Fees Increased for Canada PR Visa starting from 30 April 2024
2024-04-05 | Abroad Pathway Immigration | Leave a Comment
Planning to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residency (PR)? There is important news for the immigrants. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made an announcement stating that effective from 9:00:00 AM Eastern Time on April 30, 2024, there will be an increase in certain fees related to permanent residence (PR).
However, the upcoming fee increase is significant compared to the previous hikes. The last increase that took place in April 2022 was a rather small one, with the fees increasing by only about 3%. The new fees set to come into effect in April 2024, however, will represent a substantial increase of nearly 12–13%.
Basis for the Increase
The new rate is primarily determined based on the cumulative percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index released by Statistics Canada during the preceding two years (2022 and 2023), rounded to the nearest five dollars.
Certain categories of applicants, such as dependent children, protected individuals, and principal applicants in the “humanitarian and compassionate” and “public policy” categories under specific conditions, are exempted from paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee.
For the “Permit Holder” class, it is important to note that accompanying family members cannot be included in their permanent residency applications. Individuals in this category are required to submit their own applications as principal applicants.
Overview of the New Fees of Canada Immigration – Updated
Below is a detailed breakdown of the new immigration fees that will be effective from April 30, 2024.
| Program | Applicants | New fees (April 2024–March 2026) | Current fees (April 2022– March 2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $575 | $515 |
| Express Entry Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) | Principal applicant | $950 | $850 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $950 | $850 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $260 | $230 | Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) | Principal applicant | $635 | $570 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $635 | $570 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $175 | $155 | |
| Business (federal and Quebec) | Principal applicant | $1,810 | $1,625 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $950 | $850 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $260 | $230 | |
| Family reunification (spouses, partners and children; parents and grandparents; and other relatives) | Sponsorship fee | $85 | $75 |
| Sponsored principal applicant | $545 | $490 | |
| Sponsored child (principal applicant under 22 years old and not a spouse/partner) | $85 | $75 | |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $635 | $570 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $175 | $155 | |
| Protected persons | Principal applicant | $635 | $570 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $635 | $570 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $175 | $155 | |
| Humanitarian and compassionate considerations and Public policy | Principal applicant | $635 | $570 |
| Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $635 | $570 | |
| Accompanying dependent child | $175 | $155 | |
| Permit holders | Principal applicant | $375 | $335 |
IRCC notes that, in addition to dependent children and protected persons (including principal applicants and all family members), the following groups of applicants are exempt from paying the Department of Permanent Residence Rights (RPR) fee:
- Sponsored Child (of the principal applicant under the Family Reunification category) – Child must be under 22 years of age and must not have a spouse/partner
- Major applicants under the Humane and Compassionate Considerations and Public Policy sections
However, it’s important to note that despite the increase, Canada’s immigration fees remain competitive when compared to other popular immigration destinations. The country continues to attract a large number of skilled professionals from around the world, owing to its robust economy, high standard of living, and welcoming immigration policies.
