IRCC Announces Update in Canada PR fees | Effective April 30, 2022

Previously, IRCC had increased Canada PR fees in 2020, for the first time since 2002. At that time, IRCC had stated that the PR fees would be adjusted every two years on account of inflation. The next IRCC fees update is expected in 2024.

 In an official notice dated April 5, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it would be increasing the fees for all Canadian permanent residence applications.

The fees increase will include -

• Economic immigrants,
• Permit holders,
• Family class, and
• Humanitarian classes.

The federal government of Canada supports a cost-effective approach for financing government programs. Most of the Canada immigration costs are to be borne by individuals that “receive the services and benefit directly from them”.

Let’s see the updated Canadian permanent residence fees with effect from April 30, 2022.

The permanent residence fees has also been increased by IRCC for -

• Live-in Caregiver Program,
• Home Child Provider Pilot,
• Home Support Worker Pilot,
• Protected persons, and
• Humanitarian and Compassionate.

Generally, Canada’s permanent residence fees are often on the comparatively lower side when considered alongside other countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK etc.

What is the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) for Canada PR?

The RPRF, to be paid by those individuals that are approved by IRCC for permanent residence in Canada, is to be increased to CAD 515 from April 30, 2022. The RPRF can be paid either -

• When applying, or
• After approval of the PR application.

Activation of the permanent resident status of an individual is dependent on the RPRF being paid.

Who has to pay the RPRF for Canada PR?

The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is applicable to -

• The principal applicant, and
• Their accompanying spouse/partner.

Do my dependents also have to pay the RPRF for Canada PR?

No, the RPRF is not applicable to the dependent children of a principal applicant or sponsor.  

Will the fees for Canada PR cards also increase?

Fees for the following will not increase -

• Permanent resident cards,
• Permanent resident travel documents, and
• Certification or replacement of immigration documents.

Why has IRCC increased PR fees in 2022?

The permanent residence fees increase by the federal government of Canada is towards ensuring that Canada remains competitive and in keeping with other popular destinations for migrating overseas. With the new Canada visa fee, Canada has adjusted for inflation since the previous PR fees hike in 2020.