New IRCC Application Fees Starting December 1: How It Affects You
Stay updated on IRCC's fee changes effective Dec 1. Learn about increased fees for visitor, worker, and student applications & how to handle fee adjustments
Gurmeet Sharma
Starting December 1, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement increased fees for various applications related to visitor, worker, and student permits. These adjustments will affect temporary residents seeking to extend their status, restore their status, or address specific inadmissibility issues.
Applications Affected by the Fee Update
The following application types will see changes to their fees:
- Restoration of Temporary Resident Status (visitors, workers, and students)
- Authorization to Return to Canada
- Criminal Rehabilitation Applications (including serious criminality cases)
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Applications
Note: The updated fee amounts have not yet been disclosed by IRCC.
Current Application Fees
Below is a summary of the current fees for affected applications:
| Application Type | Current Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Restoration of Visitor Status | $229.00 |
| Restoration of Student Status | $379.00 |
| Restoration of Worker Status | $384.00 |
| Authorization to Return to Canada | $459.55 |
| Criminal Inadmissibility (General) | $229.77 |
| Criminal Inadmissibility (Serious) | $1,148.87 |
| Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | $229.77 |
Impact on Applications with Old Fees
If an applicant submits a complete application before the fee changes take effect, they typically won’t need to pay the updated fee.
- Online Applications: These are received immediately, ensuring timely processing under the fee applicable at submission.
- Mailed Applications: Processing times may vary, as there could be delays between the mailing date and the date IRCC receives the application.
In most cases, an application will remain valid if the applicant has:
- Paid the full, applicable fee before the change.
- Submitted all required documents.
- Mailed the application prior to December 1.
If a fee adjustment is required after submission, IRCC will provide instructions for paying the difference.
How to Pay Additional Fees
If applicants need to pay the difference due to a fee change, they must follow these steps:
-
Calculate the Fee Difference
- Subtract the old fee from the new fee for each application type (including family members, if applicable).
-
Make the Payment
- Use the "Make an additional payment or pay other fees" option in IRCC’s online payment tool.
- Enter the total fee difference under "Quantity."
- Ensure all fees are paid in a single transaction or as multiple transactions if necessary.
-
Obtain a Receipt
- A receipt will be issued for every transaction.
-
Submit the Receipt
- Follow the specific instructions outlined in the fee adjustment request sent by IRCC.
For further details on the upcoming fee updates, monitor IRCC announcements closely to stay informed about the new fee structure and ensure a smooth application process.
