Effective December 1, 2024, changes to visa application fees and processing fees will be undertaken by Canada for those individuals who want to visit, work, or study in Canada. These new fees are reflective of the commitment of the government to have an immigration system that stays fair and balanced while meeting the administrative costs of application processing.
In some respects, an increase in the fee category is applicable, not just to visitor and student or work visas but to status restoration and permits also. This section breaks down the key changes to the most pertinent fees, their meaning to applicants, and their possible impacts on your plans.
Visa application Fees for Different Categories
Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
Applicants who are mandated to obtain permission to re-enter Canada once they leave the country will pay more for a visa. The fees have increased from $459.55 to $479.75. This is an added administrative work in processing the applications of those whose previous admissibility to the country has already been established.
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Anyone wanting to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit and remain in Canada even when the reasons for their inadmissibility are based on criminality or other grounds, will have their application fee increase from $229.77 to $239.75. The TRP is an important document especially to people who want to visit Canada, but have been found previously to be 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 modified. For those who have overstayed their authorized period of stay and wish 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
Both workers and students will incur an added fee to reacquire their status and apply for new work or study permits. Workers will have $384.77 become $394.75 when applying to restore the status and then a new work permit. Similar, restoration of status with a new study permit will cost students between $379.77 and $389.75. These costs are going to be relevant to those whose status has already expired but would wish to return and resume working or studying in Canada.
IEC Fee Increase
The International Experience Canada program allows young people from all over the world to work and travel in Canada. The visa application fees will go up from $172.00 to $179.75, which will be a hit for those wanting to experience Canadian work life. The increase is very small but could be quite a setback for those with a limited budget who are planning to apply through the IEC program, with the general increase in the visa application fees.
Understanding the Impact of Increased Visa Application Fees on Your Immigration Plans
The small increases in visa application fees are going to have a massive impact on the decision-making patterns of applicants. The costs of their applications for temporary or permanent residence will be higher for individuals looking at applying for such residence. Costs for businesses and other organizations employing foreign workers will increase for visa application fees, implying that those costs must be weighed when sponsoring employees. Such students and visitors who seek to come to Canada will have to face the raised monetary requirements while planning their move into Canada.
What Does This Mean for You?
Budgeting for Immigration Costs
It is, therefore essential that anyone intending to seek a Canadian visa or permit factor such visa application fees into their budget. Should it be to study, work, or as a business sponsoring workers, one will know exactly how much to plan on setting aside with the knowledge of new visa application fees.
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: Help you to navigate the application process more efficiently, 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 pay the old fee?
Because you've applied in the past and have fully paid for your application, online, these increases of visa application fees won't impact this application. IRCC accepts and verifies applications received through the online portal immediately. That means your application was fully paid. You could have paid the older fee if you applied in person, such as the extension for a post-graduation work permit.
If the fee has risen since you submitted a paper application, IRCC won't usually refuse your application if:
you have paid the old fee in full;
you have submitted a complete application; and
you have submitted your application before the fee increased.
After IRCC receives your application, you will be contacted with instructions 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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