Canada Increases Permanent Residence and Citizenship Fees for 2026: What You Need to Know

In a significant procedural update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced comprehensive fee increases for all permanent residence (PR) and citizenship applications.

Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, the Canadian government adjusts its permanent residence fees every two years to keep pace with inflation and the rising costs of program operations. The latest cycle of increases takes effect in Spring 2026, meaning applicants must update their financial planning immediately to avoid processing delays or application returns.

Here is a complete breakdown of the new fee structure, the strict implementation dates, and how this impacts your application strategy.

Implementation Dates

The fee increases are divided into two distinct rollout dates based on the type of application:

• Citizenship Applications: Fees increase effective March 31, 2026.

• Permanent Residence Applications: Fees increase effective April 30, 2026.

If you submit your application online and pay your fees prior to these specific cutoff dates, your application will be locked in at the previous, lower rate.

Impact on Economic Immigration & Express Entry

For skilled professionals looking to transition to permanent residency through express entry canada, understanding these revised financial requirements is critical. Applying for permanent residency requires precise coordination of documentation, language test results, and fee payments. Submitting an application on or after April 30 with the incorrect fee amount will result in your application being rejected as incomplete.

Here is how the processing fees for major economic programs (including Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, and the Atlantic Immigration Class) are changing:

• Principal Applicant: Increasing from $950 to $990.

• Accompanying Spouse or Partner: Increasing from $950 to $990.

• Accompanying Dependent Child: Increasing from $260 to $270.

The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)

In addition to the standard processing fees, most PR applicants must also pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). This fee is also subject to the April 30, 2026 increase.

• New RPRF Amount: Increasing from $575 to $600 (per adult applicant).

Important Note on Timing: While IRCC allows you to delay paying the RPRF until your application is approved in principle, doing so means you are subject to the fee rate at the time of payment. If you applied for PR before April 30 but choose to pay the RPRF after April 30, you must pay the new $600 rate. To avoid this, we strongly advise paying the RPRF upfront when you submit your application.

Additional Permanent Residence Fee Changes

The April 30 fee hikes span across all other PR categories as well. Notable changes include:

• Business Immigration (Principal Applicant): Increasing from $1,810 to $1,895.

• Family Reunification (Sponsored Principal Applicant): Increasing from $545 to $570.

• Family Reunification (Sponsorship Fee): Increasing from $85 to $90.

• Protected Persons & Humanitarian Grounds (Principal Applicant): Increasing from $635 to $660.

Changes to Citizenship Fees

For permanent residents who have met their physical presence requirements and are preparing to apply for Canadian citizenship, the Right of Citizenship Fee is increasing.

• New Right of Citizenship Fee: Increasing from $119.75 to $123.00 (effective March 31, 2026).

The standard adult citizenship processing fee of $530 remains unchanged, meaning the total cost for an adult citizenship application will now be $653.00.

Ensure Your Application is Compliant with Cambria Law Firm

When dealing with IRCC, precision is everything. A miscalculation of just a few dollars in government fees can result in your entire application package being returned months later, potentially jeopardizing your immigration status or forcing you to restart the process under new, stricter program rules.

At Cambria Law Firm in Mississauga, our legal team meticulously reviews every aspect of your application—from document compliance to exact fee calculations—ensuring a flawless submission. If you are preparing to apply for permanent residency or citizenship, contact us today to secure your application before the new fee structures take effect.