The Canadian government has implemented new immigration fee increases effective December 1, 2025, affecting thousands of applicants seeking to enter or remain in Canada. Whether you’re applying for a work permit, dealing with inadmissibility issues, or restoring your temporary resident status, these changes will impact your application costs.
What Changed on December 1, 2025?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has raised fees across two major categories:
- Inadmissibility-related applications
- International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit processing
These increases reflect adjustments to processing costs and represent modest hikes ranging from 2.5% to 2.7% across affected services.
Complete Breakdown: Inadmissibility Fee Increases
Understanding inadmissibility fees is crucial if you’ve been denied entry to Canada or need special authorization. Here’s what you’ll now pay:
Authorization & Permit Fees
Authorization to Return to Canada: $492.50 (previously $479.75)
- Required if you’ve been asked to leave Canada and wish to return legally
- Typically submitted alongside work or study permit applications
Temporary Resident Permit: $246.25 (previously $239.75)
- Grants temporary entry for inadmissible individuals with compelling reasons
- Your need to enter must outweigh potential risks to Canadian society
Criminal Rehabilitation Fees
Minor Criminality: $246.25 (previously $239.75)
Serious Criminality: $1,231.00 (previously $1,199.00)
If five years have passed since completing your sentence, criminal rehabilitation allows you to permanently clear your inadmissibility status. The fee tier depends on whether your offense qualifies as criminality or serious criminality under Canadian law.
Status Restoration Fees
Lost your temporary resident status? You have 90 days to restore it or leave Canada. Here are the updated costs:
Visitor Status Restoration: $246.25 (previously $239.75)
Worker Status (without new permit): $246.25 (previously $239.75)
Worker Status (with new permit): $401.25 (previously $394.75)
Student Status (without new permit): $246.25 (previously $239.75)
Student Status (with new permit): $396.25 (previously $389.75)
International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit Update
The IEC program offers young professionals from partner countries the opportunity to work in Canada for up to two years through three streams:
- Working Holiday – Travel and work anywhere in Canada
- Young Professionals – Gain professional experience in your field
- International Co-op – Complete internships related to your studies
New IEC Work Permit Processing Fee: $184.75 (up from $179.75)
Important IEC Program Notes
- You must receive an invitation before applying—direct applications aren’t accepted
- The 2025 IEC pools are now closed
- Submit your candidate profile when 2026 pools open to be considered
- All three categories require the same processing fee
Did You Pay the Old Fee? Here’s What to Do
Online Applications
If you submitted your application online and paid before midnight on December 1, 2025, you’re protected from the fee increase—no additional payment required.
Paper Applications
Due to mail delays, paper applications submitted before December 1 may still require additional payment. If affected, IRCC will contact you directly with:
- A payment request for the fee difference
- Step-by-step instructions for submission
How to Pay the Fee Difference
- Calculate the difference between old and new fees for your application type
- Use IRCC’s online payment tool under “Make an additional payment or pay other fees”
- Enter the total difference in the “Quantity” field
- Save your receipt—you’ll receive one per transaction
- Submit according to IRCC’s instructions
You can pay everything in one transaction or split it across multiple payments.
Why Are Immigration Fees Increasing?
Immigration fee adjustments typically reflect:
- Rising administrative and processing costs
- Enhanced security screening measures
- Technology infrastructure improvements
- Service delivery enhancements
These increases align with Canada’s commitment to maintaining efficient immigration processing while ensuring border security.
Planning Your Canadian Immigration Journey
Understanding current fees is essential for budgeting your immigration process. Beyond application fees, consider:
- Biometrics fees ($85 per person, $170 per family)
- Medical examination costs (vary by country and provider)
- Language testing fees (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
- Educational credential assessments ($200-$300)
- Police certificates (varies by country)
Stay Updated on Immigration Changes
Immigration policies and fees can change with minimal notice. To stay informed:
- Check the official IRCC website regularly
- Subscribe to immigration update newsletters
- Consult with regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCICs)
- Follow Immigration Canada’s official social media channels
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new fees take effect? December 1, 2025, at midnight Eastern Time.
Will I be refunded if my application is refused? Processing fees are non-refundable, regardless of your application outcome.
Can I pay in installments? No, full payment is required at the time of application submission.
Do these fees apply to permanent residence applications? No, this increase only affects inadmissibility-related applications and IEC work permits.
Next Steps
Whether you’re planning to work in Canada through IEC, restoring your temporary status, or addressing inadmissibility issues, factor these updated fees into your budget. Early preparation and accurate documentation remain your best strategy for successful Canadian immigration.
For personalized guidance on your specific situation, consider consulting with a licensed immigration professional who can navigate these changes and optimize your application strategy.
