In a recent announcement by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it has been revealed that fees for various permanent residence applications in Canada will undergo an increase effective April 30. This decision comes as part of IRCC’s ongoing efforts to adjust fees to account for inflation, to ensure Canada remains competitive and aligned with fee structures of other immigrant-receiving nations.
Since 2020, IRCC has periodically revised immigration fees, with adjustments typically occurring every two years. However, the upcoming increase slated for April 2024 marks a more substantial rise compared to previous adjustments. While the fee hike in April 2022 saw a modest 2% increment, the impending rise is anticipated to range between 12-13%, signifying a notable escalation in costs.
The new fee structure, devised by IRCC, reflects the government’s commitment to a cost-effective approach to financing government programs. Under this framework, applicants bear the responsibility of covering the majority of costs associated with the services they receive, aligning with Ottawa’s fiscal objectives.
Outlined below are the revised fees for various immigration programs, encompassing economic, family, humanitarian, and permit holder categories:
| Program | Applicants | Current fees (April 2022-March 2024) | New fees (April 2024-March 2026) |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $515 | $575 |
| Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program | Principal applicant | $850 | $950 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $850 | $950 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $230 | $260 | |
| Live-in Caregiver Program and Caregivers Pilot | Principal applicant | $570 | $635 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $570 | $635 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $155 | $175 | |
| Business (federal and Quebec) | Principal applicant | $1,625 | $1,810 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $850 | $950 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $230 | $260 | |
| Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) | Sponsorship fee | $75 | $85 |
| Sponsored principal applicant | $490 | $545 | |
| Sponsored child (principal applicant under 22 years old and not a spouse/partner) | $75 | $85 | |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $570 | $635 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $155 | $175 | |
| Protected persons | Principal applicant | $570 | $635 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $570 | $635 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $155 | $175 | |
| Humanitarian and compassionate consideration/Public policy | Principal applicant | $570 | $635 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $570 | $635 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $155 | $175 | |
| Permit holders | Principal applicant | $335 | $375 |
Applicants need to note that the fee increases are commensurate with the cumulative percentage rise in the Consumer Price Index for Canada over the past two years, rounded to the nearest five dollars. These adjustments aim to sustain the efficiency and sustainability of Canada’s immigration system while ensuring continued access to vital services for prospective immigrants.
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