Updated March 2026 | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Overview: Why Did IRCC Fees Increase?
In late 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a structured fee revision effective across two phases in 2026. This is the most significant adjustment to Canadian immigration processing fees in several years, driven by rising operational costs, digital system investments, and the need to sustain high application volumes.
These changes affect a wide range of applicants — from tourists and international students to permanent residence and family sponsorship applicants. Understanding the new fee structure is essential before submitting any application in 2026.
Important: All fees listed are in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Biometric and Right of Permanent Residence Fees (RPRF) are charged separately from the main processing fee.
Implementation Timeline
IRCC rolled out the 2026 fee changes in phases rather than all at once. Here is a breakdown of when each category of fees changed:
| Phase | Effective Date | Applications Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 – TR Fees | January 31, 2026 | Visitor visas, study/work permits, TRP, restoration |
| Phase 2 – PR Fees | March 1, 2026 | Express Entry, PNP, family sponsorship, RPRF |
| Phase 3 – Biometrics/Cards | Pending confirmation | Biometrics and PR cards – no changes announced |
| Citizenship | No change | All citizenship fees remain unchanged for 2026 |
Section 1: Temporary Resident Fees
Temporary residents — including visitors, international students, and foreign workers — will see increases across most permit and visa categories. The eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) remains unchanged at $7, making it still one of the most affordable entry authorizations in the world.
| Application Type | Old Fee (CAD) | New Fee (CAD) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa – Single Entry | $100 | $115 | +$15 |
| Visitor Visa – Multiple Entry | $100 | $115 | +$15 |
| Visitor Visa – Family (max) | $500 | $575 | +$75 |
| Study Permit | $150 | $185 | +$35 |
| Work Permit (employer-specific) | $155 | $185 | +$30 |
| Open Work Permit | $155 | $185 | +$30 |
| International Mobility Program | $255 | $290 | +$35 |
| Restoration of Status | $200 | $229 | +$29 |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | $7 | $7 | No Change |
| Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | $200 | $229 | +$29 |
Key Takeaways for Temporary Residents
- Study and work permits see the largest dollar increases — up $30–$35 each.
- Visitor visa fees increase from $100 to $115, a 15% rise.
- Family applications (visitor visas) are now capped at $575 instead of $500.
- The eTA is unaffected — still $7 per traveller.
- Applicants must pay the new fee for any application submitted on or after January 31, 2026.
Section 2: Permanent Residence Fees
Permanent residence applications see some of the largest dollar increases. Express Entry candidates, PNP nominees, and family sponsorship applicants should budget carefully, especially when adding dependent family members.
| Application Category | Old Fee (CAD) | New Fee (CAD) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry – Principal Applicant | $1,365 | $1,525 | +$160 |
| Express Entry – Spouse/Partner | $1,365 | $1,525 | +$160 |
| Express Entry – Dependent Child | $230 | $260 | +$30 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | $1,365 | $1,525 | +$160 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) | $1,365 | $1,525 | +$160 |
| Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot | $1,365 | $1,525 | +$160 |
| Agri-Food Pilot | $1,365 | $1,525 | +$160 |
| Family Sponsorship – Spouse/Partner | $1,050 | $1,150 | +$100 |
| Family Sponsorship – Parent/Grandparent | $1,050 | $1,150 | +$100 |
| Sponsorship Fee (sponsor) | $75 | $75 | No Change |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $515 | $575 | +$60 |
| Refugee Protection Claimant | $50 | $50 | No Change |
Key Takeaways for PR Applicants
- Express Entry processing fees rise to $1,525 per adult — a $160 increase per person.
- A couple applying together (both adults) will pay $3,050 in processing fees, up from $2,730.
- Adding the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), each adult now faces $2,100 total, up from $1,880.
- Family sponsorship (spouse/partner) fees go from $1,050 to $1,150.
- Refugee claimant fees ($50) and the sponsorship fee ($75) remain unchanged.
Example: A family of 4 applying through Express Entry (2 adults + 2 children) would now pay:
$1,525 × 2 + $260 × 2 + $575 × 2 (RPRF) = $5,220 — compared to $4,680 previously.
Section 3: Citizenship Fees
Good news for citizenship applicants — all fees in this category remain completely unchanged for 2026. Whether you are applying as an adult, a minor, or through adoption abroad, the fees you paid in 2025 still apply.
| Application Type | Old Fee (CAD) | New Fee (CAD) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship – Adult (18+) | $630 | $630 | No Change |
| Citizenship – Minor (under 18) | $100 | $100 | No Change |
| Citizenship – Adoption Abroad | $530 | $530 | No Change |
| Right of Citizenship Fee | $100 | $100 | No Change |
| Renunciation of Citizenship | $100 | $100 | No Change |
| Resumption of Citizenship | $530 | $530 | No Change |
| Citizenship Certificate (proof) | $75 | $75 | No Change |
| Search of Citizenship Records | $75 | $75 | No Change |
Section 4: Biometric Fees
Biometric collection fees also remain stable. These fees are charged separately from your application processing fee and are paid once per 10-year cycle (with some exceptions for new biometric windows). Most applicants from visa-required and some visa-exempt countries still need to provide biometrics.
| Category | Old Fee (CAD) | New Fee (CAD) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biometrics – Individual | $85 | $85 | No Change |
| Biometrics – Family (max) | $170 | $170 | No Change |
Section 5: PR Card & Travel Documents
Permanent residents renewing or applying for PR cards, refugee travel documents, and certificates of identity will also see no fee changes in 2026. These remain some of the most affordable documents in the immigration system.
| Document | Old Fee (CAD) | New Fee (CAD) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR Card (new or renewal) | $50 | $50 | No Change |
| Travel Document – Convention Refugee | $50 | $50 | No Change |
| Refugee Travel Document | $50 | $50 | No Change |
| Certificate of Identity | $50 | $50 | No Change |
Practical Tips: How to Prepare for the New Fees
- Submit Applications Early Where Possible
If you have a near-complete application and are close to submitting, check whether doing so before the phase cutoff date could save you money. IRCC locks in the fee based on the date the application is received, not when it is processed. - Budget for the Full Family Cost
Families applying together should account for each family member’s fees individually. With PR fees at $1,525 per adult and $260 per child, large families will see significant differences from previous years. - Account for Biometrics Separately
Biometric fees are collected separately from your main application. While they haven’t changed, make sure your budget includes both the processing fee and the biometric collection fee at the designated service point. - Watch for RPRF Timing
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) — now $575 per adult — is only payable when IRCC instructs you to pay, usually at the final stage of processing. However, budget for it early so it doesn’t catch you off guard. - Always Pay Through Official IRCC Channels
Pay only through the official IRCC website (ircc.canada.ca) or authorized payment portals. Avoid third-party sites that may charge extra processing fees or redirect payments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are the new fees refundable if my application is refused?
Processing fees are generally non-refundable once IRCC begins processing your application. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), however, is refundable if your application is refused before you obtain PR status.
Do the new fees apply to applications already in progress?
No. If your application was submitted and the fees were paid before the effective date of each phase, the old fee structure applies. You do not need to pay top-ups for in-progress applications.
I paid with a fee receipt from 2025. Is it still valid?
Fee receipts are tied to the payment date and amount. If you generated a receipt before the effective fee change date, it may still be valid. However, IRCC advises applicants to verify through their online account or by contacting the IRCC client support centre.
Has the processing time changed alongside the fees?
No official changes to processing times were announced alongside the fee increases. Processing times continue to fluctuate based on application volumes, IRCC staffing, and application type. Always check the IRCC website for the most current estimates.
Do these fee changes affect Quebec immigration programs?
Quebec operates its own immigration selection process, but the federal IRCC fees for the final permanent residence stage still apply to Quebec applicants. Quebec’s own provincial fees are set separately.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Fee information is based on IRCC announcements current as of the publication date. Always verify the latest fees directly at ircc.canada.ca before submitting any application. Immigration rules and fees can change without notice.