The Canadian federal government has announced an increase in several immigration-related fees, taking effect on December 1, 2025. According to Maple News, these adjustments will affect inadmissibility applications and the International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit processing fee.
Applicants who submit their applications online and pay the current fees before 11:59 p.m. on December 1, 2025, will not be impacted by the new rates. However, those submitting paper-based applications may be required to pay the difference due to postal delays and processing times.
The following application types under the inadmissibility and restoration categories will see modest increases:
– Authorization to Return to Canada: from $479.75 to $492.50
– Temporary Resident Permit: from $239.75 to $246.25
– Criminal Rehabilitation (Criminality): from $239.75 to $246.25
– Criminal Rehabilitation (Serious Criminality): from $1,199.00 to $1,231.00
– Restoration of Visitor Status: from $239.75 to $246.25
– Restoration of Worker Status (without work permit): from $239.75 to $246.25
– Restoration of Worker Status (with work permit): from $394.75 to $401.25
– Restoration of Student Status (without study permit): from $239.75 to $246.25
– Restoration of Student Status (with study permit): from $389.75 to $396.25
Each of these application types serves a specific purpose. For instance, individuals who were removed from Canada and wish to return must apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada. The Temporary Resident Permit enables those deemed inadmissible to enter the country temporarily if their presence is justified and poses little risk.
The Criminal Rehabilitation process provides individuals who have completed their sentence at least five years ago an opportunity to eliminate their inadmissibility for past criminal offenses. Fees vary based on the seriousness of the offense.
Restoration of status fees apply to temporary residents (visitors, students, or foreign workers) who failed to renew their status before it expired. Such individuals are granted a 90-day window to restore their status after the expiry date, provided they remain in Canada.
While the increases are relatively moderate, applicants are encouraged to review the updated fee structure and plan their submissions accordingly. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clarifies that these periodic adjustments help reflect the cost of processing and maintaining a fair immigration system.
Maple News will continue to monitor changes in immigration policy and provide timely updates to help newcomers and applicants navigate Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.