As of April 30, 2026, Canada raised permanent residence processing fees across all immigration streams. The cost changes impact Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and family sponsorship applications.
Processing Costs Rise by Up to Six Percent
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) applied a 4–5% hike across most categories. Family sponsorship fees saw the steepest jump at just under 6%. Fees for dependent children and protected persons crept up just under 4%.
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) also increased from $575 to $600. This fee applies to most permanent residence applications. Applicants can defer this payment when they initially submit their file.
Official 2026 Permanent Residence Fee Schedule
The change affects principal applicants, accompanying spouses, and dependent children. Here is the exact breakdown of the new costs.
| Program | Applicant type | Old fee | New fee (April 30, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee | Principal applicant, accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $575 | $600 |
| Federal High Skilled (Express Entry, PNP, Quebec Skilled Workers Atlantic Immigration Class, most economic pilots) | Principal applicant | $950 | $990 |
| Federal High Skilled | Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $950 | $990 |
| Federal High Skilled | Accompanying dependent child | $260 | $270 |
| Business (Federal and Quebec) | Principal applicant | $1,810 | $1,895 |
| Business | Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $950 | $990 |
| Business | Accompanying dependent child | $260 | $270 |
| Family reunification | Sponsorship fee | $85 | $90 |
| Family reunification | Sponsored principal applicant | $545 | $570 |
| Family reunification | Sponsored dependent child | $85 | $90 |
| Protected persons | Principal applicant | $635 | $660 |
| Protected persons | Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $635 | $660 |
| Protected persons | Accompanying dependent child | $175 | $180 |
| Humanitarian and compassionate or public policy | Principal applicant | $635 | $660 |
| Humanitarian and compassionate or public policy | Accompanying spouse or common-law partner | $635 | $660 |
| Humanitarian and compassionate or public policy | Accompanying dependent child | $175 | $180 |
| Permit holders class | Principal applicant | $375 | $390 |
Handling Deferred Payments and Prior Applications
If you applied before April 30 but deferred your RPRF payment, you owe the new $600 amount. IRCC bases the RPRF on the rate active at the time of payment. Paying the older processing fee does not freeze your RPRF rate.
Applicants who submitted their complete online files before April 30 do not need to act. IRCC received your application and fees at the previous rates. We recommend reviewing your receipts to confirm your payment status.
