Starting December 1, 2024, Canada will raise the application and processing fees for various temporary resident applications, including those for visitors, workers, and students seeking to enter or extend their stay in the country.
This move will impact a range of visa categories, including applications for restoring temporary resident status, authorization to return to Canada, criminal rehabilitation for serious criminality, and Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs).
Although Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not yet disclosed the exact details of the fee increases, a report by CIC News suggests that applicants who submit complete applications before the fee hike takes effect will generally not be subject to the new charges.
For applicants submitting online, the process is immediate, meaning they are less likely to be impacted by the fee changes. However, those opting for mailed applications may experience delays in processing. As long as the old fee is paid, and the application is completed and sent before the new fee structure is implemented, it will be processed under the previous rates. If additional fees are required, the IRCC will provide further guidance to applicants on how to proceed.
The decision to increase the visa fees is seen as part of Canada’s broader strategy to streamline immigration processing while addressing rising operational costs. For applicants planning to apply or extend their stay in Canada, it is advised to ensure their applications are submitted in advance of the fee increase to avoid being affected by the changes.
