IRCC fee changes April 30 2026 — IRCC announced PR fee increases on March 27, 2026 and new fees apply to online applications submitted on or after April 30, 2026 .
What IRCC fee changes April 30 2026 mean for you
IRCC raised fees across permanent residence categories on March 27, 2026 . The change takes effect for online submissions made on or after April 30, 2026 .
The headline numbers: Express Entry processing fee per principal rises from CAD 950 to CAD 990 . The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) per principal rises from CAD 575 to CAD 600 . Total Express Entry cost per principal goes from CAD 1,525 to CAD 1,590 — an increase of CAD 65 .
Fee table — old vs new (CAD)
| Category | Old (CAD) | New (CAD) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry processing fee (principal) | 950 | 990 | +40 |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (principal) | 575 | 600 | +25 |
| Dependent child fee | 260 | 270 | +10 |
| Business immigration (principal) | 1,810 | 1,895 | +85 |
| Family reunification sponsored principal | 545 | 570 | +25 |
| Permit Holders Class (principal) | 375 | 390 | +15 |
Total Express Entry cost per principal
| Before April 30 | After April 30 |
|---|---|
| CAD 1,525 (CAD 950 + CAD 575) | CAD 1,590 (CAD 990 + CAD 600) |
Key dates and rules you must know
Submit a complete online PR application before April 30, 2026 to lock the current fees. Paper applications are treated at old rates only if IRCC receives them before April 30, 2026 .
If you defer the RPRF payment, the rate charged will be the rate in effect when you pay it, not when you apply. That means a deferred RPRF paid after April 30, 2026 will be CAD 600 .
IRCC plans roughly 109,000 PR approvals through Express Entry in 2026 and has a total PR target of 380,000 new permanent residents for 2026. Indian study permits issued fell to 94,000 in 2025 from 188,000 in 2024, tightening the talent pipeline.
How to lock old fees before April 30 2026
Ensure your online application is complete before submitting. IRCC will not accept incomplete applications as a way to beat the deadline. If your RPRF is outstanding, pay it via your IRCC account before April 30, 2026 .
If you mailed a paper application, keep proof of postage and track delivery so IRCC receives it before April 30, 2026 .
FAQs
Q: If I applied before April 30 but defer RPRF payment, which fee applies? A: The RPRF rate in effect when you pay applies. Pay before April 30 to lock the old CAD 575 rate.
Q: Do online submissions before April 30 pay old fees? A: Yes, complete online applications submitted before April 30, 2026 pay the current fees.
Q: Do paper applications count as before April 30? A: Yes, only if IRCC receives the mailed application before April 30, 2026 .
Q: Does the fee increase change eligibility or CRS scores? A: No. Fee changes do not affect eligibility or CRS scoring.
Q: How much extra will a couple pay for Express Entry after April 30? A: A couple (principal + spouse) pays an extra CAD 130 in total.
Q: Where can I check if my RPRF is outstanding? A: Log into your official IRCC account to view outstanding fees and make payments.
Q: Will IRCC extend the April 30 deadline? A: IRCC announced the change on March 27, 2026 and set April 30, 2026 as the effective date; no official extension has been published.