Updates Expected: Canada’s Permanent Residence Fees Alter on April 30, 2024

Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced upcoming changes to permanent residence (PR) fees, effective April 30, 2024, at 9:00:00 AM Eastern Time. These adjustments adhere to Canada's Immigrant and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) and are determined based on the cumulative percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Canada as reported by Statistics Canada.

The modifications in PR fees will affect various categories and applicant types, covering the period from April 2024 to March 2026. For instance, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee for principal applicants and their accompanying spouses or common-law partners will see an increase from $515 to $575. Similarly, fees for Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class, and most economic pilots (Rural, Agri-Food) will undergo an increase for principal applicants, accompanying spouses or common-law partners, and accompanying dependent children.

Furthermore, adjustments will impact fees associated with the Live-in Caregiver Program and caregivers pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot), Business (federal and Quebec) categories, and Family Reunification, including sponsorship fees and fees for sponsored principal applicants, sponsored children, and accompanying family members. Protected persons and individuals under humanitarian and compassionate consideration or public policy will also experience fee revisions, along with permit holders.

However, exemptions from the Right of Permanent Residence (RPR) Fee apply to specific groups, such as sponsored children under the family reunification class, provided they are under 22 years old and unmarried. Additionally, principal applicants under the humanitarian and compassionate consideration and public policy classes may be exempt from the RPR fee under certain circumstances.

It's important to note that permit holder class permanent residence applicants are not permitted to include accompanying family members in their PR applications. Instead, individuals eligible for PR through this class must submit separate applications as principal applicants.

These changes come amidst Canada's ongoing efforts to ensure fair and transparent immigration processes while managing the economic impact on applicants. The adjustments aim to uphold the integrity and sustainability of Canada's immigration system, aligning with the country's broader objectives of promoting diversity, inclusion, and economic growth through immigration.