Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) charges a government fee for most applications, and those fees rose in 2026 in two waves. Citizenship fees increased on March 31, 2026, and permanent residence fees increased on April 30, 2026, reflecting a cumulative rise in Canada's Consumer Price Index. The headline changes: the principal-applicant processing fee for economic permanent residence (including Express Entry) rose to CAD $990, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) rose to CAD $600, and the dependent-child fee rose to CAD $270. The adult citizenship grant now totals CAD $653. This guide is a reference overview to help you understand the landscape, not a substitute for the official fee list. Fees change, and the amount that applies to you depends on the date IRCC receives your application, so always confirm the current fee on canada.ca before you pay.
What changed in 2026 and when
There were two effective dates. Citizenship fees changed on March 31, 2026: the adult grant of citizenship now totals CAD $653, made up of a CAD $530 processing fee plus the CAD $123 Right of Citizenship Fee (the latter rose from CAD $119.75). Permanent residence fees changed on April 30, 2026 and apply to applications IRCC received on or after that date.
For permanent residence, the principal-applicant processing fee in economic categories (including Express Entry) rose to CAD $990 from CAD $950. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) rose to CAD $600 from CAD $575, the accompanying spouse or partner processing fee also rose to CAD $990, and the dependent-child fee rose to CAD $270 from CAD $260. The increases were applied across permanent resident categories, not only economic ones.
One practical detail many people miss: even if you submitted a permanent residence application before April 30, 2026, if you deferred paying the RPRF until later in the process, the higher CAD $600 rate can apply when you pay it. Because the amount that applies generally tracks the date IRCC receives the application or fee, confirm the current fee on canada.ca before you submit or pay.
2026 fee reference table (permanent residence)
These are common permanent residence fees in Canadian dollars, current as published for 2026. Economic permanent residence (including Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee applicants): principal applicant processing CAD $990; accompanying spouse or partner CAD $990; each accompanying dependent child CAD $270. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is CAD $600 per adult and is paid before you become a permanent resident.
For spousal and family sponsorship, the total government fee for sponsoring a spouse or partner is roughly CAD $1,260, which typically breaks down as a CAD $90 sponsorship fee plus a CAD $570 principal-applicant processing fee plus the CAD $600 RPRF. Biometrics are paid separately by the sponsored person. A dependent child being sponsored generally does not pay the RPRF, so a child-only sponsorship costs less.
Treat this table as a snapshot. The exact figure for your situation can differ depending on the program, whether children are accompanying, and the date IRCC receives your application. The Fee Calculator on this site can help you estimate a total, but the canada.ca fee list is the authoritative source. Confirm the current fee on canada.ca.
Temporary resident and other common fees
Many temporary resident fees were unchanged going into 2026. As published for 2026, the study permit fee is CAD $150, the work permit fee is CAD $155, a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) is CAD $100 per person, and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is CAD $7. A permanent resident card (for example, a renewal) is CAD $50.
Biometrics are a separate fee from the application fee. The biometrics fee is CAD $85 per person, with a family maximum of CAD $170 for two or more people applying together at the same time, and a separate group cap for some performing-artist groups. Biometrics are collected at a designated collection point and, once given, are generally valid for a set period for certain temporary resident applications.
The adult citizenship grant totals CAD $653 (a CAD $530 processing fee plus the CAD $123 Right of Citizenship Fee). The Right of Citizenship Fee is refundable if your application is not approved, while the processing fee is generally not refundable. These amounts can change, so confirm the current fee on canada.ca before you apply.
How to confirm the fee that applies to you
The fee that applies depends on the date IRCC receives your application or the date you pay a deferred fee such as the RPRF, so the safest step is to check the official fee list on canada.ca on the day you plan to pay. IRCC publishes a consolidated fee schedule, and individual program pages also state the relevant fees. If you pay the wrong amount, IRCC can return or reject an application, which costs you time.
A few things are not government application fees and are budgeted separately: medical exams, police certificates, language tests, certified translations, and any fee charged by a representative you choose to hire. Only an authorized representative (a lawyer, a notary in Quebec, or a regulated CICC consultant) may charge a fee to advise or represent you on an IRCC application. This guide is educational and is not legal or financial advice; for help with your specific case, consider speaking with an authorized representative and always confirm the current fee on canada.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Express Entry application fee in 2026?
For economic permanent residence (including Express Entry), the principal-applicant processing fee rose to CAD $990, effective April 30, 2026. Most applicants also pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee of CAD $600 before becoming a permanent resident. Confirm the current fee on canada.ca before you pay.
When did the 2026 IRCC fees change?
There were two effective dates. Citizenship fees changed on March 31, 2026, and permanent residence fees changed on April 30, 2026. The permanent residence amounts apply to applications IRCC received on or after April 30, 2026.
What is the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) in 2026?
The RPRF rose to CAD $600 from CAD $575, effective April 30, 2026. It is paid per adult before you become a permanent resident. If you deferred paying it on an earlier application, the higher rate can apply when you pay. Confirm the current fee on canada.ca.
How much does it cost to sponsor a spouse in 2026?
The total government fee for sponsoring a spouse or partner is roughly CAD $1,260, typically a CAD $90 sponsorship fee plus a CAD $570 processing fee plus the CAD $600 RPRF. The sponsored person pays the CAD $85 biometrics fee separately. Amounts depend on the date IRCC receives the application.
How much is the adult citizenship fee in 2026?
The adult citizenship grant totals CAD $653: a CAD $530 processing fee plus the CAD $123 Right of Citizenship Fee, effective March 31, 2026. The Right of Citizenship Fee is refundable if the application is not approved; the processing fee generally is not.
Did study, work, visitor and eTA fees change in 2026?
As published for 2026, the study permit is CAD $150, the work permit is CAD $155, a visitor visa is CAD $100 per person, an eTA is CAD $7, and a PR card is CAD $50. These were largely unchanged, but fees can change, so confirm the current fee on canada.ca.
How much is the biometrics fee?
The biometrics fee is CAD $85 per person, with a family maximum of CAD $170 for two or more people applying together at the same time. It is separate from your application fee and is paid when you submit. A separate cap applies to some performing-artist groups.
Where can I confirm the exact fee for my application?
Use the official fee list on canada.ca, and check the specific program page for your application type. The amount that applies generally depends on the date IRCC receives your application or the date you pay a deferred fee, so verify on the day you plan to pay.
Guides
Official sources
This page is based on law and policy published by the Government of Canada.