Starting December 1, 2024, Canada’s immigration department has implemented changes to application fees. These updated fees affect various immigration processes, marking an increase in costs for applicants. Be aware of the new fee structure for upcoming applications.

Here is a comparison of the new fees with the previous ones:

  • Authorization to return to Canada: The new fee is $479.75, up from $459.55.
  • Inadmissible on the grounds of criminality: The new fee is $239.75, compared to $229.77 previously.
  • Inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality: The new fee is $1,199.00, an increase from $1,148.87.
  • Restoring your status as a student: The new fee is $389.75, up from $379.00.
  • Restoring your status as a visitor: The new fee is $239.75, compared to $229.00 before.
  • Restoring your status as a worker: The new fee is $394.75, an increase from $384.00.
  • Temporary resident permit: The new fee is $239.75, up from $229.77.

What if you made the payment at the old fee rate?

If your online application was submitted before the fee increase, the new fees won’t apply to it. Since Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) immediately confirms and processes online applications, your fee will already be covered.

For paper applications, such as a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) extension, there’s a possibility you paid the old fee before IRCC received your submission. If the fee has since changed, IRCC won’t typically reject your application if:

  • The old fee was paid in full
  • Your application was complete
  • It was mailed before the fee change

After receiving your application, IRCC will provide instructions on how to pay the difference between the old and new fees.

If you need to cover the difference

To pay the difference between the old and new application fees, follow these steps:

  • Determine the fee difference: Subtract the previous fee from the updated fee to calculate the difference.
  • Make the payment: Pay the calculated difference using IRCC’s online payment system.
  • Log into your account or create one: Access your account on the IRCC portal. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create an account.
  • Select the payment option: Use IRCC’s online tool to choose “make an additional payment or pay other fees.”
  • Enter the difference amount: In the “quantity” box, input the fee difference you’ve calculated.
  • Obtain a receipt: You’ll receive one receipt for each transaction.
  • Submit the receipt to IRCC: Follow the instructions from IRCC to submit the receipt as required.