In a move that may impact aspiring immigrants, Canada has announced a significant increase in application fees for permanent residency (PR). The decision, outlined in an official notice by Canada’s Department of Citizenship and Immigration, signals a 12% hike in fees, effective from April 30.
The notice, published in the Canadian Gazette on March 30, stipulates that the new fee structure will come into effect at 9:00:00 am EDT on April 30, in alignment with current inflation rates.
Among the key changes, the fee for permanent residency applications, excluding dependent children, will see an increase from 515 Canadian dollars (CAD) to 575 CAD.
Canada, renowned for its welcoming immigration policies, aims to admit over 1.1 lakh Federal Skilled Workers and applicants under the Provincial Nominee Programme annually, as per the government’s immigration levels plan for 2024-2026. Consequently, the application fees for these categories will rise from 850 CAD to 950 CAD, including accompanying spouses or common-law partners. Similarly, candidates under the Quebec Skilled Workers, Atlantic Immigration Class, and Economic Pilots programs will also face an increased fee of 950 CAD. Moreover, fees for accompanying dependent children will be raised to 260 CAD from the existing 230 CAD.
Family reunification, a pivotal immigration category, enables permanent residents aged 18 and above to sponsor certain family members to obtain Canadian PR, granting them the right to live, study, and work in the country. Under the revised fee structure, the sponsor fee charge has been elevated from 75 CAD to 85 CAD, with additional variations ranging from 175 CAD to 635 CAD.
The decision to raise family reunification costs comes amidst Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s announcement that the ministry will commence granting permanent residency to individuals seeking to reunite with their families in Quebec, despite the province’s cap on applicants, which Miller criticized as “artificially low.”
As Canada continues to navigate its immigration policies, the increase in permanent residency fees underscores the evolving landscape for prospective immigrants, highlighting the importance of staying informed about regulatory changes and requirements.