• Check the IRCC fee schedule every January; small annual increases are common.

Visitor Visa vs Sponsorship: Which Route Costs More?

A visitor visa is cheaper upfront but limits your stay to six months and cannot be extended inside Canada. Sponsorship gives permanent status yet carries higher fees and a three-year undertaking. If your goal is short tourism, visitor fees of AED 272 per person are enough. If you plan to live together long-term, budget for the sponsorship route.

Key Takeaway

Expect to spend AED 7,000–9,500 for a family of three when applying from the UAE. The largest variables are medical exams, document translation and whether you need professional help. Start by confirming the latest IRCC amounts in Canadian dollars, then add local UAE costs for medicals and courier. Planning ahead avoids last-minute top-ups and keeps the process smooth for everyone involved.