Canada to hike application fees for temporary residents on December 1
Synopsis
Canada is increasing application and processing fees for temporary resident applications like visitor visas, work permits, and study permits starting December 1. Applications submitted before the deadline with the old fees will be processed accordingly. However, the exact updated fee structure is yet to be released by IRCC.
Starting December 1, Canada will raise application and processing fees for various temporary resident applications, affecting visitors, workers, and students seeking to enter or extend their stay in Canada.
The fee increases will apply to several types of applications, including those for the restoration of temporary resident status, authorization to return to Canada, criminal rehabilitation for serious criminality, and Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs).
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not yet released the updated application fees.
Current fees
According to a CIC News report, the current fees are as follows:
| Application type | Current application fees (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Restoration of visitor status | $ 229.00 |
| Restoration of student status | $ 379.00 |
| Restoration of worker status | $ 384.00 |
| Authorization to return to Canada | $ 459.55 |
| Inadmissible on grounds of criminality | $ 229.77 |
| Inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality | $ 1,148.87 |
| Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | $ 229.77 |
What if I paid the old application fee?
Applicants submitting complete applications to IRCC before a fee increase will generally not be affected by the change. Online applications are confirmed immediately, while mailed submissions may experience a delay. As long as the applicant paid the old fee, submitted a complete application, and mailed it before the fee change, the application will not be rejected. If additional payment is required, IRCC will provide instructions.
How to pay the difference on an IRCC application after an application fee change
In some cases when an applicant applies on paper, if they have paid the old fee for their application prior to a fee change, they will be asked to pay the difference and will receive instructions on how to submit the receipt after doing so.
How to obtain a receipt
- Calculate the Fee Difference
- The applicant must calculate the difference between the old fee and the new fee. This includes paying the difference for any changed fees applicable to family members.
- Make the Payment
- The applicant should use the Make an additional payment or pay other fees category in IRCC’s online payment tool.
- Under “Quantity,” the total fee difference should be entered (new fee minus old fee).
- One receipt will be issued for each payment. Payments can be made in a single transaction or repeated for multiple receipts.
- To complete the payment, the applicant must create an IRCC account or sign in to an existing one.
- Submit the Receipt
- The applicant must follow the instructions provided in the initial fee request sent to them by IRCC on how to submit the receipt.
