Permanent Resident Fees Jump Across All Immigration Streams in Canada

As of April 30, 2026, Canada has raised its processing fees for permanent residence (PR) applications. The increase affects a wide range of immigration categories, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and family sponsorship, among others. Both new applicants and those with ongoing PR applications will be impacted by this change.

New Fees for Different Immigration Streams

The new fees apply to principal applicants, their spouses or common-law partners, and dependent children, where relevant. One key fee that has seen an increase is the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), which is applicable to most PR applications. This fee can be deferred during the initial submission but must be paid at the updated rate.

The fee increase ranges between 4% to 5% for most categories. The steepest increase is seen in the family sponsorship category, with fees rising by nearly 6%. Meanwhile, fees for dependent children and protected persons have increased by just under 4%.

Here is a breakdown of the new fees for different PR categories:

Increased Permanent Residency Fees (as of April 30, 2026):

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee:
  • Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner: From $575 to $600
• Federal High Skilled (Express Entry, PNP, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class, and most economic pilots):
  • Principal applicant: From $950 to $990
  • Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: From $950 to $990
  • Accompanying dependent child: From $260 to $270
• Business (Federal and Quebec):
  • Principal applicant: From $1,810 to $1,895
  • Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: From $950 to $990
  • Accompanying dependent child: From $260 to $270
• Family Reunification:
  • Sponsorship fee: From $85 to $90
  • Sponsored principal applicant: From $545 to $570
  • Sponsored dependent child: From $85 to $90
• Protected Persons:
  • Principal applicant: From $635 to $660
  • Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: From $635 to $660
  • Accompanying dependent child: From $175 to $180
• Humanitarian and Compassionate or Public Policy:
  • Principal applicant: From $635 to $660
  • Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: From $635 to $660
  • Accompanying dependent child: From $175 to $180
• Permit Holders Class:
  • Principal applicant: From $375 to $390

What to Do if You Deferred Your RPRF Payment

If you applied for permanent residency before April 30 but deferred your Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), you will now be required to pay the updated amount of $600, even if you submitted the rest of your fees at the old rate. The RPRF is based on the fee in effect at the time of payment, not when the application was initially made.

What Happens If You Applied Before the Fee Change?

Applicants who submitted their PR applications online before April 30 don't need to take any action. The immigration authorities received both the application and the fees as per the old rate. However, if you mailed a paper application before the fee change, your application will generally be accepted as long as it was complete and sent before April 30. If you need to pay the difference, you will receive instructions from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

How to Pay the Difference

If you need to pay the difference, you can calculate the gap between the old and new fees for each applicant in your application. To make the payment, use IRCC’s online payment tool, select "Make an additional payment or pay other fees," and enter the total difference. Once you submit your payment, follow the instructions provided by IRCC. You can also confirm the exact fee using IRCC’s online fee tool.