Canada continues to adjust its immigration and citizenship fees, and in 2025–2026, applicants are seeing noticeable increases across Permanent Residence (PR) and Citizenship programs.
If you’re planning to apply soon, understanding these changes is critical, not only for budgeting, but also to avoid delays or unexpected payment requests from IRCC.
Why Are Fees Increasing?
The Canadian government regularly adjusts immigration fees to:
- Reflect inflation and rising operational costs
- Maintain processing efficiency and service quality
- Support the growing volume of applications
Recent updates confirm that fee increases are part of a long-term trend, not a one-time change.
Citizenship Fee Increase (2025 Update)
As of March 31, 2025, Canada increased the Right of Citizenship fee:
- Old fee: $100
- New fee: $119.75
This applies to all adult applicants (18+).
Total Citizenship Cost (2026)
For most applicants:
- Processing fee: $530
- Right of Citizenship: $119.75
- Total: $649.75
Important:
- Children under 18 do not pay the citizenship right fee
- If you submitted with the old fee, IRCC may request the difference before approval
Permanent Residence (PR) Fee Increases
Canada has also confirmed ongoing increases to PR-related fees, including upcoming adjustments tied to inflation.
Examples of recent and upcoming changes include:
- Fees increasing across multiple PR categories (family, economic, humanitarian)
- Some fees rising:
- $545 → $570
- $635 → $660
- $1,810 → $1,895
These increases are scheduled to continue as part of annual fee adjustments under the Service Fees Act.
What Happens If You Pay the Old Fee?
If your application is submitted with outdated fees:
- IRCC will not refuse immediately
- You will receive a request to:
- Pay the difference
- Submit proof of payment
However, this can cause:
- Processing delays
- Additional administrative steps
What This Means for Applicants
These fee increases may seem small individually, but for families, the costs add up quickly:
Example:
Family of 4 applying for PR + Citizenship later:
- Increased fees per person
- Additional biometrics, medicals, legal support
Total difference could be hundreds to thousands of dollars more
Should You Apply Now?
If you are eligible, applying sooner can help you:
✔ Lock in current fees before future increases
✔ Avoid annual inflation adjustments
✔ Start your PR or Citizenship process earlier
Our Advice at Transway Global Immigration
With immigration fees continuing to rise, proper planning is more important than ever.
At Transway Global Immigration, we help you:
- Understand full cost breakdowns upfront
- Avoid delays due to incorrect payments
- Choose the best pathway based on your profile
Need Help With Your Application?
If you’re planning to apply for PR or Citizenship in Canada:
Contact our team today for a consultation
🌐 https://transwayglobalimmigration.ca
FAQs
Will immigration fees keep increasing?
Yes. Canada has introduced regular fee adjustments tied to inflation, meaning increases are expected periodically.
Do fee increases affect existing applications?
If already submitted with correct fees at the time — usually no.
But if incorrect or outdated fees are paid, IRCC may request additional payment.
Are there exemptions?
Some applicants (e.g., protected persons, dependent children) may be exempt from certain PR fees depending on the program.
