Canada has officially increased permanent residence (PR) application fees across all immigration categories, with the new fee structure taking effect on April 30, 2026. The changes impact applicants under programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), family sponsorship, and business immigration.
These updates are part of Canada’s routine adjustment to account for inflation and rising administrative costs.
📊 How Much Have PR Fees Increased?
The fee increase is moderate but applies broadly across all categories:
- Overall increase: ~4% to 5% across most programs
- Highest increase: Family sponsorship (nearly 6%)
- Lowest increase: Fees for dependent children and protected persons (~4%)
👉 While the increase may seem small individually, it can significantly impact families applying together.
💰 Updated Permanent Residence Fees (2026)
Here are the key updated fees:
🧾 Economic Immigration (Express Entry, PNP, etc.)
- Principal applicant: ~$990 (previously ~$950)
- Spouse/partner: ~$590
- Dependent child: ~$155
🏠 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
- Increased from $575 → $600
- Paid at final approval stage before receiving PR status
👨👩👧 Family Sponsorship
- Increased from $545 → $570
💼 Business Immigration
- Increased from $1,810 → $1,895
🛡 Protected Persons & Humanitarian Applications
- Increased from $635 → $660
📅 When Do These Changes Apply?
- New fees apply to applications submitted on or after April 30, 2026
- Applications submitted before this date are not affected
📈 Why Canada Increased PR Fees
Canada adjusts immigration fees every two years under federal regulations.
The main reasons include:
- 📊 Keeping up with inflation (CPI adjustments)
- ⚙ Maintaining immigration processing services
- 📈 Managing increasing demand for immigration programs
🧠 What This Means for Applicants
✔ Slightly Higher Overall Costs
Applicants should budget more—especially families or multiple applicants.
✔ Timing Matters
Submitting applications before fee increases can save money (important for future updates).
✔ No Change to Eligibility
These updates only affect cost, not immigration criteria or program requirements.
📌 Final Thoughts
Canada’s latest PR fee increase reflects a routine adjustment rather than a major policy shift. While the increases are relatively small (around 4–5%), they apply across all immigration programs and can add up for families and complex applications.
For applicants planning to move to Canada, the key takeaway is simple:
👉 Plan your finances carefully and stay updated on future fee changes.
