New Immigration Fees Effective December 1, 2024

Canada’s immigration department, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has announced an increase in several application fees, effective December 1, 2024. Below, we break down the updated fees and what you need to know if you’ve already applied before the fee changes.

New Immigration Fees

Here is a comparison of the updated fees with the previous amounts:

What If You Paid the Old Fee?

If you submitted your application before the new fees took effect, you are not required to pay the updated fees. Here's how IRCC handles such cases:

1. For Online Applications:
• IRCC processes online applications immediately.
• If your application was submitted and paid in full before December 1, 2024, the old fees will apply, and no additional payment is needed.
  
  
2. For Mailed Paper Applications:
• If your paper application was sent before the fee increase, IRCC generally will not reject it. However, the following conditions must be met:
• The old fee was paid in full.
• The application was complete.
• The application was mailed before December 1.
• If the fee difference needs to be covered, IRCC will provide instructions on how to pay the remaining amount.
  
  

How to Pay the Difference

If IRCC asks you to pay the difference between the old fee and the new one, follow these steps:

1. Calculate the Difference:
   Subtract the old fee from the new fee to determine the additional amount owed.
   
   
2. Make the Payment:
• Log in to your IRCC account (or create one if you don’t already have an account).
• Use IRCC’s online payment tool and select “Make an additional payment or pay other fees.”
• Enter the calculated difference under “quantity.”
  
  
3. Get Your Receipt:
   IRCC will generate a receipt for your payment.
   
   
4. Submit the Receipt:
   Follow the instructions in IRCC’s request to provide proof of payment.
   
   

Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays

If you’re planning to apply for immigration services soon, make sure to account for the updated fees in your budget. For paper applications, mailing them well before the fee change date can save you the hassle of paying the difference later.