Canada Raises Key Immigration Fees

Canada has increased several immigration fees effective December 1, 2025, with the biggest changes affecting inadmissibility applications and the International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit.

Applicants who submitted online applications and paid before midnight on December 1 are not affected. However, paper applicants may need to pay the difference, and IRCC will contact them with instructions.

Higher Fees for Inadmissibility Applications

IRCC has raised fees across multiple categories:

• Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC): now $492.50
• Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): now $246.25

Criminal Rehabilitation:

• Regular criminality: $798.00
• Serious criminality: $1,231.00

Restoration of Temporary Resident Status: now $246.25 for visitors, students, and workers

These adjustments follow increased application volumes after amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance.

Restoration of Status Rules Unchanged

Foreign nationals who lose their temporary status still have 90 days to apply for restoration. The new fees apply whether or not they request a new permit at the same time.

IEC Work Permit Fee Also Increased

• The IEC work permit processing fee has risen from $179.75 to $184.75.
• The IEC 2025 pools are now closed, and new profiles will be accepted when the 2026 season opens.

Applicants Who Paid Old Fees Must Pay the Difference

IRCC will notify applicants who mailed their applications before the fee update. To complete payment, applicants must:

Calculate the fee difference

1. Pay through IRCC’s “Make an additional payment or pay other fees” tool
2. Upload or send the receipt as directed
3. Applicants can pay in one transaction or in multiple payments, each generating a separate receipt.

Fee Changes at a Glance

Canada’s latest fee update significantly impacts applicants dealing with inadmissibility issues or IEC work permits. Affected individuals must follow IRCC instructions to complete outstanding payments.