Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement increased application fees for various categories of visitor, worker, and student applications effective December 1, 2024. The changes will impact applicants seeking to extend or restore their temporary resident status, apply for authorization to return to Canada, or those with criminal inadmissibility concerns.
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Affected Applications and Fee Adjustments
Starting December 1, IRCC will raise fees across several application types, including:
- Restoration of Temporary Resident Status:
- Applicable to visitors, workers, and students needing to reinstate their legal status.
- Authorization to Return to Canada:
- For those previously ordered to leave the country and seeking re-entry authorization.
- Criminal Rehabilitation Applications:
- Standard criminality and serious criminality cases will both experience fee hikes.
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Applications:
- Permits issued to those otherwise inadmissible to Canada for reasons like past offenses.
Current Fee Structure
Here is the current cost of key applications, which will soon increase:
| Application Type | Current Fees (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Restoration of Visitor Status | $229.00 |
| Restoration of Student Status | $379.00 |
| Restoration of Worker Status | $384.00 |
| Authorization to Return to Canada | $459.55 |
| Inadmissibility Due to Criminality | $229.77 |
| Serious Criminality Inadmissibility | $1,148.87 |
| Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | $229.77 |
What Happens If You Pay the Old Fee?
Applicants who submit complete applications before the fee increase will generally not face rejection solely due to outdated fees. However, there are differences between online and mail-in applications:
- Online Submissions: Since these are processed instantly, applicants are less likely to encounter fee discrepancies.
- Mail Submissions: Delays can occur from the time documents are mailed to when IRCC receives them, meaning fees may increase during transit.
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Guidelines for Paper Applicants
- Complete Applications: Ensure your application is fully completed and includes the old fee amount. If sent before the fee change, you are likely safe.
- Fee Adjustments: In some cases, IRCC will provide instructions on how to pay the difference if needed.
How to Pay Additional Fees
If asked to cover the fee difference after submitting your application:
- Calculate the Difference:
- Subtract the old fee from the new fee and include any applicable changes for family members.
- Make the Payment:
- Use the IRCC online payment tool and select “Make an additional payment or pay other fees.”
- Enter the total fee difference under “Quantity.”
- Submit Your Receipt:
- Follow the instructions provided by IRCC to submit proof of payment.
Obtaining and Submitting a Receipt
- Once payment is made, a receipt will be issued.
- Create or log into your IRCC account to complete the transaction.
- Follow the directions from IRCC to upload or mail your payment receipt as required.
Preparing for the Fee Hike: Key Takeaways
- Submit Early: Aim to submit your application before December 1 to avoid paying increased fees.
- Check Fee Updates: Stay informed about the exact fee changes once they are announced.
- Ensure Accuracy: Complete all application forms correctly to prevent processing delays.
The increase in fees underscores the importance of careful financial and documentation preparation for anyone seeking temporary residence or restoration of status in Canada.
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