Updated on October 21, 2024 by canadian immigration experts
Canada Immigration Processing Fees Hike Update
| Immigration Program | Old Fee ($CAN) | Current Fee ($CAN) |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $515 | $575 |
| Federal High Skilled, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class, and most Economic Pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) | $850 | $950 |
| Live-in Caregiver Program and Caregivers Pilots | $570 | $635 |
| Business (Federal and Quebec) | $1,625 | $1,810 |
| Family Reunification | $75 | $85 |
| Protected Persons | $570 | $635 |
| Humanitarian and Compassionate / Public Policy | $570 | $635 |
| Permit Holders | $335 | $375 |
For complete fee list visit here.
Basis for the Fee Increase by IRCC
Significance of this Canada Immigration Fee Increase
This increase is more substantial compared to previous adjustments. In 2023, the average yearly CPI hit 3.9%, following a 6.8% spike in 2022, resulting in a total increase of 10.7%.
In contrast, the CPI increase used for the 2022 fee adjustment was much lower, at 4.1% over two years (3.4% in 2021 and 0.7% in 2020).
Permanent Residency Application fees increase Factors
- Inflation Surge: Canada, like many other countries, has experienced significant inflationary pressures recently. The CPI, which measures the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for goods and services, has shown a marked increase.
- Cost of Living: The rising cost of living, driven by higher prices for housing, food, and energy, has contributed to the CPI surge. This, in turn, affects government fees and services to keep up with inflation.
- Global Economic Trends: Global economic instability, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions have also played roles in driving up prices, impacting national economic metrics like the CPI.
Comparison with Previous Years
- 2020-2021: Combined CPI increase was 4.1%, with inflation rates being relatively low.
- 2022-2023: Combined CPI increase is 10.7%, indicating a significant rise in the cost of goods and services over a short period.
How PR Fee Increase Affects Your PR Visa Application?
If you’ve already applied and paid both the Government Processing Fee and Right of Permanent Residence Fee, you are not affected by this increase.
However, if you have applied but not yet paid the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, you should do so before April 30th, 2024, to avoid the new fee of $575.
If you still need to submit your application, consider doing so before April 30th, 2024, to avoid the fee increase.
Ensure your application is complete before submitting it, as rushing may lead to rejection or delays, which could ultimately cost more in the long run.
How it can impact potential immigrants:
- Higher Costs: Prospective immigrants will need to budget for higher application fees, which might be a burden for some applicants, especially those applying for multiple family members or under economic programs with higher fees.
- Financial Planning: Applicants will need to be more diligent in their financial planning and may need to secure additional funds to cover the increased costs.
- Urgency to Apply: There is an added urgency for applicants to submit their applications before the new fees take effect. This could lead to a surge in applications, potentially causing processing delays.
Strategies to Avoid the PR Processing Fee Increase
- Timely Applications: To avoid the fee hike, submit your Canadian visa application and pay the necessary fees on time. Ensure that your application is thorough and complete to prevent any issues that could result in additional costs.
- Consulting Experts: Seeking assistance from immigration consultants can help ensure applications are complete and submitted correctly, avoiding costly mistakes or delays.
Get Assistance From Canadian Immigration Experts
Our team of Best Immigration Consultants in Canada at Jane Katkova & Associates can help you navigate this fee increase and put together a solid application promptly. Want to get assistance and help with your PR application process.
