Important changes to visa application fees

Effective December 1, 2024, Canada is implementing a package of visa application fee changes and changes to processing fees for visitors who wish to visit, work, or study in Canada. Those changes will mirror the government's commitment to the principle that the immigration system must balance fairness and fairness with effective administrative cost recovery for applicants.
The increase in fees applies to several categories, including visitor, student, and worker visas, as well as other related services such as status restoration and permits. Below, we’ll break down the most important changes to these fees, what they mean for applicants, and how this could impact your immigration plans.

Visa application Fees for Different Classes

Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
Those whose re-entry to Canada after leaving the country requires permission will be forced to pay more for their visa. The fee had been raised from $459.55 to $479.75. This rate reflects increased administrative efforts towards evaluating the applications of persons whose earlier admissibility to the country has been ascertained.
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
The people seeking a Temporary Resident Permit to stay in Canada even though they are inadmissible based on criminality or any other ground will see the fees increase from $229.77 to $239.75. The TRP is an essential document for applicants who intend to visit Canada but were found inadmissible before.
Inadmissibility Based on Criminality
Those applying to overcome grounds of inadmissibility due to criminality are going to see a bump in fees from $229.77 to $239.75. That in turn may impact those people, again in trying to get into Canada if they've been convicted, but could be admissible later through rehabilitation or some other attenuating circumstances.
Inadmissibility on Grounds of Serious Criminality
Anybody that the visa officer deems to be inadmissible based on serious criminality will have a higher fee hike. The countervailing fee to be incurred would rise 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 status restoration fee is also altered. In cases of visitors who have over-stayed their authorized period of stay and seek restoration of status as a visitor, the status restoration fee no longer applies ($229). In contrast, the fee for re-applicants for workers and students increases from $229 to $239.75.
Restoration of Status with New Permits
For workers and students alike, in order to reobtain your status and apply for a new work or study permit, there will be an additional cost. Workers will have $384.77 become $394.75 when applying for the restoration of status and then for a new work permit. Similarly, students will pay between $379.77 and $389.75 for restoration of status with a new study permit. Together, the fees will be crucial to those whose status has already expired but wish to go back and start working or studying in Canada.
IEC Fee Hike
The International Experience Canada program enables young people from everywhere in the world to work and travel in Canada. The visa application fees will increase from $172.00 to $179.75, which will impact potential applicants looking to gain Canadian work experience. While this is a relatively small increase, it may be a challenge to those on a tight budget who are planning to apply through the IEC program, especially with the general increase in visa application fees.

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Understanding the Impact of Increased Visa Application Fees on Your Immigration Plans

Though these increased visa application fees may appear to be a small increment, they will likely have a massive impact on the decision-making patterns of applicants. Whereas looking up temporary or permanent residence to work applications will incur a higher amount on the cost of visas and permits, for firms and other organizations employing people abroad, the increase may result in costs that could have to be factored in while sponsoring employees. Such students and visitors who intend to migrate to Canada will face higher monetary requirements while making the move to Canada.

What Does This Mean for You?

Budgeting for Immigration Costs
As a result, anyone planning to obtain a Canadian visa or permit must include the cost of visa application fees in their budget. If it is for studies, working, or even sponsoring workers as a business, the knowledge of new visa application fees will better equip the individual or business to plan finances.
Knowing Ahead and Being Prepared
Such changes would apply, and applicants would have to be informed of the best ways to adjust their application fees. IRCC would update its policy regarding 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 is advisable 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 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:
Precise Fee Calculation; ensuring that your application is complete and that you pay all the correct fees.
Professional Consultation: Assistance inefficient navigation of the application process, saving you valuable time and money.
Immigration Services for Workers, Students, and Visitors: Whether you are looking to apply for a work permit, study permit, or visitor visa, we are 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 paid the old fee?

As you submitted the application in the past of which you fully paid the fees online, it has no effect on your fee due to the rise of visa application fees. Since IRCC receives and accepts applications online immediately after verifying them, your application was already paid in full, and you could have sent the previous fee along, had you applied to paper, for instance, an extension for the post-graduation work permit.
If the fee has risen since you submitted a paper application, IRCC will not usually reject your application if:
You paid the old fee in full;
You submitted a complete application; and
You submitted your application before the fee rose.
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 more details about “Significant modifications to Canada's visa application fees that take effect on Dec 1, 2024“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.

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