Canada has implemented a new round of immigration fee increases effective December 1, 2025. The changes mainly affect applications linked to inadmissibility, rehabilitation, temporary resident permits, and the International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit program. These updates apply to both new applicants and some individuals who submitted applications before the effective date but paid the old fees.
The revised fee structure reflects adjustments by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and may require affected applicants to pay the difference between the old and new fees before their applications can proceed.
Who Is Affected by the New Immigration Fees?
The updated fees primarily impact applicants submitting or holding applications related to:
- Approval to return to Canada
- Temporary Resident Permits (TRP)
- Criminal inadmissibility and rehabilitation
- Restoration or rehabilitation of temporary resident status
- International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits
Important: If you submitted an online application and paid the full fee before 12:00 a.m. on December 1, 2025, no changes apply to you. However, applicants who submitted paper applications or paid reduced fees may be required to reimburse the difference.
Higher Charges for Inadmissibility-Related Applications
Several inadmissibility and rehabilitation-related requests have seen fee increases. In many cases, fees that were previously around $239.75–$246.25 have now increased, with more substantial rises for serious criminal cases.
Updated Inadmissibility and Rehabilitation Fees
| Type of Application | Previous Fee (CAD) | New Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Approval to Return to Canada | $479.75 | $492.50 |
| Temporary Resident Permit | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Inadmissibility (Serious Criminality) | $1,199.00 | $1,231.00 |
| Rehabilitate Status as Visitor | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Rehabilitate Status as Worker | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Rehabilitate Status as Worker + New Work Permit | $389.75 | $396.25 |
| Rehabilitate Status as Student | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Rehabilitate Status as Student + New Work Permit | $389.75 | $396.25 |
Rehabilitation of Temporary Resident Status
Visitors, students, and workers who lose their temporary resident status in Canada still have up to 90 days to apply for rehabilitation if they wish to remain in the country. The new fees apply regardless of whether the applicant is also requesting a new permit at the same time.
IEC Work Permit Fees Have Increased
The International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit fee has also been revised. Applicants under IEC must now pay a slightly higher processing fee.
| Program | Previous Fee (CAD) | New Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | $179.75 | $184.75 |
The IEC pools for the 2025 season are currently closed. Candidates will be able to submit new profiles once the 2026 IEC season opens.
If You Paid the Old Fee: What You Should Do
IRCC will contact applicants who submitted applications before December 1, 2025, but did not pay the updated amount. If you are affected, you will be instructed to pay the difference.
To complete the reimbursement:
- Calculate the difference between the old and new fee
- Make the payment using IRCC’s online portal under “Make an additional payment or reimburse other charges”
- Upload or send the payment receipt as instructed by IRCC
Each reimbursement generates a separate receipt. Applicants may pay multiple differences together or make separate payments if needed.
Why This Fee Increase Matters
These changes increase the overall cost of resolving inadmissibility issues and maintaining legal status in Canada. For applicants with complex immigration histories, the financial impact can be significant—especially in cases involving criminal inadmissibility.
Planning ahead, budgeting accurately, and responding promptly to IRCC payment requests are now more important than ever.
Conclusion
Canada’s immigration fee increases, effective December 1, 2025, affect a wide range of applications, particularly inadmissibility-related requests and IEC work permits. While some applicants are exempt due to early payment, others may need to reimburse the difference to keep their applications moving forward. Anyone with a pending or upcoming application should carefully review the new fee structure and follow IRCC instructions closely to avoid delays or refusals.