Canada continues to be one of the world’s most popular destinations for students, skilled workers, families, and permanent residents. To keep the immigration system efficient and sustainable, the Government of Canada has announced that certain immigration fees will increase starting December 1, 2025.
These adjustments are part of Canada’s regular fee review process and are meant to reflect updated administrative costs, improved services, and growing demand for immigration processing.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what applicants need to know.
Why Canada Is Updating Immigration Fees
The changes are part of Canada’s ongoing plan to:
Improve processing timelines
Enhance digital and administrative services
Cover rising operational and service delivery costs
Ensure fair contribution from applicants
As immigration numbers continue to rise, updated fees help Canada maintain a strong, high-quality system while offering better support to newcomers.
Who Will Be Affected by the New Fees?
The fee increase will primarily impact:
Permanent Residence Applicants
Temporary Residence Applicants
Study Permit and Work Permit Applicants
Family Sponsorship Applicants
Selected Citizenship-related services
Depending on the category, applicants may see a modest or moderate increase.
Key Categories Likely to See Fee Increases
While the Canadian government will release exact figures closer to the date, the following categories traditionally experience updates during a fee revision cycle:
🔹 Permanent Residency Applications
Including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and economic class applicants.
🔹 Family Sponsorship Applications
Fees related to sponsoring spouses, children, or parents may rise.
🔹 Work Permit Fees
Including employer compliance fees and open work permit holder fees.
🔹 Study Permit Fees
Applicable to international students planning to study in Canada.
🔹 Visitor Visa and eTA Fees
Short-term travellers may also experience small adjustments.
Impact on Applicants
✔ Applicants planning to apply before December 1, 2025
Applying early may allow individuals to avoid paying the updated fees.
✔ Applicants applying on or after December 1, 2025
They will be required to pay the revised charges as part of their application process.
✔ International students and workers
Those planning for the 2026 intake should account for the new costs in their financial preparation.
What Applicants Should Do Now
To stay prepared, applicants should:
1️⃣ Check official announcements regularly
All final fee updates will be published on the official Government of Canada website.
2️⃣ Budget for the increased charges
Especially important for students, families, and PR applicants.
3️⃣ Submit applications early
Those ready to apply may save money by applying before the new fees take effect.
4️⃣ Seek professional or authorized guidance
Ensures applications are complete and reduces delays.
Why Fee Adjustments Are Necessary
Canada’s immigration system is one of the most efficient globally. To maintain quality, fairness, and fast processing times, periodic fee adjustments help cover:
Technology upgrades
New security systems
Increased application volumes
Staff and operational improvements
These updates ensure newcomers receive better, faster, and more secure immigration services.
Final Thoughts
The new immigration fee changes coming to Canada in December 2025 are part of the country’s routine efforts to strengthen its immigration system. While applicants may pay slightly higher fees, they will benefit from improved processing, upgraded digital services, and a more efficient application experience.
Anyone planning to study, work, visit, or settle in Canada should stay updated and prepare for the upcoming fee adjustments.