Canada has increased permanent residence application fees across multiple categories, effective Thursday, April 30. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the hike in March, stating the fee increase is to help "continue delivering timely, reliable services and keep pace with inflation".
The Right of Permanent Residence fee increased by $25 from $575 to $600, while the Provincial Nominee Program fee rose by $40 from $950 to $990. Business applications saw the largest increase, jumping $85 from $1,810 to $1,895, and Family Class applications increased by $25 from $545 to $570. Protected persons, Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds or Public Policy Measures, and Permit Holders categories also saw increases ranging from $15 to $25.
Applicants must pay the new fees if they submit an application on or after April 30. According to the IRCC, under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, permanent residence fees are adjusted every two years to offset the cost of running the program and respond to growing demand.
The fee increase comes as Canada launched a one-time measure offering permanent residence to skilled temporary foreign workers. In an exclusive interview with the Toronto Star, Minister of Immigration Lena Metlege Diab revealed that the federal government had soft-launched a program offering 33,000 skilled temporary foreign workers permanent residence over 2026 and 2027. The plan was first announced in November in Budget 2025.
IRCC spokesperson Matthew Krupovich clarified that this move is "a one-time measure, not to be confused with a program" that will accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residency in 2026 and 2027. The initiative will target individuals already contributing to Canada's economy across in-demand sectors, including rural areas and known labour gaps.
