Effective December 1, 2024, Canada will make significant changes to visa application fees and processing fees, affecting those who wish to visit, work, or study in Canada. The new fees are a reflection of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the immigration system remains fair and balanced while still covering administrative costs for processing applications.
The increase in fees applies to several categories, including visitor, student, and worker visas, as well as other related services such as status restoration and permits. Below, we’ll break down the most important changes to these fees, what they mean for applicants, and how this could impact your immigration plans.
Visa application Fees for Various Categories
- Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
Applicants who are required to secure permission for readmission to Canada once they leave the country will be charged more for a visa. The fees have risen from $459.55 to $479.75. This increase represents added administrative work in assessing the applications of those whose prior admissibility to the country has already been determined. - Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Those applying for a Temporary Resident Permit to stay in Canada even if they are inadmissible on grounds of criminality or otherwise will have their fees rise from $229.77 to $239.75. The TRP is an important document for applicants who wish to visit Canada but have previously been found inadmissible. - Inadmissibility on Grounds of Criminality
Those applying to overcome the grounds of inadmissibility due to criminality are going to see a bump in fees from $229.77 to $239.75. This in turn may impact people in their efforts to gain entry to Canada who have a conviction but are admissible later after rehabilitation or for other attenuating circumstances. - Inadmissibility on Grounds of Serious Criminality
A higher fee hike would be imposed on anyone the visa officer deems as being inadmissible based on serious criminality. The countervailing fee to be incurred would increase from $1,148.87 to $1,199.00. This amount represents a more rigorous procedure that is involved since the individual applying has to prove their rehabilitative or mitigating abilities about their criminal record to ensure admittance into the country of Canada. - Status Restoration as a Visitor, Worker, or Student
The fee for status restoration has also been changed. For individuals who have overstayed their authorized period of stay and want to restore status as a visitor, this fee will no longer apply (previously $229). However, for workers and students, the fee will now be increased from $229 to $239.75, which will affect re-applicants seeking legal status in Canada. - Restoration of Status with New Permits
For both workers and students, in order to regain your status and request a new work or study permit, there will be an added expense. Workers will have a total of $384.77 become $394.75 when applying for the restoration of status and then for a new work permit. Similarly, students will spend between $379.77 and $389.75 on restoration of status coupled with a new study permit. These fees combined will be important for those whose status has already expired but would want to return and resume working or studying in Canada. - International Experience Canada (IEC) Fee Increase
The International Experience Canada program allows young people from all over the globe to work and travel in Canada. The visa application fees will increase from $172.00 to $179.75, which will impact potential applicants looking to gain Canadian work experience. While this is a relatively small increase, it may be a challenge to those on a tight budget who are planning to apply through the IEC program, especially with the general increase in visa application fees.
Understanding the Impact of Increased Visa Application Fees on Your Immigration Plans
While these increases in visa application fees may seem small, they are likely to have a massive impact on the decision-making patterns of applicants. For those looking at applying for temporary or permanent residence, the cost of their visa and permit applications will be higher, while for businesses and other organizations employing foreign workers, the increase in visa application fees may mean that those costs need to be weighed when sponsoring employees. Such students and visitors who seek to come to Canada will have to confront the increased monetary requirements when planning their move into Canada.
What Does This Mean for You?
- Budgeting for Immigration Costs
It is therefore imperative that those planning to seek a Canadian visa or permit include such visa application fees in their budget. If it is for studying, working, or as a business sponsoring workers, knowledge of the new visa application fees will enable the individual or business to better plan finances. - Staying Informed and Prepared
As such changes apply, applicants would need to keep informed on how best to adjust their application fees. IRCC would update its policy on how to adjust payments for those concerned by the new fee structure. - Planning Ahead
If applying for any of the affected visas or permits, it’s best to start the application process early to avoid delays or last-minute complications brought about by the increased fees.
How We Can Help You Navigate the New Visa Application Fees?
We know well how complicated and expensive getting a visa can be, and with these new increases in visa application fees, it really is more important than ever to get your application exactly right the first time around to avoid additional fees and delays. Our experienced consultants are here to help assist you with:
- Accurate Fee Calculation; ensuring that your application is complete and that you pay all the correct fees.
- Professional Consultation: Assist in efficient navigation of the application process, saving you valuable time and money.
- Immigration Services for Workers, Students, and Visitors: Whether you’re applying for a work permit, study permit, or visitor visa, we’re here to help.
If you need help immigrating to Canada or want to apply for a visa. Our team is always up to date and ready to help you remain ahead of the changes.
What if you paid the old fee?
Because you have submitted an application in the past which you fully paid for online, these increases in visa application fees won’t affect this application. IRCC receives and validates applications received online right away. This means your application is already paid in full. You could have paid the previous fee if you submitted a paper application, like the extension of a post-graduation work permit.
If the fee has increased since you submitted a paper application, IRCC won’t typically refuse your application if:
you paid the old fee in full;
you submitted a complete application; and
You submitted your application before the fee increased.
Once IRCC receives your application, you will be contacted with directions on how to pay the difference of the new fee and the old fee.
If you want to know more details about “Important changes to visa application fees in Canada effective December 1, 2024“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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