This article explains the permanent-residence fee changes that took effect on April 30, 2026 and provides historical comparison with the previous fee schedule. Immigration fees can change again, so use the article to understand the change rather than as the final payment screen. Confirm the amount in IRCC’s current fee list immediately before paying.
Canada increased permanent residence (PR) application fees on April 30, 2026. IRCC states that permanent residence fees are adjusted every two years to help offset program costs and keep pace with inflation. The amounts below explain the April 2026 change; applicants should confirm IRCC’s current fee list immediately before paying.
The table below compares selected federal permanent residence fee components that changed on April 30, 2026. It does not include every possible provincial, territorial, biometric, medical, police-certificate or other third-party cost.
Detailed Comparison: 2024 vs. 2026 PR Fees
The table compares selected federal fee components that changed on April 30, 2026. Some rows are processing-fee components rather than complete payable totals. For example, the current $990 economic-immigration processing fee excludes the $600 right of permanent residence fee, and the $1,895 business-immigration processing fee also excludes the RPRF. Family-sponsorship totals vary by relationship and the fee components that apply. Confirm the exact total in IRCC’s current fee list before paying.
Fee Category | Old Fee (2024) | New Fee (2026) | Total Difference |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | $575 | $600 | +$25 |
Economic Immigration / PNP (Principal — processing fee only) | $950 | $990 | +$40 |
Economic Immigration: Accompanying Spouse or Partner (processing fee only) | $950 | $990 | +$40 |
Accompanying Dependent Child | $260 | $270 |
+$10 |
|
Business Immigration (Principal — processing fee only) |
$1,810 | $1,895 |
+$85 |
|
Family Class: Sponsored Principal (processing fee component) | $545 | $570 |
+$25 |
|
Sponsorship Fee (Family Class) |
$85 | $90 |
+$5 |
Why This Matters for Your Application
The increase impacts more than just your bank account; it affects your timing and documentation strategy.
The “Total Package” Calculation
For economic immigration, including Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program, IRCC’s current fee list shows $1,590 for a principal applicant when the $990 processing fee and $600 right of permanent residence fee (RPRF) are paid together. An accompanying spouse or partner is also $1,590 on the same basis, so principal applicant plus spouse or partner is $3,180 before any dependent-child, biometrics, provincial or territorial, medical, police-certificate or other third-party costs. The RPRF may be paid later, but IRCC recommends paying all applicable fees up front to avoid delays.
Avoiding Application Returns
Fee treatment depends on how and when the application is submitted. For online applications, check the current fee amount before submitting. For mailed permanent residence applications, IRCC says that in most cases it will not reject an otherwise complete application that was mailed before a fee change with the old fee; IRCC will tell the applicant how to pay the difference. If the RPRF is paid later, the current RPRF amount applies. Do not assume that every old-fee case automatically causes the entire application to be returned or a place in a processing queue to be lost.
Strategic Budgeting Beyond Fees
Government fees are only one part of the cost. Depending on the program and the applicant’s circumstances, other costs or financial requirements may include:
- Language Proficiency Tests: (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF/TCF)
- Education Credential Assessment (ECA): (WES, IQAS, etc.)
- Police Certificates & Immigration Medical Exams: Requirements, timing and document scope depend on the application and the applicant’s circumstances. Some in-Canada applicants may qualify under IRCC’s current policy to avoid repeating a recent immigration medical exam.
- Settlement Funds (where required): Under Express Entry, proof of funds is required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program subject to IRCC’s published exemptions. Canadian Experience Class applicants do not need proof of funds. Settlement-fund thresholds are not a universal PR LICO requirement.
Expert Tips from MAK Immigration
To help you navigate these changes, our team of experts provides real-time updates and strategic advice across our platforms.
- Watch Our Detailed Video Breakdowns: For a visual guide on how to pay your fees correctly and avoid common IRCC pitfalls, visit the Omer Khalil — Canadian Immigration (RCIC) YouTube Channel.
- Family Sponsorship Videos: Navigating family reunification? Visit the Omer Khalil — Canadian Immigration (RCIC) YouTube channel for sponsorship and immigration explainer videos.
Why Choose Professional Guidance?
The process of managing an immigration file needs legal accuracy and financial expertise according to its requirements. The specific expertise of MAK Canadian Immigration Services enables our organization to manage complicated cases through our dual-qualified leadership team.
- Usman Khalil (RCIC #R709592 & CPA): Usman offers a distinctive viewpoint toward financial obligation fulfillment and settlement fund verification processes through his expertise as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant and Chartered Professional Accountant.
- Omer Khalil (RCIC #R710149): A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant who reviews and explains Canadian immigration developments for MAK clients and audiences.
MAK’s Canadian immigration consulting services are provided through Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) licenses and regulates RCIC practice in the public interest. Our website provides details of our professional credentials on the Professional Affiliations page.
Conclusion
The April 30, 2026 fee changes increased several federal permanent residence fees. Before submitting or paying, confirm the exact fee for the application category in IRCC’s current fee list and follow the current document checklist and payment instructions for the file.
Need help reviewing the correct fee and application requirements for your file? Visit our YouTube channel for Canadian immigration explainers, or contact our team for professional assistance.
