Federal fee increases take effect for some immigration applications — what applicants need to know
The federal government raised a number of immigration-related fees that came into force on December 1, 2025. The increases affect several inadmissibility-related applications as well as the processing fee for International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits. While the adjustments are modest in dollar terms, they change what some applicants must pay — and, in certain situations, applicants who submitted paper applications before the deadline may be asked to top up their original payment.
This report explains which fees changed, who is protected from the increase, how to check whether you must pay the difference, and practical next steps to avoid processing delays.
Which fees were increased (effective December 1, 2025)
The recent changes fall into two broad groups:
- Inadmissibility-related fees — fees associated with applications for temporary resident permits, authorizations to return to Canada, criminal rehabilitation, and restorations of status; and
- International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit processing fee.
Below are the updated fee figures that took effect on December 1, 2025.
Inadmissibility-related fees (old → new)
- Authorization to Return to Canada: $479.75 → $492.50
- Temporary Resident Permit: $239.75 → $246.25
- Criminal rehabilitation — inadmissibility due to criminality: $239.75 → $246.25
- Criminal rehabilitation — inadmissibility due to serious criminality: $1,199.00 → $1,231.00
- Restoration of visitor status: $239.75 → $246.25
- Restoration of worker status — without new work permit: $239.75 → $246.25
- Restoration of worker status — with new work permit: $394.75 → $401.25
- Restoration of student status — without new study permit: $239.75 → $246.25
- Restoration of student status — with new study permit: $389.75 → $396.25
International Experience Canada (IEC) — work permit processing fee
- $179.75 → $184.75
Who is protected from the increase — and who may owe more
- Online applicants who submitted and paid the old fee before midnight on December 1, 2025 are generally not affected; their payment is honoured at the earlier rate.
- Paper applications submitted before December 1 can be subject to the higher fee due to postal or processing delays. In such cases, applicants may receive a request from immigration authorities to pay the difference between the old and new fee. Applicants who receive such a request must follow the payment instructions provided to avoid delays.
Why the change matters
Although the increases are relatively small on a per-application basis, they affect several commonly used application types — particularly restoration and inadmissibility remedies — and the popular IEC program used by young workers and interns. Applicants who filed paper applications close to the fee-change date should pay special attention to any communication from immigration authorities to avoid pauses in processing.
What to do if you already applied or paid the old fee
If you mailed a complete paper application before the fee change and immigration later requests a payment adjustment, follow these steps:
- Read the payment request carefully and note the exact amount you are asked to pay.
- Use the government’s online payment option designated for additional payments; enter the precise amount requested.
- Obtain and keep the payment receipt.
- Submit the receipt to immigration following the instructions contained in the request (for example, by uploading it through the applicant portal, emailing it to the specified address, or sending it as directed).
- Keep copies of all correspondence and receipts in case of processing questions.
If you paid online before the deadline, you generally do not need to take action.
Practical tips to avoid delays and surprises
- If you filed a paper application near the December 1 deadline, monitor your email and any online application portals closely for a payment request.
- Retain proof of the date you mailed a paper application (postmark, courier tracking number, delivery confirmation) — this information may be needed if a billing dispute arises.
- When an additional payment is requested, follow the instructions exactly and upload or submit your receipt as directed to prevent your file from being held.
- For IEC candidates, remember that a valid invitation to apply is still required before a work-permit application can be submitted; the fee change does not alter the invitation process itself.
- If you are uncertain about a fee notice or your status, consider contacting a qualified immigration professional for guidance rather than delaying payment or documentation.
Bottom line
The federal increases that took effect on December 1, 2025, raise costs for inadmissibility remedies, restorations of status, and IEC work-permit processing. Online applicants who paid before the deadline are generally protected; paper filers who mailed close to the change may be required to pay the difference. Being proactive — tracking submissions, keeping receipts, and responding quickly to any fee requests — will help prevent processing interruptions.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
