Posted by: Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB #R708308 | VG Immigration Services Canada
Published: April 25, 2026
IRCC PR Fees Are Increasing on April 30, 2026 — Here’s What Changes
Canada’s immigration fees are changing again, and this time it affects most permanent residence (PR) applicants. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that several PR fees will increase on April 30, 2026, including the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) and many economic, family, and humanitarian program fees.
If you are preparing to submit a PR application, timing matters: the fee you pay depends on when IRCC receives your application. Below is a clear breakdown of what is changing, who is affected, and how to plan your next steps.
Key Highlights
- Effective date: New PR fees apply to applications received on April 30, 2026 or later.
- RPRF increases: Right of Permanent Residence Fee rises from $575 to $600.
- Economic programs increase: Many programs (including Federal High Skilled, PNP, Atlantic Immigration Class, and several economic pilots) rise from $950 to $990 for principal applicants and spouses/partners.
- Dependent child fee increases: Several categories rise from $260 to $270 (economic/business) or $175 to $180 (protected persons/H&C).
- Family reunification increases: Sponsorship fee rises from $85 to $90, and sponsored principal applicant fee rises from $545 to $570.
- Permit holders class increases: Principal applicant fee rises from $375 to $390.
Which Permanent Residence Fees Are Increasing on April 30, 2026?
IRCC adjusts fees periodically to help cover program delivery costs. For April 30, 2026, the increase applies across a wide range of permanent residence pathways. Here are the practical categories most applicants care about.
1) Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is one of the most common “final” fees for PR applicants. It applies to the principal applicant and, in many cases, an accompanying spouse or common-law partner.
- Old fee: $575
- New fee (as of April 30, 2026): $600
Practical tip: Some applicants choose to pay the RPRF upfront to reduce processing delays later. If you plan to submit close to April 30, confirm whether you are paying the old or new amount based on when IRCC will receive your application.
2) Economic Immigration (Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic, and Many Pilots)
For a large group of economic programs, IRCC is increasing the processing fee for principal applicants and accompanying spouses/partners. This bucket includes:
- Federal High Skilled programs (often relevant to Express Entry-managed categories)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Quebec Skilled Workers
- Atlantic Immigration Class
- Several economic pilots (including Rural Communities and Francophone Communities pilots, Agri-Food, and some home care worker pilots)
Fee changes in this group are:
- Principal applicant: $950 → $990
- Accompanying spouse/common-law partner: $950 → $990
- Accompanying dependent child: $260 → $270
Why this matters: If you are applying with family members, even small increases add up. A principal applicant plus spouse sees a $80 increase in processing fees alone in this category (
$40 each), plus any RPRF increase if applicable.
3) Business Immigration (Federal and Quebec)
Business immigration applicants will also see increases:
- Principal applicant: $1,810 → $1,895
- Accompanying spouse/common-law partner: $950 → $990
- Accompanying dependent child: $260 → $270
Because business pathways already involve significant documentation and planning, applicants should budget for these fee changes early, especially if coordinating with corporate timelines or third-party documentation.
4) Family Sponsorship / Family Reunification Fees
Family reunification is also affected. The notice lists increases for the sponsorship fee and certain applicant fees.
- Sponsorship fee: $85 → $90
- Sponsored principal applicant: $545 → $570
- Sponsored dependent child (principal applicant under 22 and not a spouse/partner): $85 → $90
Important note: Sponsorship applications can be returned for being incomplete. If you are rushing to file before April 30, make sure the package is complete and properly signed to avoid delays that could push receipt past the effective date.
5) Protected Persons and Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) / Public Policy
Applicants in protected person categories and those applying under humanitarian and compassionate grounds or public policy measures also face increases:
- Protected persons (principal applicant): $635 → $660
- Protected persons (spouse/partner): $635 → $660
- Protected persons (dependent child): $175 → $180
- H&C/public policy (principal applicant): $635 → $660
- H&C/public policy (spouse/partner): $635 → $660
- H&C/public policy (dependent child): $175 → $180
These pathways are often time-sensitive and evidence-heavy. Planning for the right fee amount helps prevent avoidable delays, particularly if you are paying for multiple family members.
6) Permit Holders Class
The Permit Holders Class principal applicant fee is increasing as well:
- Old fee: $375
- New fee: $390
When Do the New Fees Apply? Online vs. Mailed Applications
IRCC is clear that online applications are received immediately, so you need to make sure you pay the correct amount before you submit. For mailed applications, there can be a delay between the date you mail your package and the date IRCC receives it.
In many cases, IRCC indicates it will not reject a complete application that was mailed before the fee change even if the fee changes while it’s in transit, but IRCC may ask you to pay the difference later. This is why it is risky to “cut it close” if you are submitting by mail.
What If You Paid the Old Fee by Mistake?
If IRCC receives your application and determines that you paid the old amount when the new fee applies, IRCC can request the difference. IRCC’s guidance indicates they will tell you how to pay the difference and how to provide proof of payment (receipt) after you make an additional payment.
However, relying on this after-the-fact process can introduce delays. Where possible, the best approach is to pay the correct amount at the time of submission.
What This Means for You
1) Budget accurately before you submit. Government fees are only one part of your PR costs, but they are non-negotiable. If you are applying with family members, review every line item (principal applicant, spouse, children, and RPRF where applicable) so you are not surprised at the checkout stage.
2) Avoid last-minute filing, especially by mail. If your application is paper-based, a courier delay can be enough to move IRCC’s “received” date past April 30. If you must file close to the deadline, consider whether an online pathway is available for your category.
3) Focus on completeness. A common issue is an application being returned for missing signatures, outdated forms, incorrect fee amounts, or incomplete supporting documents. A return can cost you more than the fee increase, because it may affect your status planning, work permits, or timelines for family members.
4) If you are in Express Entry or PNP, plan around your invitation timeline. Many applicants want to submit quickly after receiving an ITA or nomination. If your submission window crosses April 30, you should plan to pay the new amount.
Related Reading (VGIS Resources)
- Explore more Canada immigration updates on our blog
- Book a consultation to review your PR pathway and readiness
How VG Immigration Can Help
Navigating Canada’s immigration system requires expert guidance. Dimple Verma, RCIC-IRB (R708308), Commissioner of Oaths, at VG Immigration Services can help you understand your options and build the strongest possible application.
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