Canada Implements New Immigration Fees Starting December 1, 2024
Table of Contents:
- Introduction: Immigration Fee Increases
- Updated Fee Structure: A Comparison
- What Happens If You’ve Already Paid the Old Fee?
- Paying the Fee Difference: What You Need to Know
- Conclusion: The Impact of Fee Adjustments on Applicants
1. Introduction: Immigration Fee Increases
As of December 1, 2024, Canada’s immigration department, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has implemented several fee increases across various application types. These changes are intended to better reflect the administrative costs of processing immigration applications.
2. Updated Fee Structure: A Comparison
Here is a comparison of the new and previous application fees for several immigration services:
| Application Type | New Fee | Previous Fee |
| Authorization to Return to Canada | $479.75 | $459.55 |
| Inadmissible on the Grounds of Criminality | $239.75 | $229.77 |
| Inadmissible on the Grounds of Serious Criminality | $1,199.00 | $1,148.87 |
| Restore Status as a Student | $389.75 | $379.00 |
| Restore Status as a Visitor | $239.75 | $229.00 |
| Restore Status as a Worker | $394.75 | $384.00 |
| Temporary Resident Permit | $239.75 | $229.77 |
3. What Happens If You’ve Already Paid the Old Fee?
If you submitted an online application before the fee increase, the new fee structure will not affect your application. Since IRCC processes online applications immediately, any payments made before the fee adjustment are already considered paid in full.
However, if you submitted a paper application, such as for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) extension, and the fee change occurred before IRCC received it, you may have paid the old fee.
In these cases, IRCC will not reject your application as long as you meet the following conditions:
- The old fee was paid in full.
- Your application was complete.
- Your application was mailed before the new fees came into effect.
If your paper application was received after the fee change, you will be instructed to pay the difference.
4. Paying the Fee Difference: What You Need to Know
If you owe the difference between the old and new application fees, you will need to pay the outstanding amount. Here’s how to handle the additional payment:
- Calculate the Fee Difference: Subtract the old fee from the new fee.
- Make the Payment: Log into your IRCC account (or create one) and use the online payment tool. Choose the “make an additional payment or pay other fees” option. Enter the calculated fee difference under “quantity”.
- Submit Your Receipt: After completing the payment, submit the receipt to IRCC as instructed.
5. Conclusion: The Impact of Fee Adjustments on Applicants
The fee increases reflect the ongoing efforts by IRCC to manage the growing demand for immigration services while maintaining a sustainable processing system. Applicants need to be aware of the changes and take appropriate action if they are required to pay the difference between the old and new fees.
These fee adjustments are part of Canada’s broader immigration system updates, aiming to balance efficient processing with the administrative costs of managing a complex immigration system.
For a free consultation about your work permit and student permit options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
