Canada’s New Immigration Fees Starting April 30, 2022

The Government of Canada is increasing all permanent residence application fees on April 30, 2022. The new immigration fee will affect prices for economic, permit holder, family and humanitarian immigration classes. The right of permanent residence fee will go up from $500 to $515. This increase comes as no surprise to many, as the cost of living and inflation continues to rise in Canada.

It is important to remember that not everyone has to pay the right of permanent residency fee. For more information on which visa fees are increasing and by how much, please read on!

Justifications for Immigration Fee Increase in

The Government of Canada has not given reasons for introducing new immigration fees structure. However, based on available information and what we know about the fee schedule, the following are 4 possible reasons for the new Canada permanent visa fee increase:

1. immigration fees are due to change this year – The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, IRCC had set a 2 year-schedule for adjusting prices paid for various applications. The last adjustments were made in 2020 – about two years ago.
2. Cost of living in Canada has increased – The cost of living in Canada, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, has gone up by about 11% since 2019. The new fee increase also should adjust for inflation.
3. In addition to these two main reasons, it is worth noting that the government is also trying to recover some of the losses it incurred during COVID-19.
4. A final possible reason is to recover the costs of processing permanent residence applications, and to encourage applicants to submit complete and accurate applications. The first reason is pretty straightforward – it costs money to process applications, and the government wants to recoup some of those costs. By introducing new fees, the government hopes to encourage applicants to submit complete and accurate applications the first time around.

Summary of New Canada Immigration Fees

IRCC executed the government’s plan to adjust immigration/visa fees for inflation once every 2 years. In this 2022 immigration fee changes, most immigration classes experienced a 3% increase in fee from prior costs. Highlights below.

Right of Permanent Residence Fee

The Right of Permanent Residence Fee for principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner will increase from $500 to $515, 3% up from former prices.

Federal High Skilled, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and majority of Economic Pilots

Before April 2022, principal applicants and accompanying spouse or common-law partner under the Federal High Skilled, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class and majority of Economic Pilots (Rural and Agri-Food Immigration) paid $825. The new fee for these categories would be $850; 3% increase from current amount. In addition, the amount payable per accompanying dependent child will increase from $225 to $230.

Live-in Caregiver Program and Caregivers Pilots Fees

Principal applicants and accompanying spouse under the Live-in Caregiver Program and Caregivers Pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot) categories will be paying $570 as new fees. Hence Caregiver fees increased by 3.1% from $550. Accompanying child under this pathway will also be paying $155 (formerly $150).

New Fees for Business Immigration Pathways

Business immigrants under Federal and Quebec Business Immigration programs had their application fees move from $1,575 to $1,625 per applicant. Also new immigration fee for spouse or common-law partners of Business Immigrants is $850 (from $825). Accompanying children will pay $5 more ($225 to $230).

Family Unification Class Fees

Some fees under the family unification (Spouses, Partners and Children; Parents and Grandparents; and other relatives) category changed while others remain unchanged. Changes in fees payable for family unification immigration in Canada are as follows:-

• Sponsorship fee remained at $75 (no change).
• Sponsored principal applicant fee increased from $475 to $490.
• Sponsored child remain unchanged at $75.
• Accompanying spouse fee increased by $20 ($550 to $570).

Fee Increase for Protected Class

The protected immigration class experienced fee increases as well.

• Principal applicant fee increased from $550 to $570.
• Sponsored child increased by $5 ($150 to $155).
• Accompanying spouse fee increased by $20 ($550 to $570).

Humanitarian and Compassionate Application Fee

The Humanitarian and Compassionate / Public Policy category had their fees increased as follows:

• Principal applicant fee increased from $550 to $570.
• Accompanying spouse fee increased by $20 ($550 to $570).
• Sponsored child increased by $5 ($150 to $155).

Canada Permit Holders Fees

And finally, IRCC revised fees payable by Permit Holders from $325 to $335, a $10 increase from 2020.

How does Canada Immigration Fees compare to other countries?

An interesting way to look at these new fee changes is to compare it to similar programs in other countries.

A look at immigration fees for countries such as Australia, New Zealand, United States and United Kingdom shows that, although Canada is increasing her fees, Canada’s new fees are still relatively low when compared to other countries. It is worth noting that the UK’s fee is for the main applicant only – if you want to add a spouse or partner, it will cost an additional £1,100.

So, while fees are increasing in Canada, they are still relatively low when compared to other countries. And, as the government has said, the goal of these fee increases is to encourage applicants to submit complete and accurate applications the first time around.

Next Canada Immigration Fees Increase Expected in 2024.

The fee is anticipated to rise in two years, when the Consumer Price Index increase rounded to the nearest $5 is applied. The next federal fee rise is expected in 2024. If you’re wondering how to pay immigration fees online for your application, check out our topic: pay application fees in Canada.

What are your thoughts on the new Canada Immigration Fees? Do you think they are fair? Let us know.