Canada Immigration Fee Increases Effective December 1, 2024

Are you planning to apply for a temporary resident visa or any immigration-related service in Canada? If so, there’s an important update you need to know about. As of December 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased the fees for several types of temporary resident applications. This includes applications for visitors, students, workers, as well as individuals applying for status restoration, permits, or authorization to return to Canada. Canada immigration fee increases effective December

Whether you are applying for a visa to study, work, visit, or re-enter Canada after inadmissibility, these fee increases will impact you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key changes, explain how they will affect you, and offer tips on how to avoid any unnecessary delays in your immigration process. Canada immigration fee increases effective December

Key Canada Immigration Fee Changes Effective December 1, 2024

Canada’s immigration application fees are updated regularly to accommodate inflation, administrative costs, and the growing demands of processing visa and immigration applications. The latest fee increases, effective December 1, 2024, range between 2.80% and 4.69% and affect individuals applying for various temporary resident visas, status restorations, and specific immigration permits. Canada immigration fee increases effective December

Here’s a breakdown of the new fees and their percentage increase:

Application Type	New Fee (Effective Dec 1)	Old Fee (Before Dec 1)	% Change
Restoration of Visitor Status	$239.75	$229.00	+4.69%
Restoration of Student Status	$389.75	$379.00	+2.84%
Restoration of Worker Status	$394.75	$384.00	+2.80%
Authorization to Return to Canada	$479.75	$459.55	+4.40%
Criminal Rehabilitation (Grounds of Criminality)	$239.75	$229.77	+4.34%
Criminal Rehabilitation (Serious Criminality)	$1,199.00	$1,148.87	+4.36%
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)	$239.75	$229.77	+4.34%
International Experience Canada (IEC)	$179.75	$172.00	+4.51%

What Are the Key Changes and Why Do They Matter?

Restoration of Temporary Resident Status

If you lose your status as a visitor, student, or worker in Canada, you must apply for restoration to regain your legal status. With the recent fee hikes, the cost for restoring your status has increased by up to 4.69%, depending on whether you’re a visitor, student, or worker. Canada’s immigration fee increases effective December

Visitor Status Restoration: New fee is $239.75 (previously $229.00) – a 4.69% increase.
Student Status Restoration: New fee is $389.75 (previously $379.00) – a 2.84% increase.
Worker Status Restoration: New fee is $394.75 (previously $384.00) – a 2.80% increase.

These increases mean that applicants who have lost their status and need to restore it will now have to pay more. If you’re in this category, it’s crucial to submit your application promptly to avoid overextending your stay in Canada.

Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)

If you’ve been deemed inadmissible and have received a removal order, you’ll need to apply for an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC). This allows you to re-enter Canada legally. This application is now subject to a 4.40% fee increase. The new fee for ARC applications is $479.75 (up from $459.55).

Criminal Rehabilitation

Applicants who have been inadmissible to Canada due to past criminal convictions can apply for criminal rehabilitation to overcome their inadmissibility. The application fee for both criminal rehabilitation and serious criminality rehabilitation has risen by over 4%.

Criminal Rehabilitation (Grounds of Criminality): New fee is $239.75 (previously $229.77) – a 4.34% increase.
Criminal Rehabilitation (Serious Criminality): New fee is $1,199.00 (previously $1,148.87) – a 4.36% increase.

If you are applying for rehabilitation due to previous criminal history, these fee hikes will affect your application cost.

Temporary Resident Permits (TRP)

The cost for applying for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) has also increased by 4.34%. The TRP allows individuals who are inadmissible to Canada to enter the country for a limited time, typically for specific purposes such as business or family visits. The new fee for TRP applications is $239.75 (previously $229.77).

International Experience Canada (IEC)

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young people from participating countries to live and work in Canada for a limited period. The fee for this program has increased by 4.51%, now costing $179.75 (up from $172.00). This program is especially popular among youth seeking a working holiday experience in Canada, so the fee increase may be a concern for applicants.

How These Changes Impact You as an Applicant

While these fee increases are relatively modest, they can still have a significant impact on your budget if you are planning to submit multiple applications for yourself or family members. The changes are part of the IRCC’s effort to manage growing administrative demands and to ensure that the services provided are of high quality.

To avoid any delays in your application, it’s essential to be aware of the updated fees and ensure that you pay the correct amount. If you’re submitting your application online, the correct fee will be automatically applied. However, if you’re submitting your application via mail, it’s crucial to double-check that you’ve included the correct payment amount.

What If You Paid the Old Fee Before December 1, 2024?

If you mailed your application before the fee increase and paid the old fee, don’t worry – IRCC will not reject your application. However, you will need to pay the difference between the old and new fees.

Here’s what you need to do if this applies to you:

Calculate the Fee Difference: Review the updated fees and calculate the difference for each applicable application type. This includes not only the primary applicant’s fees but also the fees for any accompanying family members.
Use the IRCC Online Payment Tool: Go to the IRCC’s online payment portal and select the “Make an additional payment or pay other fees” option. Enter the difference in the required fields.
Submit the Payment Receipt: After making the payment, you’ll receive a receipt. Be sure to follow IRCC’s instructions and submit this receipt along with your application.

Why Did IRCC Increase the Fees?

The fee increase is a regular adjustment made by the IRCC to keep up with inflation and to manage the growing administrative costs associated with immigration services. The Canadian immigration system is facing higher demand and more complex cases, requiring more resources to process efficiently.

By adjusting the fees, the IRCC aims to ensure that applications are processed in a timely and effective manner, reducing backlogs and improving the overall applicant experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ensure Smooth Processing

Double-check the New Fees: Before you apply, check the updated fees for the specific type of application you are submitting. This will ensure you are paying the right amount.
Submit Online: Whenever possible, submit your application online. The online portal automatically calculates the fees, reducing the risk of errors.
Mailed Applications: If you’re mailing your application, ensure that the payment you include is correct. If you’ve paid the old fee, remember that you’ll need to pay the difference once IRCC informs you.
Keep All Receipts: Be sure to keep copies of any payments or receipts for your records. These may be requested by IRCC for verification.
Consult an Expert: Immigration processes can be complex. If you need assistance with fee calculations, application submissions, or understanding the impact of these changes, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.

Get Expert Advice for Your Canada Immigration Process

At TheVisaHouse.in, we are dedicated to providing expert advice and personalized guidance to help you navigate the Canadian immigration process. Whether you’re applying for a study visa, tourist visa, work permit, or a spouse visa, we offer free consultation to ensure you are fully informed and your application is completed accurately.

With the recent fee changes and updates in immigration policies, it’s essential to stay ahead and make sure you submit a complete and correct application. Contact us today to receive free expert advice and get the guidance you need to ensure your immigration goals are met.

Stay informed, ensure you’re aware of the fee updates, and take action early to avoid delays. Whether you’re seeking to visit Canada, work there, study, or reunite with family, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Immigration policies, fees, and regulations are subject to change. For accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend consulting an authorized immigration professional or visiting the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). TheVisaHouse.in is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the content provided.

Also read:

Canada Immigration Fee Increases Effective December 1, 2024: What You Need to Know for Your Application

Key Canada Immigration Fee Changes Effective December 1, 2024

Here’s a breakdown of the new fees and their percentage increase: