December 14th, 2024 at 05:11 am

IRCC Increases Immigration Application Fees | Canada PR | Canada Immigration

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a new fee schedule for immigration applications. This update, effective December 1, 2024, reflects changes in some fees while most remain the same.

The adjustments impact individuals seeking to extend their status, enter Canada, or apply for temporary resident permits. These applicants include tourists, international students, and temporary foreign workers.

The updates also cover applications for reinstating temporary resident status, authorizations to return to Canada, and criminal rehabilitation for residents with minor or serious criminal issues.

Overview of the Fee Changes

This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the revised immigration fees as of December 1, 2024. You will find:

• A comprehensive list of changes in fees for categories such as temporary residency, study permits, and work permits.
• Guidance on how to pay any fee differences if you submitted the old fee amount.
• Information on unchanged fees, including those for citizenship, permanent residence, and family sponsorship applications.
• Tips for applicants to avoid delays and manage costs when applying for immigration to Canada.

These changes will affect various immigration pathways, leading to higher costs for certain applicants. Therefore, applicants must review the updated fee schedule. Paying the wrong fee can result in application delays or even refusals.

Canada Immigration Fee Changes

Here’s a summary of the old and new fees for specific categories:

Applicants who submitted their applications online should confirm they paid the correct fee before submission. For those applying by mail, delays may occur. If an application is in transit when the new fees take effect, IRCC will typically process it if:

• The applicant paid the old fee
• The application was complete
• The application was postmarked before the fee change.

How to Pay the Fee Difference

If you submitted the old fee and need to pay the difference, follow these steps:

• Calculate the Fee Difference: Determine the difference between the old and new fees. This applies to each changed fee, including those for family members.
• Make the Payment: Use the “Make an additional payment or pay other fees” option in the online payment tool.
• Enter the Amount: Specify the total fee difference under “Quantity.” You will receive a receipt for each payment made. You can pay all fees in one transaction or separately for multiple receipts.
• Submit Your Receipt: Follow the instructions provided in the request from IRCC to submit your payment receipt.

Unchanged Fees

Several major categories did not see any changes in fees, including:

• Citizenship: Despite previous discussions about reducing or eliminating these fees, the citizenship fee structure remains unchanged for December 2024.
• Permanent Residence Applications: This encompasses skilled worker programs, the Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs. The existing fees for permanent residence, which are among the highest due to extensive review processes, did not increase.
• Family Sponsorship: Fees for sponsoring a spouse, partner, dependent child, or parent remain the same.
• Study Permits and Temporary Resident Visas: Students and temporary visitors will continue to pay the same application fees. This stability is especially beneficial for students managing high tuition and living costs.
• Work Permits: There is no increase in fees for work permits, whether under employer-specific or open streams.
• Refugee and Humanitarian Applications: Application fees for refugee claimants, who often face financial difficulties, remain unchanged.

Keeping these fees stable may reflect a desire to make Canada a more attractive destination for immigrants, particularly for vulnerable applicants.

Tips for Prospective Applicants

To ensure a smooth application process, applicants should consider these key steps:

• Check Official Sources: Always refer to the IRCC website for the most accurate and current fee information.
• Prepare for Changes: While many fees remain unchanged, future adjustments may occur. Maintain some financial flexibility to accommodate potential increases.
• Budget for Hidden Costs: In addition to application fees, applicants may incur other expenses such as medical exams, language tests, and document translations.

By planning, applicants can complete their payments on time. Staying informed about future updates from IRCC is also crucial.

Conclusion

The government shows its commitment to equity and access by providing financial predictability, especially for refugees, students, and family sponsors. While some fees have seen minor adjustments, the overall impact is minimal. Applicants are encouraged to stay informed about fee schedules and plan accordingly.

As Canada continues to refine its immigration system, future fee adjustments may occur. Keeping up with these changes is essential for successfully navigating Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key changes in IRCC’s immigration fees?

Effective December 1, 2024, IRCC updated fees for temporary resident permits, work permits, and criminal rehabilitation applications. Increases range from $5 to $50, depending on the category. Fees for major categories like citizenship applications, permanent residence, and family sponsorship remain unchanged.

Applicants should check the updated fee schedule on IRCC’s website to ensure they pay the correct amount, avoiding delays or rejections.

What happens if I submit the wrong fee with my application?

Submitting the incorrect fee may lead to delays or refusals of your application. For online applications, always verify fees before submitting. For mail-in applications submitted before the fee change, IRCC typically processes them if the application is complete and the correct fee was paid at the time of mailing.

If necessary, applicants must pay the difference using IRCC’s online payment tool and submit the receipt to proceed.

How do I pay the difference if I use the old fee?

To pay the fee difference, first calculate the amount owed, including fees for all family members. Use IRCC’s “Make an additional payment” tool online, enter the total difference, and generate a receipt. Submit this receipt following IRCC’s instructions. Ensuring timely payments can help avoid processing delays.

Which immigration fees remain unchanged?

Fees for citizenship applications, permanent residence programs, family sponsorship, study permits, and work permits remain the same. Fees for refugees and humanitarian applications are also unchanged. This stability helps support vulnerable applicants and reinforces Canada’s appeal as a top destination for immigrants.

What tips can help avoid delays in paying updated fees?

Always verify fees on IRCC’s website before submitting applications. If a fee increase occurs, calculate the difference and pay promptly. Budget for additional costs such as medical exams and document translations. For mail-in applications, ensure forms are complete and mailed before fee changes take effect.

Staying informed about IRCC updates and planning financially can help applicants navigate Canada’s evolving immigration system smoothly.