Canada’s immigration fees are generally less expensive compared to countries with similar immigration systems, such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This is one reason why Canada has announced new permanent residence fees for 2022.
The fee increases will apply across various immigration categories, including economic, permit holder, family, and humanitarian classes.
In 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) increased permanent residence fees to account for inflation for the first time since 2002. At that time, IRCC committed to adjusting fees every two years to account for inflation. All amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
In addition to application fees, applicants may also be required to pay a $500 right of permanent residence fee. This fee can be paid either at the time of application or upon approval of the application. It is refundable if the immigration application is declined but must be paid to activate permanent residency status.
The right of permanent residence fee does not apply to:
The fees for permanent resident cards, permanent resident travel documents, and certification or replacement immigration documents will remain unchanged.
Canada adopts a cost-effective approach to financing government programs, ensuring that the majority of costs are borne by those who receive the services rather than taxpayers.
These fee increases are designed to ensure that Canada remains competitive and aligned with fees charged by other immigrant-receiving countries. Fees are expected to increase again in two years, based on the applicable Consumer Price Index increase rounded to the nearest $5. The next federal-level fee increase is anticipated to be announced in 2024.
