Starting April 30, 2024, at 9:00 AM Eastern Time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will increase fees for various permanent residence (PR) applications. This adjustment aligns with the Immigrant and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), which are indexed to the cumulative percentage increase of Canada’s Consumer Price Index as published by Statistics Canada.
Overview of the Upcoming PR Fee Changes
The new fee structure, effective from April 2024 through March 2026, reflects a general rise across multiple categories of the PR process. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Key Fee Increases for Permanent Residence
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: This mandatory fee will see an increase from $515 to $575 for the principal applicant and any accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
- Economic and Pilot Programs: Applicants under programs such as Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, and Atlantic Immigration Class will now pay $950, up from $850. This fee adjustment also applies to accompanying spouses or common-law partners, while the fee for dependent children will rise from $230 to $260.
- Live-in Caregiver and Related Pilots: The principal applicant’s fee will increase from $570 to $635. This adjustment is consistent for accompanying spouses or common-law partners and dependent children, whose fees will now be $175, up from $155.
- Business Immigration: Fees for business immigration, covering both federal and Quebec-selected entrepreneurs, will increase significantly. The principal applicant’s fee will jump from $1,625 to $1,810, with similar increases for spouses and dependent children.
- Family Reunification: The sponsorship fee will rise from $75 to $85, while fees for sponsored principal applicants and children will also see adjustments to reflect the updated policy.
Exemptions and Special Considerations
IRCC has outlined specific exemptions to these fee increases, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups and those under humanitarian considerations. Children under 22 years old, who are not spouses or partners of principal applicants, remain exempt from the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. This exemption also extends to applicants under humanitarian and public policy considerations who meet certain criteria.
Impact on Permit Holders
Individuals applying under the “permit holder” class must note that they cannot include family members in their PR applications. Each applicant must independently submit their application as a principal applicant.
Navigating the Changes
These changes are part of IRCC’s effort to maintain the integrity and sustainability of Canada’s immigration system. Applicants are encouraged to review their eligibility and prepare their applications in accordance with the new fee structure.
For more detailed information on these changes and how they might affect your application, visit the IRCC website.
As always, those looking to make Canada their permanent home can start their journey by checking their eligibility for Canadian immigration through various programs that are tailored to meet diverse applicant needs.
