Significant Hike in Immigration Fees:
On April 30, 2024, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented a substantial increase in permanent residence application fees. This marks a significant shift compared to the modest 3% increase observed in 2022. The new fees, ranging from 12% to 13% higher, reflect the cumulative rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the past two years.
Understanding the Fee Breakdown:
The new fee structure impacts most permanent residency applicants, with the exception of dependent children and protected persons who are exempt from the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
- Express Entry & Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): The processing fee for principal applicants under these programs has jumped from $850 to $950, with a similar increase for accompanying spouses or common-law partners.
- Family Reunification: The sponsorship fee for sponsoring a family member remains unchanged at $85. However, the fee for the sponsored principal applicant has risen from $490 to $545.
- Live-in Caregiver Program: Principal applicants in this program will now pay $635, a rise from $570.
Impact on Applicants:
This fee hike adds another layer of financial consideration to the immigration process. Here’s how it might affect potential applicants:
- Increased Planning Needs: Individuals planning to immigrate to Canada should factor in these higher fees when budgeting for their application.
- Prioritization for Some: The cost increase might lead some applicants to prioritize alternative pathways with lower fees, such as temporary work permits, if applicable to their situation.
Looking Ahead:
The IRCC continues to grapple with a significant backlog of immigration applications, exceeding 2.2 million files as of April 2024. While the fee increase is intended to help offset processing costs, it’s crucial to monitor how IRCC utilizes these funds to improve processing times and overall application efficiency.
