Canada’s Immigration Application Fees Increase as of December 1, 2024

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented new application fees effective December 1, 2024.

Below is a comparison of the updated fees versus the previous rates:

Applications Submitted Before the Fee Increase

If you submitted a complete online application prior to December 1, 2024, the updated fees will not apply to your submission.

IRCC confirms and processes online applications immediately, ensuring that any payments made prior to the increase are accepted.

For mailed paper applications (e.g., Post-Graduation Work Permit extensions), if the application was sent before the fee increase, the IRCC generally does not reject submissions provided that:

• The old fee was paid in full.
• The application was complete.
• The application was mailed prior to the fee change.

If the IRCC processes your paper application after the fee increase, they may request the difference between the old fee and the new one.

How to Pay the Difference

🇨🇦 IRCC has increased fees for 8 crucial temporary resident application types, effective December 1, including restoration of temporary residence status, authorization to return to Canada, TRP, and IEC

🇨🇦 Check out new application fees now in effect 👇https://t.co/S0nJhYPaNz

— Immigration News Canada 🇨🇦 (@CanadaImmigra20) December 2, 2024

If instructed by the IRCC to pay the fee difference:

1. Calculate the Difference: Subtract the old fee from the new fee.
2. Make the Payment:
   • Log into or create an account on the IRCC website.
   • Use the online payment tool and select “make an additional payment or pay other fees.”
   • Enter the fee difference under the “quantity” field.
3. Obtain a Receipt: A receipt will be generated for your payment.
4. Submit Your Receipt: Follow the submission instructions provided by the IRCC.

Key Categories and Their Implications

Restoration of Temporary Resident Status

• Temporary residents who lose their status as visitors, students, or workers must apply for restoration.
• Fee increases for this category range between 2.80% and 4.69%, depending on the type of status being restored.

Authorization to Return to Canada

• Individuals deemed inadmissible who wish to re-enter Canada now face a 4.40% fee increase.
• This applies to cases involving prior violations or removal orders.

Criminal Rehabilitation

• Fees for criminal rehabilitation applications have risen by over 4%.
• This process enables individuals previously inadmissible due to criminality or serious criminality to enter Canada legally.

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

• The cost of TRP applications, which allow inadmissible individuals temporary access to Canada, has increased by 4.34%.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

• Fees for the IEC program, popular among young professionals and working holiday participants, now reflect a 4.51% increase.

How These Changes Impact Applicants

For Online Applications

• The correct fee is applied automatically at the time of submission, so there is no action needed.

For Mailed Applications (Old Fees Paid)

• Applications submitted with old fees before the new rates took effect and mailed before December 1 will not be rejected.
• However, applicants will need to pay the difference between the old and new fees. IRCC will send instructions for completing this payment.

Why IRCC Adjusted Fees

IRCC periodically updates application fees to:

• Account for inflation.
• Maintain and improve service quality.
• Address operational needs.

These adjustments align with IRCC’s broader efforts to streamline processes, reduce backlogs, and respond to the evolving demands of immigration services.

What Applicants Should Do

• Double-check applications, fees, and payment methods to avoid delays.
• Stay informed about the new fee structures and ensure all submissions are compliant with current regulations.