On this page you will find
- New citizenship fee changes for 2026
- Updated permanent residence application fees
- Key dates for fee increases
- Reasons behind the changes
- What applicants should do next
Canada is set to increase several immigration and citizenship fees in 2026, with changes affecting permanent residence applicants and new citizens. The updates reflect the government’s effort to keep pace with inflation and maintain processing services as demand for immigration remains high.
Two key dates will apply. The right of citizenship fee will rise first, followed by broader increases to permanent residence application fees across multiple programs.
Citizenship Fee Increase Takes Effect March 31, 2026
The right of citizenship fee for adult applicants will increase slightly at the end of March.
- Fee rises from $119.75 to $123
- Increase of $3.25
- Citizenship application processing fee remains $530
This annual adjustment is made under the Service Fees Act, which links certain government fees to inflation. The aim is to ensure stable funding for citizenship processing while keeping increases relatively modest.
For applicants, the timing is important. Submitting an application before March 31, 2026 means paying the current fee. Applications received on or after that date will be charged the new amount.
Permanent Residence Fees Rise April 30, 2026
A broader set of fee increases will take effect one month later, impacting most permanent residence pathways.
The right of permanent residence fee will increase from $575 to $600. This fee applies to most applicants when their application is approved.
Application fees for specific programs will also rise:
- Provincial Nominee Program – from $950 to $990
- Business immigration – from $1,810 to $1,895
- Family class sponsorship – from $545 to $570
- Protected persons – from $635 to $660
- Humanitarian and compassionate applications – from $635 to $660
- Permit holders class – from $375 to $390
These changes apply to applications received on or after April 30, 2026.
Why Canada Is Increasing Fees
Canada adjusts permanent residence fees every two years under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. The goal is to reflect the cost of delivering immigration programs and respond to rising demand.
Citizenship fees follow a different structure. The right of citizenship fee is updated annually based on inflation, ensuring the program remains financially sustainable over time.
While the increases are relatively small, they reflect a broader trend of gradual fee adjustments across Canada’s immigration system.
What This Means for Applicants
For prospective immigrants and citizenship applicants, the main takeaway is timing.
Submitting an application before the new fee dates can result in small savings, particularly for families applying together. For example, increases in permanent residence fees can add up when multiple applicants are included in one file.
At the same time, the changes are unlikely to significantly affect overall immigration plans. Canada continues to welcome large numbers of newcomers, and application fees remain only one part of the overall cost of immigrating.
A System Under Pressure from Demand
The fee increases also highlight the continued demand for Canadian immigration and citizenship. As application volumes remain high, the government is adjusting fees to support processing capacity and maintain service standards.
For applicants, this reinforces the importance of preparing complete, accurate applications to avoid delays and additional costs.
FAQ
When do the new citizenship fees take effect in Canada?
The new right of citizenship fee takes effect on March 31, 2026. Applications received on or after that date will be charged the updated fee. Applicants who submit before the deadline can still pay the current rate.
When will permanent residence fees increase?
Permanent residence fees will increase on April 30, 2026. This applies to most immigration programs, including provincial nominees, family sponsorship and business immigration. Applications submitted on or after that date must include the updated fees.
How much is the new right of permanent residence fee?
The right of permanent residence fee will increase from $575 to $600. This fee is typically paid when an application is approved and is required before permanent resident status is granted.
Why does Canada increase immigration fees?
Canada adjusts fees to reflect inflation and the cost of delivering immigration and citizenship programs. Permanent residence fees are updated every two years, while some citizenship fees are adjusted annually under federal legislation.
Can I avoid paying the higher fees?
You can avoid the higher fees by submitting your application before the new fee dates. However, it is important to ensure your application is complete, as incomplete submissions may be returned and then subject to the updated fees.
