Starting December 1, 2024, Canada’s immigration department has introduced revised application fees, resulting in increased costs for various immigration processes.
Here’s a breakdown of the updated fee structure compared to the previous rates:
- Authorization to return to Canada: The new fee is $479.75, up from $459.55.
- Inadmissible on the grounds of criminality: The updated fee is $239.75, increased from $229.77.
- Inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality: The new fee is $1,199.00, up from $1,148.87.
- Restoring student status: The fee is now $389.75, an increase from $379.00.
- Restoring visitor status: The new fee is $239.75, compared to the previous fee of $229.00.
- Restoring worker status: The updated fee is $394.75, increased from $384.00.
- Temporary resident permit: The new fee is $239.75, up from $229.77.
These changes apply to all applications submitted after December 1, 2024.
What happens if you made the payment at the previous fee rate?
If you submitted an online application before the fee increase, the updated fees will not apply to your submission. As IRCC immediately processes online applications, your fee will already be covered.
For paper applications like a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) extension, you might have paid the previous fee before IRCC received your application. If the fee has changed, IRCC will usually not reject your application as long as:
- The old fee was paid in full
- Your application was complete
- It was sent before the fee change took effect
After reviewing your application, IRCC will instruct you on how to pay any outstanding balance for the new fee.
If you must settle the difference in fees
To settle the difference between the previous and updated application fees, follow these steps:
- Calculate the difference: Subtract the old fee from the new fee to find the amount owed.
- Complete the payment: Use IRCC’s online payment system to pay the difference.
- Sign in or create an account: Log into your account on the IRCC portal, or create one if necessary.
- Choose the payment option: Select “make an additional payment or pay other fees” through the IRCC tool.
- Enter the fee difference: In the “quantity” box, enter the difference amount.
- Get a receipt: After the payment, you’ll receive a receipt for the transaction.
- Submit the receipt: Follow IRCC’s instructions for submitting the receipt.
