Canada Raises Key Immigration Fees: New Costs Now in Effect for 2025–2026. Canada has announced a major update in immigration fees, and many applicants will now pay higher charges across several important categories. The new fee structure came into effect on 1 December 2025, and the biggest impact is on inadmissibility applications and the International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit.
Those who applied online before the deadline will not be affected. But applicants who submitted paper applications may need to pay the difference, and IRCC will contact them directly with instructions.
Higher Fees for Inadmissibility Applications
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased fees for several services:
Updated Fee List
| Application Type | New Fee (2025) |
|---|---|
| Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) | $492.50 |
| Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | $246.25 |
| Criminal Rehabilitation – Regular Criminality | $798.00 |
| Criminal Rehabilitation – Serious Criminality | $1,231.00 |
| Restoration of Temporary Resident Status | $246.25 |
| IEC Work Permit Fee | $184.75 |
The increase follows a rise in application volumes after changes to Canada’s Motor Vehicle Ordinance.
Restoration of Status Rules Stay the Same
Foreign nationals who lose their visitor, student, or worker status still have 90 days to apply for restoration.
The new fees apply regardless of whether the applicant requests a new permit along with restoration.
IEC Work Permit Fee Also Increased
The IEC work permit processing fee has gone up from $179.75 to $184.75.
- The IEC 2025 pools are now closed.
- New profiles will open when the 2026 season begins.
If You Paid Old Fees — What Happens Now?
IRCC will email or mail instructions to applicants who submitted paper applications before the fee change.
To complete the process, applicants must:
- Calculate the fee difference
- Pay through IRCC’s “Make an additional payment or pay other fees” portal
- Upload or send the payment receipt as instructed
Payments can be made in one transaction or multiple smaller payments, each generating its own receipt.
Fee Changes at a Glance
This update affects thousands of applicants dealing with inadmissibility, criminal rehabilitation, and IEC work permits. Anyone impacted should act quickly and follow IRCC’s latest instructions to avoid delays in their immigration file.
Conclusion
Canada’s new immigration fees are now active, and applicants—especially those with inadmissibility cases or IEC work permits—must ensure they pay the updated charges. Following IRCC’s instructions on time will help prevent processing delays.
