A new set of federal immigration fees has taken effect in Canada, introducing changes that applicants will need to factor into their planning. Beginning December 1, 2025, several government processing fees increased across multiple categories, from inadmissibility applications to the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
These updated fees apply immediately to new submissions, while a transitional approach will be used for applications mailed before the changes came into force.
Also Read Canada increases immigration fees
A Shift in Fee Policy: What Applicants Need to Know
The federal government periodically adjusts immigration fees to reflect administrative and operational costs. The December 2025 update primarily affects two groups of applicants:
- Individuals dealing with inadmissibility matters
- Youth seeking Canadian work permits through the IEC program
Anyone who finalised an online application and paid the previous fee before the cutoff time is protected from the increase.
For paper submissions, IRCC assesses fees at the time the application arrives – not when it was mailed – so some applicants may now owe a supplementary payment.
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New Costs for Inadmissibility-Related Applications
Fees connected to resolving inadmissibility issues have all risen. These applications include requests to return to Canada, criminal rehabilitation filings, temporary resident permits, and various restoration of status submissions.
Updated Fee Schedule
| Type of Application | Before Dec 1, 2025 | After Dec 1, 2025 |
| Authorisation to Return to Canada | $479.75 | $492.50 |
| Temporary Resident Permit | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Criminal Rehabilitation – Criminality | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Criminal Rehabilitation – Serious Criminality | $1,199.00 | $1,231.00 |
| Restore Visitor Status | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Restore Worker Status (no new permit) | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Restore Worker Status (with new permit) | $394.75 | $401.25 |
| Restore Student Status (no new permit) | $239.75 | $246.25 |
| Restore Student Status (with new permit) | $389.75 | $396.25 |
Understanding These Applications
Return Authorisation:
People who were previously required to leave Canada must obtain an authorisation if they wish to come back legally.
Temporary Resident Permits:
These permits allow certain applicants with inadmissibility concerns to enter Canada when their purpose of travel is compelling and poses minimal risk.
Criminal Rehabilitation:
Past offences can render an individual inadmissible, but rehabilitation applications offer a path to clear this issue permanently, provided sufficient time has passed since the completion of the sentence.
Restoration of Status:
Visitors, students, or workers who did not renew their temporary status in time may apply for restoration within a 90-day window.
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- Canada Conducts Major PNP-Focused Express Entry Draw as CRS Scores Hit Lowest Level in Months
Fee Increase for International Experience Canada Applicants
The International Experience Canada program, popular among young travellers and professionals, has also seen a price adjustment. Candidates from eligible partner countries can come to Canada to work under one of three streams:
- Working Holiday
- Young Professionals
- International Co-op
All IEC applicants must pay a standard processing fee, which has now been updated.
IEC Fee Adjustment
| Previous Fee | Revised Fee |
| $179.75 | $184.75 |
The IEC pools for 2025 have already closed. Anyone wishing to participate must wait until the 2026 pools reopen to submit a candidate profile and potentially receive an invitation.
Instructions for Applicants Who Already Paid the Former Fees
IRCC will contact mailed-in applicants if additional payment is required. Once notified, applicants must follow IRCC’s instructions to settle the difference.
Steps to Complete the Additional Payment
- Calculate the exact fee gap for your application category.
- Visit IRCC’s online payment system and choose the “Make an additional payment or pay other fees” option.
- Enter the required amount and complete the payment.
- Send IRCC the receipt as directed in their correspondence.
Applicants may choose to pay all outstanding amounts at once or in multiple transactions.
