In a move aimed at maintaining equilibrium amidst economic fluctuations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled its decision to adjust certain permanent residence (PR) fees effective April 30, 2024, at 9:00:00 AM Eastern Time.

This alteration, as per Canada’s Immigrant and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), adheres to the Consumer Price Index for Canada’s cumulative percentage increase, as published by Statistics Canada.

Let’s delve into the specifics of these changes:

Fee Adjustments: A Breakdown

The revised fee structure, applicable from April 2024 through March 2026, encompasses various categories:

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee:
  • Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner: $575 (from $515)
• Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program, Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class, and Economic Pilots (Rural, Agri-Food):
  • Principal applicant: $950 (previously $850)
  • Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: $950 (up from $850)
  • Accompanying dependent child: $260 (formerly $230)
• Live-in Caregiver Program and Caregivers Pilots (Home Child Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot):
  • Principal applicant: $635 ($570)
  • Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: $635 ($570)
  • Accompanying dependent child: $175 ($155)
• Business (Federal and Quebec):
  • Principal applicant: $1,810 ($1,625)
  • Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: $950 ($850)
  • Accompanying dependent child: $260 ($230)
• Family Reunification (Spouses, Partners, Children, Parents, Grandparents, and Other Relatives):
  • Sponsorship fee: $85 ($75)
  • Sponsored principal applicant: $545 ($490)
  • Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: $635 ($570)
  • Accompanying dependent child: $175 ($155)
• Protected Persons and Humanitarian & Compassionate Consideration / Public Policy Applicants:
  • Principal applicant: $635 ($570)
  • Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: $635 ($570)
  • Accompanying dependent child: $175 ($155)
• Permit Holders:
  • Principal applicant: $375 ($335)

Exemptions and Clarifications

• Dependent children and protected persons, along with certain applicants under specific categories, are exempt from the Right of Permanent Residence (RPR) Fee.
• Sponsored children under 22 years of age, without a spouse or partner, are exempt from the RPR fee.
• Principal applicants under humanitarian and compassionate consideration and public policy classes may be exempt from the RPR fee under certain circumstances.
• Permit holder class PR applicants cannot include accompanying family members in their applications; each individual must apply as a principal applicant.

These adjustments underscore IRCC’s commitment to ensuring the accessibility and sustainability of Canada’s immigration processes. While changes in fees may pose challenges, they are essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the immigration system.

As prospective immigrants and sponsors navigate these modifications, staying informed and seeking guidance from authorized channels can help streamline the application process and mitigate any potential hurdles.

In a dynamic global landscape, Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to welcoming immigrants and refugees, fostering diversity, and contributing to a vibrant and inclusive society.