Canada Increases Permanent Residence Application Fees Starting April 30

For those dreaming of calling Canada home, an important update concerning permanent residence application fees is on the horizon.

Effective April 30, 2024, the Government of Canada will implement a fee adjustment across various immigration programs to reflect the growing costs associated with processing applications and maintaining service delivery standards while also accounting for inflation. This fee adjustment occurs biennially and the forthcoming changes will impact applicants seeking permanent residency through economic immigration programs, family reunification, business immigration avenues, and other specialized pathways. The principal applicant, along with any accompanying spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children, will be subject to the revised fee structure.

Under the new regime, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, applicable to the main applicant and their spouse or common-law partner, will increase from $515 to $575. Economic immigration programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Federal Skilled Worker Class, and Atlantic Immigration Class, will see the fee for the principal applicant and their spouse or common-law partner rise from $850 to $950 while accompanying dependent children's fees will climb from $230 to $260. Individuals applying through the Live-in Caregiver Programs will face an increase from $570 to $635 for both the principal applicant (caregiver) and their accompanying spouse or common-law partner, with fees for accompanying dependent children rising from $155 to $175.

The Business Immigration Program will witness a substantial hike with the principal applicant's fee soaring from $1,625 to $1,810, and the same increase applies to accompanying spouses or common-law partners. Accompanying dependent children's fees will rise from $230 to $260. Family reunification, a cherished aspect of Canadian immigration, will also experience fee adjustments. The sponsorship fee will increase from $75 to $85, while the sponsored principal applicant's fee will climb from $490 to $545. Fees for sponsored dependent children and accompanying spouses or common-law partners, along with their children will also see a slight increase. Other specialized programs, such as those for Protected Persons, Humanitarian and Compassionate cases, and Permit Holders, will also undergo fee adjustments to align with the updated structure.

Permanent residents enjoy nearly all the same rights and privileges as Canadian citizens including access to healthcare, education, and the ability to work and live anywhere in the country. As you embark on your Canadian dream, it is crucial to carefully research the immigration pathway that best aligns with your skills, experience, and circumstances. By factoring in the updated application fees and thoroughly preparing your application, you can navigate the process smoothly and increase your chances of success.