Maple News reports that Canadian immigration applicants may be eligible for a refund of certain fees, depending on the status and stage of their application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) outlines specific scenarios where a refund may apply—but eligibility is largely dependent on timing and the type of application submitted.
Common reasons applicants may seek a refund include overpayment, voluntary withdrawal from the immigration process, or a refusal by IRCC. However, the ability to recover fees is not guaranteed in all cases.
IRCC officially states that most application fees become non-refundable once processing begins. That said, some fees are refundable even after the application has been reviewed. These include:
– Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
– Right of Citizenship Fee
– Open Work Permit Fee (only in cases where no Labour Market Impact Assessment is required)
– Employer Compliance Fee (refundable to the employer, not the applicant)
– International Experience Canada (IEC) Program fees
If you withdraw your immigration application, a refund is typically only issued if the withdrawal occurs before any case processing has started. Once the application is opened or reviewed by an IRCC officer, fees are generally locked in.
Refunds can be requested through IRCC’s online system and, according to IRCC, may take up to eight weeks to be processed. Applicants who wait longer are encouraged to submit a follow-up request through the IRCC webform to avoid undue delays.
While many applicants may assume a refund is automatic upon rejection, Maple News emphasizes that only certain fees—such as the RPRF—are returned when an application is refused. Understanding which costs are refundable can help set realistic expectations and inform your approach before submitting a formal request.
Maple News recommends applicants closely review the IRCC refund guidelines and act quickly if considering withdrawal or if an overpayment has been identified. Being informed can prevent unnecessary loss of funds during a critical financial and personal journey toward Canadian immigration.