Electronic application rules and fee caps

Summary#

These are final rules called Regulations Amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Miscellaneous Program) (SOR/2026-13). They make small technical and wording fixes, clarify how to submit paperwork for electronic applications, and set clear fee caps for some group and family applications. The amendments came into force on January 30, 2026 and were published in the Canada Gazette on February 11, 2026.

What it does#

The change list is short and mainly technical:

• Requires that when you apply or send documents by electronic means, any information, supporting documents or proof of payment that the rules ask for must also be submitted electronically (by the same method).
• Fixes a French-language typo and aligns one French paragraph with the English text so both languages say the same thing about electronic notices and when they are treated as received.
• Clarifies fee rules so that when related people apply together:
  • a family’s total fees for certain applications cannot exceed $500 for all applications submitted at the same time, and
  • a group of performing artists (three or more people) and their staff who apply together pay a total of $465 for those work-permit applications.
• Confirms these are final amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Miscellaneous Program).

Who's affected#

• People who apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada online. They must send required documents and proof of payment electronically when the application is electronic.
• Families applying together for the same immigration service will notice the fee cap of $500.
• Groups of performing artists (and their staff) applying together will notice the group fee of $465.
• The changes are mainly clarifications, so government staff and people assisting applicants (like lawyers or representatives) will also be affected in how they prepare and submit applications.

Why it matters#

• It removes uncertainty about how to submit documents for online applications. If you apply online, you should expect to upload or send everything online.
• The fee caps make the total cost predictable for families and for groups of performers applying together. That can matter when budgeting for an application.
• Fixing the French wording and the typo reduces confusion and helps ensure both official languages say the same thing.
• These are technical fixes rather than big policy changes, and the government says they do not affect small businesses.