If you’re planning to move to Canada, here’s something worth noting. The government is raising immigration fees again, and it kicks in soon.
Starting April 30, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will increase fees for most Permanent Residence (PR) applications. A smaller hike for citizenship applications has already taken effect.
Let’s break down the Permanent Residence (PR) fee changes in simple terms.
Why Are Canada PR Fees Increasing?
Canada reviews immigration fees every two years. The idea is simple. Prices are adjusted to match inflation and rising administrative costs. So this isn’t a sudden policy shift. It’s part of a regular cycle.
New Canada PR Fees (Effective April 30, 2026)
Starting April 30, 2026, most Permanent Residence (PR) application fees will go up slightly. The changes apply across several immigration categories, including skilled workers, family sponsorship, and humanitarian programs.
New PR Fee Structure
| Category | Current Fee | New Fee (From April 30) |
|---|---|---|
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | CAD 575 | CAD 600 |
| Federal Skilled Workers, PNP, Quebec Skilled Workers, Economic Pilots | CAD 950 | CAD 990 |
| Business Immigration (Federal & Quebec) | CAD 1,810 | CAD 1,895 |
| Family Sponsorship | CAD 545 | CAD 570 |
| Protected Persons & Humanitarian Programs | CAD 635 | CAD 660 |
| Permit Holders | CAD 375 | CAD 390 |
The increase is not huge, but it does add up, especially for families applying together.
Fees Also Rising for Families
If you’re applying with your spouse or children, expect slightly higher costs there, too. IRCC has confirmed that fees for accompanying family members will also increase. So the total application cost may be noticeably higher for group applications.
Citizenship Fee Already Increased
There’s one more update that many people missed. From March 31, 2026, the Right of Citizenship fee for adults increased:
- Now: CAD 119.75 → New: CAD 123
This applies to those applying for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Should You Apply Before the Fee Hike?
Here’s the practical takeaway.
- If your application is ready, submitting before April 30 could save money
- If not, the increase is modest, so it shouldn’t change long-term plans
What matters more is submitting a complete and accurate application.
Final Thoughts
Canada remains one of the most popular destinations for skilled workers, students, and families. While fees are going up, the changes are relatively small and predictable. Still, for anyone planning to apply soon, timing your submission could make a difference.
If you’re already in the process, now’s a good time to double-check your documents and move forward.
Follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google News for the latest travel news and updates!