Canada Immigration Fees Increased 2025 ???? Many Applicants Will Pay More Without Knowing This
Canada Increases Immigration Fees from December 1, 2025: What Applicants Must Know
Canada has introduced new immigration fee increases effective December 1, 2025, impacting several critical application categories. These changes directly affect temporary residents, inadmissibility-related applications, and International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit applicants.
If you are planning to apply for a Canadian visa, work permit, study permit, or restoration of status, understanding these updates is essential to avoid delays, additional costs, or refusal risks.
Overview of Canada Immigration Fee Changes (2025)
The Government of Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has increased select immigration fees to align with administrative and operational costs.
Fee increases apply to:
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Inadmissibility-related applications
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Status restoration requests
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International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits
Important:
Applicants who paid the old fee before midnight on December 1, 2025, are not affected—only if the payment was successfully submitted online before the deadline.
Who Is NOT Affected by the New Fees?
You will not need to pay the increased fee if:
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You submitted an online application and completed payment before December 1, 2025
However, if you submitted a paper-based application, you may still be asked to pay the difference due to mailing and processing delays.
Updated Inadmissibility Fees (Effective December 1, 2025)
Inadmissibility applications are required when an individual is not legally admissible to Canada due to past immigration violations or criminal history.
Revised Fee Structure
| Application Type | Old Fee (CAD) | New Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) | $479.75 | $492.50 |
| Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Criminal Rehabilitation – Criminality | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Criminal Rehabilitation – Serious Criminality | $1,199.00 | $1,231.00 |
| Visitor Status Restoration | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Worker Status Restoration (without WP) | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Worker Status Restoration (with WP) | $394.75 | $401.25 |
| Student Status Restoration (without SP) | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Student Status Restoration (with SP) | $389.75 | $396.25 |
Understanding Each Application Type (Simple Explanation)
Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
Required for individuals who were previously removed or deported and want to re-enter Canada legally.
Real-time use case:
A refused work permit applicant who overstayed and was removed must obtain ARC before applying again.
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Allows temporary entry despite inadmissibility, only when the applicant demonstrates a compelling reason.
Example:
A business executive with a minor past offence attending an urgent Canadian conference.
Criminal Rehabilitation
Available when at least five years have passed since completing a criminal sentence. Approval permanently clears inadmissibility.
RCIC insight:
Applicants often underestimate the importance of choosing the correct category—criminality vs serious criminality—which directly impacts fees and processing time.
Restoration of Status (Visitor, Worker, Student)
If your status expired and you failed to apply for an extension, you have 90 days to apply for restoration.
Practical scenario:
An international student whose study permit expired while awaiting admission confirmation must restore status before applying again.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Fee Increase
The IEC work permit processing fee has also increased.
| Fee Type | Old Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| IEC Work Permit Fee | $179.75 | $184.75 |
IEC Program Categories
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Working Holiday
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Young Professionals
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International Co-op (Internship)
All IEC participants must pay this fee regardless of category.
Important IEC Program Updates (2025–2026)
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IEC 2025 pools are closed
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Candidates must wait for 2026 pools to open
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Applications cannot be submitted without an invitation
Real-world impact:
Many applicants incorrectly prepare documents in advance without understanding pool timelines, leading to outdated profiles and missed invitations.
I Paid the Old Fee – What Happens Now?
If IRCC receives your application after December 1, 2025, and payment is insufficient, you will receive a request to pay the fee difference.
How to Pay the Difference
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Calculate the gap between old and new fees
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Use IRCC’s online payment portal
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Select “Make an additional payment or pay other fees”
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Enter the total difference
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Submit the payment receipt as instructed by IRCC
One receipt is issued per payment, but multiple fees can be paid together.
Why These Fee Changes Matter for Applicants
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Even a small underpayment can delay processing
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Status restoration applications are time-sensitive
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Inadmissibility cases require precision and documentation
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IEC candidates must plan well ahead due to limited pools
RCIC Recommendation:
Always confirm fees on the date of submission, not when you start preparing your application.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Apply Right
Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve, and fee updates are just one part of a larger compliance framework. Missing small details—like updated fees—can have serious consequences for your application.
If you are:
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Out of status
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Inadmissible
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Applying under IEC
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Planning restoration or re-entry
Professional guidance can save time, money, and refusals.