Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has increased several immigration and citizenship application fees effective 1 December 2025. These changes apply to inadmissibility applications and International Experience Canada (IEC). The government adjusts fees periodically to recover part of the cost of delivering immigration and citizenship services.
On This Page You Will Find
- Overview of new 2025 immigration fee increases
- Table of old and new immigration fees
- Rules if you paid the old fees
- When IRCC requires you to pay the fee difference
- How to submit additional payments
The increases are modest but important for applicants to understand, especially if they submitted an application shortly before the fee change or mailed documents that may arrive after the effective date.
This article explains the updated fees, what happens if you paid the old amounts, and how to pay any fee difference that may be required.
2025 Immigration Fee Increases
IRCC raised inadmissibility-related fees and the IEC participation fee on 1 December 2025. The table below outlines the old and new fees.
Immigration and Citizenship Fee Changes (Effective 1 December 2025)
| Fee name | Old fee | New fee |
| Authorization to return to Canada | $479.75 | $492.50 |
| Temporary resident permit | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Inadmissible on grounds of criminality | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality | $1,199.00 | $1,231.00 |
| Restore status as a visitor – visa fee not needed | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Restore status as a worker | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Restore status as a worker + new work permit | $394.75 | $401.25 |
| Restore status as a student | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Restore status as a student + new study permit | $389.75 | $396.25 |
| International Experience Canada fee | $179.75 | $184.75 |
If You Paid the Old Fees
If you applied online, IRCC received your application immediately, and you should ensure that you paid the correct fee before submitting.
If you mailed your application, IRCC will consider the date you sent it. In most cases, IRCC will not reject an application mailed before the fee change if:
- you paid the old fee
- the application was complete
- you mailed it before 1 December 2025
In this situation, IRCC will contact you with instructions on how to pay the difference.
Right of Permanent Residence Fee
If you applied without paying the right of permanent residence fee, you must pay the new amount. This rule applies even if you paid the processing fee before the fee increase.
How To Pay the Fee Difference
If IRCC asks you to pay the difference between the old and new fees, follow these steps:
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Calculate the amount you owe for each changed fee, including fees for family members.
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Use IRCC’s online payment tool and select the Make an additional payment or pay other fees category.
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Enter the total difference under Quantity.
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Complete the payment. You will receive one receipt per transaction.
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Submit your receipt following IRCC’s instructions.
FAQ
Why did Canada increase immigration application fees?
IRCC adjusts fees periodically to cover part of the cost of delivering immigration and citizenship services. These increases keep fees aligned with program expenses and ensure that the government can maintain service quality and processing capacity.
Will IRCC reject my application if I paid the old fee?
In most cases, no. If you mailed a complete application before the fee change, IRCC will normally accept it and ask you to pay the difference. Online applicants must pay the updated fee at the time of submission.
How do I know if I owe a fee difference?
IRCC will notify you directly if a difference is required. This usually happens when an application was mailed before the fee increase or when multiple family members’ fees changed.
Does the new fee apply to the right of permanent residence fee?
Yes. If you delayed paying the right of permanent residence fee, you must pay the new amount, even if your processing fee was paid before the increase.
How do I submit the additional payment receipt to IRCC?
After paying the difference online, IRCC will provide instructions in the request letter. You must upload or send the receipt exactly as directed to avoid delays.
