Highlights: Canada Announces Updated Immigration Fees from December 2025
- Canada has implemented new immigration fee increases effective December 1, 2025, impacting select inadmissibility and IEC categories.
- Nine inadmissibility-related application fees have risen, with increases ranging from CAD $6.50 to CAD $32.
- Criminal Rehabilitation (Serious Criminality) saw the highest increase, now priced at CAD $1,231.
- The IEC work permit fee has been updated to CAD $184.75 for all three program categories.
- Online applicants who paid before the deadline remain unaffected, while paper applicants may need to pay the fee difference.
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Canada Confirms New Fee Adjustments for Select Immigration Categories
Canada has officially introduced revised immigration fees effective December 1, 2025, impacting applicants under several inadmissibility-related categories as well as the International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit program. These updates form part of the federal government’s scheduled review cycle, which ensures that immigration services remain adequately funded, modern, and capable of meeting rising global demand.
The fee adjustments apply selectively but are important for applicants, especially Indians planning to work, study, or travel to Canada, as they may influence application budgets, timelines, and next steps. As Canada continues to welcome more skilled talent and international workers, periodic fee revisions help maintain processing efficiency, improve service delivery, and support the country’s long-term immigration strategy.
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Updated Canada Immigration Fees: What Applicants Need to Know
Canada’s latest fee revision affects several inadmissibility-related applications, making it essential for applicants to understand the new costs before submitting or updating their paperwork. These changes ensure that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can continue maintaining efficient processing standards and improving digital services.
For Indian applicants restoring status, seeking rehabilitation, or applying for an IEC work permit, the table below provides a clear comparison of the old vs. new fees effective December 1, 2025.
|
Application Type
|
Old Fee (CAD)
|
New Fee (CAD)
|
|
Authorisation to Return to Canada
|
$479.75
|
$492.50
|
|
Temporary Resident Permit
|
$239.75
|
$246.25
|
|
Criminal Rehabilitation – Inadmissibility Due to Criminality
|
$239.75
|
$246.25
|
|
Criminal Rehabilitation – Serious Criminality
|
$1,199.00
|
$1,231.00
|
|
Restoration of Visitor Status
|
$239.75
|
$246.25
|
|
Restoration of Worker Status (Without New Work Permit)
|
$239.75
|
$246.25
|
|
Restoration of Worker Status (With New Work Permit)
|
$394.75
|
$401.25
|
|
Restoration of Student Status (Without New Study Permit)
|
$239.75
|
$246.25
|
|
Restoration of Student Status (With New Study Permit)
|
$389.75
|
$396.25
|
|
IEC Work Permit Fee
|
$179.75
|
$184.75
|
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IRCC Releases Instructions for Applicants Paying Fee Differences under New Rules
With Canada’s revised immigration fees now active from December 1, 2025, applicants must check whether the new charges apply to their file, especially if their application was submitted close to the deadline. IRCC has clarified that online applicants who completed their payment before midnight on December 1 will not be affected, as the online system records the exact submission time.
However, paper-based applicants may still need to pay the difference because IRCC determines the applicable fee based on when an application is received, not when it was mailed. This means some applicants could fall under the new structure even if they posted their documents earlier.
To help applicants avoid delays, IRCC has introduced a simple, step-by-step process to settle any outstanding fee differences.
How to Pay the Updated Fee Difference
Step 1: Use IRCC’s online payment portal and select “Make an additional payment or pay other fees.”
Step 2: Enter the required amount under Quantity—this should match the difference between the old and new fee.
Step 3: Complete the payment and download the official receipt issued by IRCC.
Step 4: Submit the receipt as per the instructions sent to you by IRCC to keep your application moving forward.
Step 5: Applicants can pay all outstanding amounts in one transaction or split them—IRCC accepts both options.
These steps ensure your application remains valid and continues through processing without interruption. Staying updated on these fee changes is especially important for Indian applicants planning to study, work, or restore status in Canada.
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FAQs
What changes has Canada announced about immigration fees in December 2025?
Canada has announced that certain immigration fees are increasing starting December 2025. These changes apply to selected permanent and temporary visa categories. The goal is to update fees based on current processing costs and improve overall service quality. If you’re planning to apply soon, it’s important to check the new fee structure so you submit the correct payment and avoid any delays.
Which immigration programs are affected by Canada’s fee increase?
The fee hike applies to a few key areas, including economic immigration programs, family sponsorship, PR cards, study permits, work permits, and some temporary visas. Not every program is affected, but several popular ones are. IRCC has updated only the categories where processing costs have increased, so applicants should review the new fee list before applying.
When do the updated immigration fees come into effect?
The new fees take effect immediately from the date of the announcement in December 2025. Any application submitted after this date must include the revised fee amount. If you already submitted your application with the correct payment before the update, you likely won’t need to pay extra unless IRCC specifically asks for it.
Why did Canada increase certain immigration fees in 2025?
Canada reviews and updates immigration fees every few years to keep up with rising operational and processing costs. As the number of applications grows, the system needs more resources to maintain fast and efficient service. The 2025 fee increase helps Canada recover these costs and continue offering reliable processing to applicants worldwide.
How will the new fee increase impact Indian applicants?
Indian applicants planning to study, work, or apply for PR in Canada may notice slightly higher fees for select applications. While the overall cost may rise, this change does not affect eligibility rules, processing times, or program requirements. It simply helps you plan your budget better before applying for your preferred visa or immigration pathway.
Are permanent residence application fees included in this update?
Yes, some permanent residence programs are part of the fee update. This includes economic immigration streams, family sponsorship applications, and PR card processing. However, the increase varies by program. Applicants should check the official IRCC fee chart to know exactly how much their PR application will cost under the new structure.
Do the updated fees apply to study and work permit applications?
Yes, certain temporary residence applications—such as study permits, work permits, and visas for dependents—are included in the updated fee list. While the increase is not drastic, applicants must ensure they pay the new amount when submitting their application to avoid delays or rejections due to incorrect fees.
Will Express Entry applicants be affected by the fee increase?
Express Entry applicants will see changes in their PR application fees, as these fall under economic immigration programs. The fee update does not change your CRS score, eligibility, or processing standards—only the amount you need to pay when submitting your PR application through Express Entry.
How can applicants find the most recent immigration fee updates?
The most reliable source for updated immigration fees is the official IRCC website. Canada updates its fee chart whenever changes are made, and each immigration category has a dedicated section. Before applying, applicants should double-check these amounts to ensure their payment is accurate and up to date.
Does the fee increase affect Canada’s immigration targets?
No, the fee increase does not impact the number of immigrants Canada plans to welcome. It only updates processing costs—not immigration levels. Canada continues to encourage skilled workers, students, families, and temporary residents to apply. The revised fees simply help the system operate more efficiently and sustainably.
