Permanent residence fee increase

Summary#

This notice from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration says most permanent‑residence application fees will rise on April 30, 2024 (at 9:00:00 a.m. Eastern daylight time). The increases are small and were set using the cumulative change in the Consumer Price Index for Canada for the two previous years.

What it does#

• Raises a range of permanent‑residence fees that applicants normally pay to get landed status in Canada. Key examples:
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee (principal applicant and accompanying spouse/partner): $515 → $575.
  • Economic-class principal applicants (e.g. Federal Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Program): $850 → $950; accompanying spouse/partner: $850 → $950; accompanying dependent child: $230 → $260.
  • Caregivers / Live‑in Caregiver Program principal and accompanying spouse/partner: $570 → $635; accompanying dependent child: $155 → $175.
  • Business class principal applicant: $1,625 → $1,810; accompanying spouse/partner: $850 → $950; dependent child: $230 → $260.
  • Family sponsorship and related fees (examples): sponsorship fee $75 → $85; sponsored principal applicant $490 → $545; sponsored child $75 → $85.
  • Protected persons principal applicant and accompanying spouse/partner: $570 → $635; dependent child: $155 → $175.
  • Permit holders applying for permanent residence (principal applicant): $335 → $375.
• The increase was calculated using the cumulative CPI change for 2022 and 2023 from Statistics Canada, then rounded to the nearest $5.
• The change is set out under the Financial Administration Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and takes effect on April 30, 2024 at 9:00:00 a.m. Eastern daylight time.

Who's affected#

• People applying for permanent residence in Canada, including:
  • economic-class applicants (skilled workers, provincial nominees, pilots),
  • family sponsors and sponsored relatives,
  • business immigration applicants,
  • caregivers and their families,
  • protected persons (refugees) listed as applicants.
• Employers, immigration consultants and community groups that help people plan or pay for applications may also notice the change.
• If the notice is unclear about any specific category, the official fee table in the Canada Gazette should be checked for details.

Why it matters#

• Applicants and sponsors will pay slightly more when they submit or complete permanent‑residence applications after the effective date.
• For families or individuals on tight budgets, the higher fees could affect timing or ability to apply.
• The change is automatic and based on inflation (CPI), so fees may rise again in future scheduled reviews.
• For questions or specific amounts, the Canada Gazette notice provides contact details for the department.