Starting December 1, 2024, Canada will raise the visa application and processing fees for several temporary resident applications. This change will affect visitors, students, workers, and others wishing to enter or extend their stay in Canada. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that applications related to restoring temporary resident status, authorization to return to Canada, criminal rehabilitation, and Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) will also see an increase in fees.
This article will guide you through the upcoming changes, explaining the most important aspects of this adjustment in simple terms. We will help you understand how to prepare for these fee changes and ensure that your visa application process goes smoothly.
What Is Changing with Canada’s Visa Fees?
From December 1, 2024, Canada will implement a fee increase for temporary resident applications. While the exact amounts have not yet been disclosed by the IRCC, the increase will affect a broad range of applicants, including those applying for:
- Visitor visas: If you want to visit Canada for tourism or to see family, the application fee will rise.
- Student visas: International students who wish to study in Canada will also be impacted by the fee hike.
- Work visas: Temporary workers who wish to come to Canada for work will need to pay the new, higher fee.
- Restoring temporary resident status: If you’ve overstayed your temporary visa and need to restore your status, the fee will increase.
- Authorization to return to Canada: For those who’ve been removed from Canada and wish to return, there will be an increased fee.
- Criminal rehabilitation applications: People applying for rehabilitation of serious criminal offenses will be subject to the new fees.
- Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs): Applicants seeking a TRP will also face an increase in fees.
These changes mean that if you are planning to apply for any of these categories in the future, you will need to budget for the higher fees.
Why Are These Fee Increases Happening?
The exact reasons behind the fee increase have not been fully disclosed by IRCC. However, fee hikes are a normal part of the immigration process in many countries, including Canada. The Canadian government regularly reviews and adjusts immigration-related fees to keep pace with inflation, operational costs, and the resources needed to process applications effectively.
By increasing the fees, the IRCC aims to ensure the sustainability of Canada’s immigration system while continuing to provide high-quality services to applicants. It’s important to note that this increase is not an unexpected move, as fees have been adjusted periodically in the past.
How to Prepare for the Canada Visa Fee Increase
If you are planning to apply for a visa, temporary resident status, or related services, here’s how you can prepare for the fee increase:
1. Check for the Latest Fee Information
As of now, the exact fee changes have not been announced. However, you can keep an eye on the IRCC website and trusted immigration news sources to stay updated on the new fee schedule. Once the fees are released, make sure you are aware of the new amounts before submitting your application.
2. Submit Your Application Early
To avoid paying the higher fees, you may want to submit your application before December 1, 2024. If you can submit your application well in advance, you will be able to take advantage of the current fee structure.
3. Pay the Correct Fee
Ensure that you are paying the correct amount when you submit your application. Submitting an application with the incorrect fee can cause delays or rejections, so it’s essential to double-check before paying.
4. Be Prepared for Online Payments
For online submissions, payments are processed instantly, which means you’ll get confirmation of your payment right away. Make sure that the fee you’ve paid matches the fee schedule for the application you’re submitting.
5. Prepare for Possible Delays with Mailed Applications
If you are submitting a paper application by mail, there may be some delay between the time you send your application and when it’s received by IRCC. If the fee changes occur during this period, IRCC will likely not reject your application but will reach out to you with instructions on how to pay the difference between the old and new fees.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay the Correct Fee?
If you fail to pay the correct fee when submitting your visa application, there can be consequences. Here’s what you need to know:
- For online applications: Your payment is processed instantly, and if there is an error in the payment, the system will notify you immediately. Ensure that you verify the correct fee before completing the payment.
- For mailed applications: If there is a delay between the dispatch of your application and its receipt by IRCC, you may end up paying the old fee. If this happens, IRCC will contact you to pay the difference. If you don’t follow the instructions or fail to make the additional payment, your application could be delayed or rejected.
How Will This Affect Your Immigration Process?
For most people, this fee increase will mean that they will need to pay more to apply for a visa, extend their stay, or restore their temporary resident status. The increase in fees does not change the process for applying. The process for submitting your application, whether online or by mail, remains the same.
However, applicants should be aware that delays or issues with payments could slow down the processing of their application. To avoid any disruptions, make sure you follow the payment guidelines closely and stay on top of the IRCC’s updates regarding the fee increase.
Conclusion: Stay Prepared for the Canada Visa Fee Increase
The Canada visa fee increase, scheduled for December 1, 2024, will impact many applicants, including visitors, students, and workers. Although the exact amounts haven’t been disclosed yet, it’s important to start preparing now for the change. By staying informed, submitting your application early, and ensuring that the correct fee is paid, you can avoid any delays or complications during your application process.
Canada continues to be a popular destination for people seeking work, education, and tourism opportunities. Therefore, being aware of these changes and adjusting your budget accordingly will help ensure that your plans to visit or move to Canada proceed without any unexpected setbacks