Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a revised fee schedule for immigration applications. While some fees increased, most remained unchanged.
The fees, updated on December 1, 2024, apply to individuals seeking to extend their status, gain permission to enter Canada or apply for temporary resident permits. These applicants include tourists, international students, and temporary foreign workers.
It also affects applications for reinstatement of temporary resident status, authorization to return to Canada, and criminal rehabilitation for residents with minor criminality issues and those with more serious criminality.
On This Page You Will Find
- A breakdown of IRCC’s updated immigration fees as of December 1, 2024.
- Changes in fees for categories like temporary residency, study permits, and work permits.
- A guide on how to pay the fee difference if you submitted the old fee amount.
- A list of unchanged fees, including citizenship, permanent residence, and family sponsorship applications.
- Tips for applicants on avoiding delays and managing costs when applying for immigration to Canada.
These changes affect various immigration pathways, such as temporary residency, study permits, and work permits, leading to higher costs for certain applicants. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the updated fee schedule and ensure they avoid delays and pay the correct amount. Submitting the wrong fee can result in delayed processing or even application refusal.
Canada Immigration Fee Changes
| Fee Category | Old Fee | New Fee |
| Authorization to return to Canada | $459.55 | $479.75 |
| Temporary resident permit | $229.77 | $239.75 |
| Inadmissibility on grounds of criminality | $229.77 | $239.75 |
| Inadmissibility on grounds of serious criminality | $1,148.87 | $1,199.00 |
| Restore status as a visitor (Visa fee not required) | $229.00 | $239.75 |
| Restore status as a worker | $229.00 | $239.75 |
| Restore status as a worker (includes work permit fee) | $384.77 | $394.75 |
| Restore status as a student | $229.00 | $239.75 |
| Restore status as a student (includes study permit fee) | $379.77 | $389.75 |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) program fee | $172.00 | $179.75 |
Those who applied online are advised to check that they paid the correct fee before submitting their application.
Mail-in applications might be delayed, resulting in the new fees taking effect while the application is in the mail. In most cases, the application will not be rejected if:
- The applicant paid the old fee
- The application was complete, and
- The application was mailed before the fee change
How to pay the fee difference
Make the payment and submit your receipt to IRCC.
- Calculate the fee difference
- You must pay the difference between the old fee and the new fee.
- You must pay the difference for each changed fee, including those for family members.
- Make the payment
- Use the “Make an additional payment or pay other fees” category in the online payment tool.
- Enter the amount
- Under “Quantity,” enter the total fee difference.
- A receipt is issued for each payment. All fees can be paid in one transaction or repeat the step for multiple receipts.
- Create an account or sign in to finish paying.
- Submit your receipt
- Follow the instructions in the request IRCC sent.
Unchanged Fees
Several major categories saw no change in fees, including:
- Citizenship: There were previous calls to reduce or eliminate these fees to promote inclusivity, but they remain in place. However, for December 2024, there were no changes to the existing citizenship fee structure.
- Permanent Residence Applications: This includes skilled worker programs, the Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs. Permanent residence fees, which have been among the highest, as they cover a more extensive review process, saw no increase.
- Family Sponsorship: Fees for sponsoring a spouse, partner, dependent child, or parent.
- Study Permits and Temporary Resident Visas: Students and temporary visitors continue to pay the same application fees. The fee stability for students and temporary workers is likely to be a positive development, particularly for students already managing the high cost of tuition and living expenses.
- Work Permits: No increase in fees for work permits under employer-specific or open work permit streams.
- Refugee and Humanitarian Applications: The application fees for refugee claimants, who are already in precarious financial positions.
The decision to leave these fees unchanged may have been driven by the desire to make Canada a more attractive immigration destination while easing financial pressure on vulnerable applicants.
Tips for Prospective Applicants
Applicants can ensure a smooth process by taking a few key steps.
- Check Official Sources: Applicants should always refer to IRCC’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.
- Prepare for Changes: While fees remain unchanged, future adjustments may occur, so applicants should maintain some financial flexibility.
- Budget for Hidden Costs: In addition to application fees, applicants may face other expenses such as medical exams, language tests, and document translation fees.
Applicants can complete their payments on time by planning. It’s also important to monitor future updates from IRCC.
The government has demonstrated its commitment to equity and access by offering financial predictability, particularly for refugees, students, and family sponsors. While a few fees have seen minor adjustments, the overall impact is minimal. Applicants are encouraged to stay updated on fee schedules and plan accordingly.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration system, the possibility of future fee adjustments remains. Staying informed about these updates is essential for navigating Canada’s changing immigration system.
FAQ
What are the key changes in IRCC’s immigration fees?
Effective December 1, 2024, IRCC updated fees for temporary resident permits, work permits, and criminal rehabilitation applications. Increases range from $5 to $50, depending on the category. Fees for major categories like citizenship applications, permanent residence, and family sponsorship remain unchanged. Applicants are advised to check the updated fee schedule on IRCC’s website to ensure they pay the correct amount, avoiding delays or rejections.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee with my application?
If the incorrect fee is submitted, your application may face delays or refusal. For online applications, check fees before submission. For mail-in applications sent before the fee change, IRCC typically allows processing if the application is complete and the correct fee was paid at the time of mailing. If requested, applicants must pay the difference using IRCC’s online payment tool and submit the receipt to proceed.
How do I pay the difference if I used the old fee?
To pay the fee difference, calculate the amount owed, including fees for all family members. Use IRCC’s “Make an additional payment” tool online, enter the total difference, and generate a receipt. Submit the receipt following the instructions from IRCC. Ensure all payments are completed promptly to avoid processing delays.
Which immigration fees remain unchanged?
Fees for citizenship applications, permanent residence programs, family sponsorship, and study permits remain the same. Work permits under employer-specific or open streams, as well as applications for refugees and humanitarian categories, also saw no changes. This fee stability helps vulnerable applicants and reinforces Canada’s appeal as a top destination for immigrants.
What tips can help avoid delays in paying updated fees?
Applicants should always verify fees on IRCC’s website before submitting applications. If a fee increase occurs, calculate the difference and pay promptly. Budget for additional costs like medical exams and document translations. For mail-in applications, ensure forms are complete and mailed before fee changes take effect. Staying informed about IRCC updates and planning financially can help applicants navigate Canada’s evolving immigration system smoothly.
