As of April 30, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially increased permanent residence application fees across several immigration categories. For foreign nationals planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada, this change is now in effect and should be factored into any application submitted from this point forward.
Applications received by IRCC on or after April 30, 2026 are now subject to the updated permanent residence fee schedule. Applicants who submit using outdated fee amounts may face delays in processing or requests for additional payment from IRCC.
Permanent Residence Fees Have Now Increased
IRCC announced on March 27, 2026 that permanent residence fees would increase on April 30, 2026 as part of its regular fee adjustment process. These updates are now in force. According to IRCC, permanent residence fees are adjusted every two years under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to reflect inflation and help offset the cost of administering Canada’s immigration system. (canada.ca)
For applicants preparing to file now, the updated fee schedule is no longer a future change. It is the current cost structure IRCC is applying to all eligible permanent residence applications received as of April 30, 2026.
Current Permanent Residence Fees in Effect as of May 1, 2026
The following permanent residence fees for principal applicants are now in effect: (canada.ca)
| Permanent Residence Category | Previous Fee | Current Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $575 | $600 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | $950 | $990 |
| Business | $1,810 | $1,895 |
| Family Class | $545 | $570 |
| Protected Persons | $635 | $660 |
| Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds or Public Policy | $635 | $660 |
| Permit Holders | $375 | $390 |
These updated fees now apply to all permanent residence applications received by IRCC on or after April 30, 2026.
Who Is Affected by the New Fee Structure?
The updated permanent residence fees now affect most applicants seeking permanent residence in Canada, including:
- Provincial Nominee Program applicants
- Business immigration applicants
- Family sponsorship applicants
- Protected persons
- Humanitarian and compassionate applicants
- Permit holder class applicants
- Applicants required to pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee
If your application was submitted on or after April 30, 2026, IRCC expects payment under the updated fee schedule. This applies regardless of when your documents were prepared or when the application process began. (canada.ca)
What Happens If You Paid the Old Fee?
Applicants who submit with outdated fee amounts may face processing interruptions. If the incorrect fee is paid, IRCC may issue a request for the remaining balance before continuing to process the application. This can create avoidable delays, particularly for applicants filing under strict deadlines or expiring status.
As of May 1, applicants should confirm all fee calculations against IRCC’s current fee schedule before filing. This is especially important for applicants submitting family-based or multi-applicant permanent residence files, where even small fee increases can affect the total amount due.
IRCC has also published updated fee guidance for applicants paying online through its official portal. (ircc.canada.ca)
Why This Matters for Permanent Residence Applicants
Although the increase is relatively modest in some categories, the total filing cost can rise quickly for families, couples, and applicants with dependants. A small increase in the principal applicant fee can translate into a more noticeable increase in total government filing costs once biometrics, dependants, and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee are included.
For applicants already preparing to file, this is now a practical compliance issue. Using the wrong fee amount can delay intake, disrupt timelines, and complicate an otherwise complete application.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s permanent residence fee increase is no longer upcoming. It is now in effect.
As of May 1, 2026, applicants filing for permanent residence in Canada should ensure they are using the current IRCC fee schedule and paying the correct government fees at the time of submission. Verifying fee amounts before filing is one of the simplest ways to avoid unnecessary delays and keep your application moving.
At Visaserve Immigration Law P.C., we help foreign nationals, visa holders, and investors prepare accurate permanent residence applications across Canada’s major immigration pathways. If you are preparing to file for permanent residence, our team can help ensure your application is submitted correctly under the current IRCC requirements.
Reach out to our team at info@visaserve.ca or call 905-203-2266 to speak with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer today.
