Canada Hikes Immigration Fee: A Comprehensive Guide for Visitors, Students, and Workers

Canada is changing its immigration fees starting December 1, 2025. This means if you plan to visit, study, or work in Canada, or need to fix your immigration status, you will likely pay more. Several application fees have gone up. Here’s what you need to know about the Canada immigration fee changes.

Key Points

• Starting December 1, 2025, Canada is raising fees for many immigration applications, including those for visitors, students, and workers.
• The fee increases apply to applications for restoring temporary resident status (visitor, student, worker), as well as specific applications like Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC), Criminal Rehabilitation, and Temporary Resident Permits (TRP).
• The International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which includes Working Holiday and Young Professionals options, will also have new, higher fees.
• Applications sent before December 1, 2025, will usually be charged the old fees. However, if your application was submitted before the increase but processed after, you might have to pay the difference.
• These fee increases are meant to cover rising costs for administration and system updates. Applicants should be aware of the new costs and seek help if they need to understand the financial impact or submit their applications correctly.

Canada’s Immigration Fee Increase Explained

Canada’s immigration fees are going up. It’s not a huge jump, but it’s important to know, especially if you plan to come to Canada as a visitor, student, or worker. These changes took effect on December 1, 2025, and affect several types of applications. This is a normal adjustment to cover the costs of running the immigration system today.

Changes Starting December 1, 2025

Several application fees have been updated. Governments often change these fees to cover their operating costs. The government states these changes help keep the immigration system working well and efficiently. If you submitted your application and paid the old fee before December 1st, your application will generally be processed with the old fees. However, if you are just starting your application or have a paper application that is not yet complete, you may need to pay the difference.

Why Canada is Raising Immigration Fees

There are main reasons for these fee increases. It’s mainly about covering costs. Processing applications, managing borders, and ensuring security all cost money. The government wants applicants to help pay for these costs, instead of relying only on taxpayers. This is a common approach worldwide as countries try to make their immigration systems more sustainable. It also helps fund improvements to the system, like better technology and faster processing. The government says these changes reflect current processing costs and help reduce the burden on taxpayers.

How Different Applications Are Affected

These fee changes affect several areas. For example, fees for restoring your status as a visitor, student, or worker have increased. Also, fees for applications like Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC), Criminal Rehabilitation, and Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) have been updated. Even the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, popular with young people, has new fee structures. It’s a good idea to check the exact amounts for the specific application you need. For instance, the fee to restore visitor status went from $229.00 to $239.75.

These changes are part of a worldwide trend where immigration systems are adjusting their fees. The goal is to balance efficient processing with the financial needs of managing complex immigration programs. Applicants should be ready for these changes when planning their applications.

Here’s a quick look at some of the changes:

• Restoring Visitor Status: Increased from $229.00 to $239.75.
• Restoring Student Status: Increased from $379.00 to $389.75.
• Restoring Worker Status: Increased from $384.00 to $394.75.
• Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC): Increased from $459.55 to $479.75.

Always check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for the most current fees before submitting any application.

New Fees for Visitors, Students, and Workers

Canada’s immigration fees are going up again, starting December 1, 2025. This affects many people trying to come to or stay in Canada. If you plan to visit, study, or work here, pay attention to these changes as they will increase your costs.

Cost to Restore Visitor Status

If your visitor status in Canada is about to expire or has expired, and you need to fix it, the fee is changing. The new cost to restore your visitor status is $246.25. Before this, it was $239.75. It’s a small increase.

Higher Fees for Restoring Student Status

For students, if you need to restore your status – perhaps you dropped below a full course load or missed a deadline – the fee is also increasing. The new price is $389.75 if you are applying with a new study permit, and $246.25 if you are not. The old fees were $379.00 and $239.75, respectively. So, it costs more to get your student status back on track.

Increased Costs for Restoring Worker Status

If your work status needs restoring, the fees have also gone up. If you are applying to restore your worker status without a new work permit, the new fee is $246.25, up from $239.75. If you are applying with a new work permit, the cost is now $401.25, up from $394.75. These changes mean that anyone needing to fix their work status will need to budget more money.

These fee changes are part of a regular review by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to keep up with administrative costs, system upgrades, and processing demands. While the increases may seem small for each application, they show the ongoing investment needed to manage the immigration system well.

Applying for Rehabilitation and Related Permits

Dealing with issues that make you inadmissible to Canada or needing to apply for rehabilitation can be complex. Canada has updated the fees for several applications related to these situations, effective December 1, 2025. It’s important to understand these changes, especially if you have had past issues that make you inadmissible to Canada.

Fee Update for Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)

If you were previously required to leave Canada, you might need an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) to come back legally. The fee for this application has slightly increased. The new fee is $492.50, up from the previous $479.75. This process often involves other applications, adding to the financial planning needed.

Costs for Criminal Rehabilitation Applications

For those with past criminal convictions, applying for criminal rehabilitation can help overcome inadmissibility. There are different fees depending on the seriousness of the offense.

• Criminality: If your inadmissibility is due to offenses considered “criminality” and five years have passed since your sentence was completed, the fee to apply for rehabilitation is now $246.25, an increase from $239.75.
• Serious Criminality: For more serious offenses, the fee for rehabilitation is much higher. The new cost is $1,231.00, compared to the old fee of $1,199.00. This higher fee reflects the detailed background checks and risk assessments involved.

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) Fee Changes

Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) allow individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to enter Canada for a specific time. This might be needed for urgent family matters or important business. The fee for a TRP has also been adjusted. It is now $246.25, a small increase from the previous $239.75. These changes help cover the costs of processing these unique applications.

These fee changes are part of a larger government effort to ensure immigration programs are financially sustainable. While the increases may seem small for individuals, they reflect the rising costs of processing and maintaining the immigration system. Always check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for the most current fee information before submitting any application.

Changes to the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a popular way for young people from many countries to experience life and work in Canada. It’s been a common choice for those looking for a working holiday or a chance to gain work experience. However, like many things, the costs to apply for an IEC work permit have gone up.

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a popular route for young people from many countries to get a taste of life and work in Canada. It’s been a go-to for those looking for a working holidaychange is part of a larger update to immigration fees for various applications. While the exact amounts might differ slightly depending on the specific category within IEC, the general trend is an increase.

New Fees for IEC Work Permits

The fee for an IEC work permit has been adjusted. Previously, the cost was $179.75. The new fee is now $184.75. This small increase reflects the ongoing costs of managing and processing applications for this popular program.

Impact on Young Professionals and Working Holiday Applicants

For those interested in the Working Holiday or Young Professionals streams, this fee increase means a slightly higher initial cost. Since the IEC program often uses a system where invitations are needed to apply, and demand is usually higher than the available spots, applicants should include this new fee in their budget. It’s a small change when planning an international move, but it’s something to be aware of when preparing your application and funds.

These fee adjustments are happening in many countries, not just Canada. Many countries are reviewing their immigration processing costs. The goal is to ensure that the systems can handle the demand and remain fair without putting too much burden on taxpayers. For IEC applicants, this means a slightly higher investment to access these valuable work and travel opportunities.

What Applicants Need to Know About Submitted Applications

Have you already sent in your application before the fee changes on December 1, 2025? That’s good news, mostly. Applications submitted before this date are usually processed under the old, lower fees, but your application had to be complete. This means all the necessary documents were included when you sent it.

If your application was complete, the fee increase likely won’t affect you. However, if you were still gathering documents or realized something was missing after submitting, things can be more complicated. You might be contacted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with instructions on how to pay the difference between the old and new fees. This is especially true for paper applications, so check your mail and online account.

Applications Submitted Before the Fee Increase

For those who submitted a complete application before the deadline, the fee hike should not affect you. Your application will be processed based on the fee you paid. It was a race against time for some, and this news might have encouraged people to finalize their applications quickly.

Possible Need to Pay Fee Differences

This is where things can get a bit complex. If your application was submitted before December 1, 2025, but was incomplete, IRCC might ask you to pay the difference. They will review your submission, and if they decide it falls under the new fee structure because it was incomplete at the time of submission, they will tell you how to pay the extra amount. It’s a good idea to check your application status regularly and be ready for this possibility.

Here’s a quick summary of what to consider:

• Complete Applications: If you submitted a fully completed application with all required documents before December 1, 2025, you should be fine. The old fees apply.
• Incomplete Applications: If your application was submitted before the date but was missing documents, you might be asked to pay the difference.
• Communication is Important: Watch for any messages from IRCC about your application. They will give you specific instructions if you need to pay more.

The timing of these fee changes can put applicants in a difficult situation. If you were still gathering documents, you might have felt pressured to submit an incomplete application just to meet the deadline. It’s a balance between submitting your application and making sure it is correct.

Some immigration consultants have reported a significant increase in urgent application requests after the fee hike was announced. People are trying to submit their applications under the old rules. If you are in this situation, double-check all your documents before submitting to avoid any surprises later.

Broader Effects of Immigration Fee Changes

Canada has decided to increase some immigration fees starting December 1, 2025. These changes affect more than just the money; they impact individuals, organizations, and the entire immigration system. It’s about finding a balance to keep the system running smoothly without making it too hard for people to come to Canada.

Balancing System Costs and Access

On one hand, the government says these fee increases are needed to cover the actual costs of processing applications. Consider all the technology, staff, and security measures involved. By having applicants pay more, the goal is to reduce the burden on taxpayers and make the system more sustainable. This “cost recovery” idea is becoming common globally, where immigration systems aim to fund themselves. Many countries, like the United States and the UK, have seen similar increases.

However, there is concern that these increases, even if they seem small individually, can add up. For students or young workers just starting out, or for people trying to fix a past mistake on their record, these extra costs can be a significant challenge. This raises questions about whether the system is becoming less accessible for those with limited financial resources.

Global Trends in Immigration Fees

Canada is not the only country adjusting its fees. We are seeing this happen elsewhere too. The U.S. has had some significant fee increases, and the UK has also raised visa and healthcare surcharges. Australia’s visa prices are known for being quite high. Canada’s adjustments, while noticeable, are generally considered more moderate compared to these other countries. It seems like everyone is trying to figure out how to pay for their immigration services in a world where costs are always rising.

Potential Impact on Vulnerable Applicants

This is where things can become difficult. While the government aims for financial sustainability, we must consider who might be most affected. People with lower incomes, asylum seekers, or temporary residents might find it harder to afford these new fees. When you add the application fee to other costs like medical exams, travel, and biometrics, the total can become quite high. This could discourage some individuals from applying or seeking to legalize their status, which is not ideal.

The main challenge is ensuring that the goal of financial self-sufficiency within the immigration system does not unintentionally create barriers for those who wish to contribute to Canada but have limited financial means. Transparency in how these new revenues are used will be important in assessing the true impact.

It’s a complex situation, and the hope is that the increased revenue will lead to better, faster processing times and a more efficient system overall. But we will have to wait and see how it affects different groups of applicants.

Seeking Expert Advice for Your Application

Dealing with immigration rules and fees can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get confused, and making a mistake can cost you time and money. Getting help from a professional can make a big difference. They have experience with the system and understand the details, especially with these new fee changes.

Look, dealing with immigration rules and fees can feel like trying to assemble furniture without instructions. It’s easy to get lost, and honestly, making a mistake can cost you time and money. That’s where getting some help from a professional really makes a difference. They’ve seen it all before and know the ins and outs of the system, especially with these new fee changes kicking in.

Importance of Professional Consultation

Importance of Professional Consultation

Think of an immigration consultant or lawyer as your guide through a maze. They can help you figure out exactly which fees apply to your situation, which can get complicated fast. They also know how to fill out all the paperwork correctly the first time. This isn’t just about avoiding small errors; it’s about making sure your application is as strong as possible from the start. A professional can spot potential issues you might miss and help you prepare the right documents, saving you headaches down the line.

Navigating Complex Fee Calculations

Here’s a general idea of how fees might compare, though specific amounts depend on your application type:

Application Type	Old Fee (Approx.)	New Fee (Effective Dec 1, 2025)

Note: These are example figures, and actual fees may differ. Always check the official IRCC website for the most current information.

Note: These are illustrative figures and actual fees may vary. Always check the official IRCC website for the most current information.

Ensuring Accurate Application Submission

• Check all your documents against the official requirements.

Sometimes, the simplest-looking applications have the most complex requirements. It’s better to be careful when it comes to your immigration journey. A little professional help can go a long way in making sure everything is done correctly.

Conclusion

Wrapping Things Up

Frequently Asked Questions

When do these new Canada immigration fees start?

The new fees for various Canadian immigration applications started on December 1, 2025. If you submitted your application before this date, the old fees usually apply.

Why did Canada increase immigration fees?

Canada increases fees to cover the costs of running the immigration system, such as paying staff, improving technology, and ensuring applications are processed safely and efficiently. This helps keep the system up-to-date and reduces the burden on taxpayers.

Who is affected by these fee changes?

These new fees affect people applying for things like visitor visas, student permits, work permits, and those needing to restore their status in Canada. It also impacts applications for returning to Canada after being inadmissible or for criminal rehabilitation.

How much did the fees go up?

The increases are generally small, ranging from about 2.80% to 4.69%. For example, restoring visitor status went up by $10.75, and the fee for an Authorization to Return to Canada increased by about $20.

What if I already sent my application before the fee increase?

If you submitted your application and paid the old fee before December 1, 2025, you generally don’t need to worry. However, if you submitted a paper application and didn’t pay the full old fee, you might have to pay the difference.

Can these fee increases make it harder for some people to come to Canada?

While the increases are modest, they could add up for some applicants, especially students or young workers with tight budgets. Experts suggest that Canada needs to ensure the fees do not create financial barriers for people who want to come to Canada legally.