Canada hikes visa fees from December 1

Canada will increase application and processing fees for various temporary resident applications starting December 1.

This change will impact visitors, workers, and students applying to enter or extend their stay in Canada.

The fee hikes will apply to multiple categories, including applications for restoring temporary resident status, authorization to return to Canada, criminal rehabilitation for serious criminality, and Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs).

While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not yet announced the updated fees, a CIC News report highlights that applicants submitting complete applications before the fee increase generally won’t be affected.

Online applications are processed instantly, but mailed submissions may face delays. As long as the old fee is paid and the application is complete and sent before the change, it will be processed under the old rates. If additional fees are required, IRCC will provide further instructions.