Canada Immigration Update 2026: New PR Fees Effective April 30
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has officially confirmed that permanent residence (PR) application fees across major immigration categories will increase effective April 30, 2026.
The updated fee structure will impact applicants under:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Family sponsorship programs
- Business immigration streams
- Humanitarian and protected persons pathways
- Other permanent residence categories
For anyone planning to apply for Canadian PR, reviewing the updated fees before submission is now more important than ever to avoid processing delays or payment-related issues.
Why Canada Is Increasing PR Fees
Under Canada’s immigration regulations, PR application fees are reviewed and adjusted every two years. The goal is to help offset rising operational and processing costs as immigration application volumes continue to grow.
The previous fee adjustment took place on April 30, 2024. The new fee structure will apply to all permanent residence applications received on or after April 30, 2026.
Updated Canada PR Fees (Effective April 30, 2026)
1. Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
| Fee Type | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | CAD $575 | CAD $600 |
This fee applies to most principal applicants and accompanying spouses or common-law partners. Dependent children and protected persons are generally exempt.
2. Express Entry & Economic Immigration Programs
Programs affected include:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Quebec Skilled Worker streams
- Rural and Francophone pilots
| Applicant Type | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Applicant | CAD $950 | CAD $990 |
| Spouse/Common-law Partner | CAD $950 | CAD $990 |
| Dependent Child | CAD $260 | CAD $270 |
3. Business Immigration Programs
Includes:
- Start-up Visa
- Self-Employed Program
- Quebec Business Immigration
| Applicant Type | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Applicant | CAD $1,810 | CAD $1,895 |
| Spouse/Common-law Partner | CAD $950 | CAD $990 |
| Dependent Child | CAD $260 | CAD $270 |
Business immigration applicants will see some of the largest increases in total application costs.
4. Family Sponsorship Programs
| Fee Type | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship Fee | CAD $85 | CAD $90 |
| Sponsored Principal Applicant | CAD $545 | CAD $570 |
Programs affected include spouse sponsorship, parents and grandparents sponsorship, and other family class applications.
5. Protected Persons & Humanitarian Applications
| Category | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Protected Persons | CAD $635 | CAD $660 |
| Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications | CAD $635 | CAD $660 |
6. Permit Holders Class
| Fee Type | Previous Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | CAD $375 | CAD $390 |
Who Will Be Affected?
The fee increase applies if:
- Your PR application is submitted on or after April 30, 2026
- You have not yet paid your application fees
- Your Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is still outstanding
Applications submitted before April 30 using the previous fee structure are generally not affected.
What Happens If You Pay the Old Fee?
Submitting an application after April 30, 2026 with outdated fees could lead to:
- Processing delays
- Requests for additional payment
- Administrative complications or returned applications
Applicants are strongly encouraged to verify the latest fee structure before submitting their application.
What Applicants Should Do Now
Confirm Your Immigration Pathway
Each immigration category has its own fee structure, so it’s important to confirm the exact costs that apply to your case.
Verify Fees Before Payment
Always review the latest fee information before making payment to ensure accuracy.
Submit Early If Possible
Applicants with complete documentation may benefit from submitting before April 30 to avoid the increased fees.
Keep Payment Records
Save all payment receipts and confirmation records for future reference and application tracking.
Conclusion
Canada’s PR fee increase effective April 30, 2026 may appear modest at first glance, but for families and business applicants, the overall cost difference can become significant.
Whether applying through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, family sponsorship, or business immigration, early preparation can help avoid unnecessary delays and additional expenses.