The Canadian federal government has announced an increase in application fees for both permanent residence (PR) and citizenship, with changes coming into effect in early 2026. These adjustments apply across nearly all immigration streams and will impact thousands of applicants planning to move to Canada.
This update is part of the government’s ongoing effort to keep immigration processing aligned with operational costs, while continuing to manage high volumes of applications across different programs.
When the New Fees Take Effect
The revised fee structure will be implemented in two phases:
- Permanent residence application fees will increase starting April 30, 2026
- The right of citizenship fee will rise on March 31, 2026
Applicants who submit their applications and complete payments before these deadlines will not be affected by the new pricing.
Who Will Be Affected
The updated fees apply to all major PR pathways, including:
- Economic immigration programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec Skilled Workers, and Atlantic Immigration Program
- Family sponsorship applications
- Protected persons and refugees
- Humanitarian and compassionate cases
- Business immigration streams
- Permit holders class
In addition, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), which is a mandatory final payment before obtaining PR status, will also increase.
Updated Permanent Residence Fee Structure
Here is a breakdown of the key changes in PR application fees effective April 30, 2026:
Right of Permanent Residence Fee
- Principal applicant and spouse/partner: increases from $575 to $600
Economic Immigration Programs
- Principal applicant: $950 to $990
- Spouse or partner: $950 to $990
- Dependent child: $260 to $270
Business Immigration
- Principal applicant: $1,810 to $1,895
- Spouse or partner: $950 to $990
- Dependent child: $260 to $270
Family Sponsorship
- Sponsorship fee: $85 to $90
- Sponsored principal applicant: $545 to $570
- Dependent child: $85 to $90
Protected Persons
- Principal applicant: $635 to $660
- Spouse or partner: $635 to $660
- Dependent child: $175 to $180
Humanitarian and Compassionate Applications
- Principal applicant: $635 to $660
- Spouse or partner: $635 to $660
- Dependent child: $175 to $180
Permit Holders Class
- Principal applicant: $375 to $390
These increases are relatively moderate but will still add to the overall cost of immigrating, especially for families applying together.
Citizenship Fee Increase
The right of citizenship fee will also rise slightly:
- Current fee: $119.75
- New fee (effective March 31, 2026): $123.00
Although the increase is small, it reflects a broader trend of gradual adjustments to immigration-related costs in Canada.
Important Notes for Applicants
If You Already Applied Online
Applicants who submitted their applications online and paid the required fees before the new deadlines will not need to take any further action. Their applications will continue to be processed under the old fee structure.
If You Submitted a Paper Application
Those who mailed paper applications before the fee change may still be required to pay the difference. This is because processing delays could result in the application being received after the new fees take effect.
In such cases, immigration authorities will contact applicants directly with instructions on how to pay the outstanding amount.
Paying the Fee Difference
If you are asked to pay the difference:
- Calculate the gap between the old and new fees for each applicant
- Use the official online payment system to make an additional payment
- Enter the total difference and complete the transaction
- Submit the receipt as instructed
Payments can be made in a single transaction or split into multiple payments.
Special Rule: Deferred RPRF Payments
Applicants who chose to delay paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee should be aware of an important rule.
Even if you applied before April 30, 2026, if you pay the RPRF after this date, you must pay the updated fee of $600. The amount is determined by when the payment is made, not when the application was submitted.
Why These Fee Changes Matter
For many applicants, especially families or those applying through multiple stages, these fee increases can significantly impact budgeting. While the increments may seem small individually, the total cost of immigration can rise quickly when multiple applicants are involved.
At the same time, Canada continues to remain one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants globally, offering strong economic opportunities, high quality of life, and clear pathways to permanent residency and citizenship.
Conclusion
Canada’s 2026 immigration fee increases reflect a broader effort to balance rising administrative costs with the demand for immigration services. While the changes are not drastic, they will affect nearly all applicants across different categories.
Those planning to apply should carefully consider timelines and submit applications before the deadlines where possible to avoid higher costs. Understanding how and when fees apply, particularly for deferred payments like the RPRF, is essential to avoid unexpected expenses.
Overall, despite the higher fees, Canada’s immigration system continues to offer structured and accessible pathways for individuals and families seeking long-term settlement.
FAQs
Will my application be rejected if I paid the old fee?
No, if your application was submitted before the deadline with the correct fee at that time, it will not be rejected.
Do online applicants need to pay the difference?
No, online applications are processed immediately, so if submitted before the deadline, no additional payment is required.
What happens if I mailed my application before the fee change?
You may still need to pay the difference if your application is received after the new fees come into effect.
Can I pay the fee difference in multiple transactions?
Yes, you can choose to pay in one payment or split it into multiple transactions.
Does the RPRF depend on application date?
No, the RPRF is based on the date you pay it, not the date you applied.