Canadian immigration agency increases temporary residence application fees by 4%

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an increase in application fees for several categories of temporary residents.

The new fees, which range from 2.80% to 4.69%, will affect people applying to reinstate their temporary resident status, return to Canada after inadmissibility, or apply for a Temporary Resident Permit (TSP) .

Fee increase for temporary residence applications

According to Immigration News Canada (INC), IRCC has updated its fee structure for a range of applications including visitors, workers, students and others seeking temporary status in Canada. The fee increases cover eight specific request categories, each with different adjustments.

Below is a breakdown of the new fees compared to the old rates:

Restoration of visitor status: new fee of $239.75 (old fee of $229.00), an increase of 4.69%
Restoration of student status: new fee of $389.75 (old fee of $379.00), an increase of 2.84%
Restoration of worker status: new fee of $394.75 (old fee of $384.00), an increase of 2.80%
Authorization to return to Canada: new fee of $479.75 (old fee of $459.55), an increase of 4.40%
Criminal rehabilitation (criminal motives): new fee of $239.75 (old fee of $229.77), an increase of 4.34%
Criminal rehabilitation (serious crime): new fee of $1,199.00 (old fee of $1,148.87), an increase of 4.36%
Temporary Resident Permit (TSP): new fee of $239.75 (old fee of $229.77), an increase of 4.34%
International Experience Canada (IEC): new fee of $179.75 (old fee of $172.00), an increase of 4.51%

Categories affected by fee adjustments

The fee increase affects those who need to restore their status as a visitor, student or worker. According to the INC, fees increase between 2.80% and 4.69%, depending on the type of status to be restored.

For people deemed inadmissible and wishing to return to Canada, return authorization fees have increased by 4.40%. This applies to cases involving prior violations or removal orders.
Applications for criminal rehabilitation, which allows people with criminal histories to legally enter Canada, saw their fees increase by more than 4%. Likewise, temporary residence permits (PST), which grant temporary access to ineligible individuals, now cost 4.34% more.

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program, aimed at young professionals and working holiday participants, also saw a 4.51% fee increase.

What Candidates Need to Know About Payment

IRCC warns that applicants must ensure they pay the correct fees when submitting their application. Online applications must include updated fees at the time of submission.
For applications submitted by mail before December 1, 2024, with the old fees, IRCC will not reject them. However, candidates will be asked to pay the difference between the old and new fees.
Applicants who must pay the difference must calculate the fee change for all applicable fees, including those of family members.
Payment can be made through IRCC’s online payment tool using the “Make an additional payment or pay other fees” option. The payment receipt must be submitted according to IRCC instructions.

Why this increase in fees?

According to INC, IRCC periodically adjusts its fees to account for inflation and ensure continued quality of service.

These increases are part of the ministry’s efforts to manage rising administrative costs and improve processing times.
Applicants are encouraged to review their application and fee payment carefully to avoid delays.
Further information is available on the IRCC website, or applicants can consult a licensed immigration professional for advice.