IRCC Raising Temporary Resident Application Fees on December 1
Upcoming Fee Increases for Temporary Resident Applications in Canada: What You Need to Know
On December 1, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will roll out significant increases in application and processing fees for various temporary resident applications. This change will directly impact those seeking to extend their status or enter Canada across several categories, including visitors, workers, and students.
Key Changes and Fee Categories
The fee hikes will affect a variety of applications, particularly:
- Restoration of temporary resident status (for visitors, workers, and students)
- Authorization to return to Canada
- Criminal rehabilitation applications (including serious criminality cases)
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
While the exact new fees have not yet been disclosed, applicants are advised to prepare for higher costs.
Current Fee Breakdown
As of now, the fees for different application types are as follows:
- Restoration of visitor status: CAD $229.00
- Restoration of student status: CAD $379.00
- Restoration of worker status: CAD $384.00
- Authorization to return to Canada: CAD $459.55
- Inadmissible due to criminality: CAD $229.77
- Inadmissible due to serious criminality: CAD $1,148.87
- Temporary Resident Permit (TRP): CAD $229.77
Implications for Existing Applicants
For those who have already submitted their applications and paid the old fee, there’s generally no need for concern regarding the upcoming changes.
- Online Applications: Applicants who submitted their applications online should receive confirmations promptly, mitigating issues related to fee discrepancies.
- Paper Applications: Those who mailed their applications might experience delays. However, if the full old fee was paid and the application was complete before the fee increase, it’s unlikely that IRCC will reject the application due to fee changes.
Should additional payments be required after the fee adjustment, IRCC will provide guidance on how to proceed.
Navigating Fee Differences
For applicants who submitted paper applications and find themselves facing a fee increase post-submission, here’s how to manage the situation:
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Calculate the Difference: Determine the difference between the old and new fees, including any applicable fees for family members.
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Make the Payment: Use IRCC’s online payment tool, selecting “Make an additional payment or pay other fees,” and enter the calculated fee difference. Each transaction will yield a separate receipt.
- Submit the Receipt: Follow the specific instructions from IRCC on how to submit the payment receipt to ensure your application processes smoothly without delays.
Conclusion: A Shift in Financial Responsibility
This increase in fees underscores a broader trend in immigration policy, where applicants are increasingly shouldering the financial burden of processing their applications. For many, these changes might present an additional barrier to entry, potentially affecting decisions to apply for temporary residency.
As Canada continues to balance the demand for immigration with the resources available for processing, it is crucial for potential applicants to stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly. The upcoming fee adjustments may not only impact individual applicants but could also influence Canada’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international visitors, students, and workers.
By understanding these changes and preparing in advance, applicants can navigate the complexities of the immigration process with greater confidence and clarity.
Waiting on Your IRCC Application? Get Insights with GCMS Notes.
The GCMS (Global Case Management System) is the platform used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage and process all immigration and visa applications. It contains detailed records of your application, including the processing stages, officer notes, and decisions made along the way.
