Canada has officially announced updated immigration fees that will take effect from December 1, 2025. These changes apply to several inadmissibility-related categories as well as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
Moreover, the revised structure is part of the government’s regular review cycle, which aims to keep immigration services efficient, modern, and capable of meeting increasing global demand.
Key Highlights
The new fee structure is active from December 1, 2025.
Nine inadmissibility-related categories now reflect higher fees, ranging from CAD $6.50 to CAD $32.
Criminal Rehabilitation (Serious Criminality) has the highest increase, rising to CAD $1,231.
The IEC Work Permit fee is now CAD $184.75.
Online applicants who paid before the deadline will not face changes.
Paper-based applicants may need to pay the fee difference.
Canada Confirms New Immigration Fee Adjustments
The Government of Canada has updated several inadmissibility-related application fees along with changes to the IEC program. According to IRCC, these adjustments help improve processing times, strengthen digital tools, and maintain sustainable program funding.
Furthermore, the revised fees impact many applicants from India, especially those applying for status restoration, criminal rehabilitation, or IEC participation. As Canada continues to welcome skilled workers, students, and travellers, periodic fee adjustments support better service delivery and a stronger immigration system.
Updated Canada Immigration Fees (Effective December 1, 2025)
| Application Type | Old Fee (CAD) | New Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Authorisation to Return to Canada | 479.75 | 492.50 |
| Temporary Resident Permit | 239.75 | 246.25 |
| Criminal Rehabilitation – Criminality | 239.75 | 246.25 |
| Criminal Rehabilitation – Serious Criminality | 1,199.00 | 1,231.00 |
| Restoration of Visitor Status | 239.75 | 246.25 |
| Restoration of Worker Status (Without Work Permit) | 239.75 | 246.25 |
| Restoration of Worker Status (With Work Permit) | 394.75 | 401.25 |
| Restoration of Student Status (Without Study Permit) | 239.75 | 246.25 |
| Restoration of Student Status (With Study Permit) | 389.75 | 396.25 |
| IEC Work Permit Fee | 179.75 | 184.75 |
IRCC Issues Guidance on Fee Differences
IRCC has also released instructions for applicants who may need to pay the difference between old and new fees.
To begin with, online applicants who completed payment before 12:00 AM on December 1 will not be affected. Their system automatically records the submission time.
On the other hand, paper applicants might be required to pay extra. IRCC considers the date an application is received, not the date it is mailed. Therefore, some applicants could fall under the new rules even if they posted documents earlier.
To avoid delays, IRCC recommends following the steps below.
How to Pay the Updated Fee Difference
Step 1: Visit IRCC’s online payment portal and select “Make an additional payment or pay other fees.”
Step 2: Enter the exact difference amount under Quantity.
Step 3: Complete the payment and download the official receipt.
Step 4: Submit the receipt as instructed by IRCC.
Step 5: Applicants can pay the full difference in one transaction or split the payment.
With these steps, applications continue processing without interruptions or risk of refusal.
Stay Updated on Canada’s Immigration Changes
Canada’s immigration levels are increasing every year. Because of this, staying informed about fee updates is essential—especially for Indian applicants planning to study, work, or restore their status. By keeping track of such updates, applicants can plan better and avoid unnecessary delays.
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