IRCC Announces Fee Increases for Temporary Resident Applications Starting December 1, 2024
November 19, 2024 Amritpal Kaur
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that starting December 1, 2024, application fees for several types of temporary resident services will increase. These fee hikes will affect individuals seeking to extend their stay or enter Canada in various capacities, including as visitors, workers, and students. The changes come as part of the IRCC’s ongoing efforts to maintain the sustainability of Canada’s immigration system.
What You Need to Know About the Fee Increases
The fee increases will impact several application types for temporary residents, including those seeking to restore their status, apply for authorization to return to Canada, or obtain a temporary resident permit (TRP). Below are the key application types and their current fees:
Restoration of Visitor Status: CAD $229.00
Restoration of Student Status: CAD $379.00
Restoration of Worker Status: CAD $384.00
Authorization to Return to Canada: CAD $459.55
Criminal Rehabilitation (Inadmissible on grounds of criminality): CAD $229.77
Criminal Rehabilitation (Serious criminality): CAD $1,148.87
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): CAD $229.77
While the updated fee structure has not yet been made public, applicants are advised to prepare for an increase in the costs for these services. The updated fees are expected to be published shortly before the December 1 implementation date.
What Happens If You’ve Already Paid the Old Fees?
For individuals who submit their applications before the fee increase takes effect, there’s no need to worry about the changes. Online applicants who pay the previous fee will have their payment processed immediately, and their applications will be accepted.
For those submitting paper applications, there may be a delay in processing as IRCC waits for the documents to arrive. If the fee changes during this period, applicants will be informed if additional payment is required to cover the fee difference.
How to Pay the Difference If You Paid the Old Fee
If you submitted your application before the fee increase but need to pay the difference, here's how to proceed:
Calculate the Fee Difference: First, determine the difference between the old and new fees. If you’re applying with family members, make sure to calculate the difference for each individual listed in your application.
Make the Additional Payment: To pay the fee difference, visit the IRCC’s online payment portal. Select the option to make an “additional payment” and enter the fee difference (new fee minus old fee) for each applicant. You can pay the difference in one transaction or multiple transactions, depending on the number of applicants.
Obtain Your Receipt: After completing the payment, a receipt will be generated. This receipt serves as proof that the additional payment has been made.
Submit the Payment Receipt: Follow the instructions provided by IRCC on how to submit the payment receipt to ensure that your application continues to be processed without delay.
Why Are Fees Changing?
The fee increases are part of a broader effort by IRCC to ensure that the Canadian immigration system remains self-sustaining and efficient. While application fees are adjusted regularly, the December 1 increase aims to keep pace with inflation and the rising costs associated with processing immigration applications.
By increasing the fees for specific applications, IRCC ensures it can continue to provide high-quality services to applicants while managing the increasing demand for immigration services to Canada.
How to Prepare for the Changes
If you are planning to submit an application for restoration of status, authorization to return to Canada, or a temporary resident permit, it’s important to prepare ahead of time. Submitting your application before December 1, 2024, ensures that you can pay the current fees and avoid any potential fee increases.
Once the new fees are published, it’s essential to check for any updates on the official IRCC website and adjust your application cost accordingly.
To recap:
Starting December 1, 2024, IRCC will increase fees for several types of temporary resident applications, including those for restoration of status, authorization to return to Canada, criminal rehabilitation, and temporary resident permits.
If you submit your application before December 1, and the old fee is paid, you won’t need to worry about the fee increase.
If you submit a paper application after the fee increase, you may be asked to pay the difference.
Instructions for paying any fee difference will be provided by IRCC.
Stay informed, act quickly, and make sure your application is up to date to avoid any complications!
Canada's immigration process is becoming more challenging, whether you're looking to come to Canada or stay here. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, our team of immigration experts is here for you.
Give us a call at 647-222-6795 or email us at info@zandbimmigration.ca, or amritpal@zandbimmigration.ca. You can also book an appointment directly on our website www.zandbimmigration.ca.
We’re here to help make the immigration process easier for you.