Canada Increases Permanent Residence and Citizenship Fees
The Government of Canada has confirmed upcoming fee increases across nearly all permanent residence (PR) and citizenship categories. These adjustments are scheduled to take effect in two stages: March 31, 2026, for citizenship-related fees, and April 30, 2026, for permanent residence applications.
Key Deadlines
- March 31, 2026: New Right of Citizenship fees take effect.
- April 30, 2026: New processing fees and Right of Permanent Residence Fees (RPRF) take effect for all PR categories.
Permanent Residence Fee Breakdown
The following table outlines the transition from current rates to the new fees effective April 30, 2026.
| Category / Applicant Type | Current Fee | New Fee (April 30) |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $575 | $600 |
| Federal High Skilled (Express Entry, PNP, Quebec, etc.) | ||
| – Principal Applicant / Spouse / Partner | $950 | $990 |
| – Accompanying Dependent Child | $260 | $270 |
| Business Class (Federal and Quebec) | ||
| – Principal Applicant | $1,810 | $1,895 |
| – Accompanying Spouse / Partner | $950 | $990 |
| – Accompanying Dependent Child | $260 | $270 |
| Family Reunification | ||
| – Sponsorship Fee | $85 | $90 |
| – Sponsored Principal Applicant | $545 | $570 |
| – Sponsored Dependent Child (under 22) | $85 | $90 |
| Protected Persons / Humanitarian & Compassionate | ||
| – Principal Applicant / Spouse / Partner | $635 | $660 |
| – Accompanying Dependent Child | $175 | $180 |
| Permit Holders Class | ||
| – Principal Applicant | $375 | $390 |
Citizenship Fee Update
Effective March 31, 2026, the Right of Citizenship Fee—which is required for all applicants aged 18 and older—will increase from $119.75 to $123.00.
Critical Policy Details
1. Understanding the Fees
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): This is a mandatory fee for most PR applicants (principal applicants and partners) in addition to standard processing fees. It can be paid at the time of application or once the application is approved in principle.
- Right of Citizenship Fee: A separate requirement from processing fees, due upon submission for all adult citizenship applicants.
2. The “Date of Payment” Rule for RPRF
A vital detail for those who have already applied: if you submitted your PR application before April 30 but deferred your RPRF payment, you will be required to pay the new $600 rate if the payment is made on or after April 30. The RPRF amount is determined by the rate in effect at the time of payment, not the time of application.
3. Pending Paper Applications
If you mailed a paper application before the effective date, IRCC generally will not reject it, provided it was complete and postmarked before the deadline. If a fee discrepancy occurs, IRCC will contact you directly to request the balance.
4. How to Pay the Difference
If you need to “top up” a payment to meet the new rates:
- Calculate the exact difference between the old and new fees for all applicants.
- Use the IRCC online payment tool, selecting “Make an additional payment or pay other fees.”
- Follow the specific submission instructions provided by IRCC to link the new receipt to your file.
Source: https://www.cicnews.com/2026/03/canada-hikes-permanent-residence-and-citizenship-fees-0373541.html
