Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement new permanent residence (PR) application fees as of 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on April 30, 2024. The increases apply across multiple immigration programs and reflect adjustments based on inflation, as mandated under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
According to IRCC, the new fee structure is tied to the Consumer Price Index published by Statistics Canada and will remain in effect from April 2024 through March 2026. While modest, the increases will impact nearly all applicants for Canadian permanent residence, from skilled workers to those applying under humanitarian grounds.
For example, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), which is required for most PR applicants except dependent children and certain humanitarian cases, will rise from $515 to $575. Applicants under economic immigration programs—such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Provincial Nominee Program, and Atlantic Immigration Class—will see their individual application fee increase from $850 to $950. A similar $100 fee rise applies to their accompanying spouses or partners.
Other notable changes include increased fees for family sponsorships and protected persons. Sponsored principal applicants will now pay $545, up from $490, while accompanying children under 22 years will see a fee increase from $75 to $85. For refugees and those applying on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, the updated fees move from $570 to $635 for main applicants and adult dependents.
Business immigration applicants, both federal and Quebec-based, face the highest jump, with principal applicant fees increasing from $1,625 to $1,810. Family members in this category will also pay more, rising from $850 to $950 for spouses and from $230 to $260 for dependent children.
IRCC has clarified that some applicants remain exempt from the RPRF, including dependent children under 22 who are not spouses or partners, and certain principal applicants under humanitarian and public policy categories. However, these exemptions may be granted only in specific contexts.
It’s important to note that individuals applying under the permit holder class must file separate applications for each family member; they cannot include dependents within one application.
The adjustments are part of Canada’s routine effort to ensure immigration processing complies with rising administrative costs. IRCC updates these fees every two years in line with inflation indicators.
Applicants planning to submit their PR applications are encouraged to do so before April 30, 2024, to benefit from the current, lower rates.
Maple News will continue reporting on updates and changes in Canadian immigration policies to help you stay informed.