As of December 1, 2024, Canada has raised the fees for temporary resident applications. This change applies to individuals, including those from India, looking to visit, work, or study in Canada, as well as those renewing their temporary resident status.

Along with the fee hike, Canada is also reducing its immigration targets. The planned intake of new permanent residents will drop from 485,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025, with further reductions expected in the following years. Additionally, the government has launched an online campaign to inform asylum seekers about the more stringent criteria for refugee claims.

Updated Temporary Resident Application Fees

The updated application fees, as announced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), are as follows:

• Authorization to Return to Canada: $479.75 (previously $459.55)
• Inadmissibility on Criminal Grounds: $239.75 (previously $229.77)
• Inadmissibility on Serious Criminal Grounds: $1,199.00 (previously $1,148.87)
• Restoration of Student Status: $389.75 (previously $379.00)
• Restoration of Visitor Status: $239.75 (previously $229.00)
• Restoration of Worker Status: $394.75 (previously $384.00)
• Temporary Resident Permit: $239.75 (previously $229.77)

What Happens If You’ve Already Paid the Old Fee?

If you submitted an online application before the fee increase, you are unaffected, and no additional payment is required. IRCC confirms submissions promptly and ensures your application is processed at the old rate.

For paper applications, if the IRCC receives your application after the fee increase, the following conditions apply:

• Your application is complete.
• The old fee has been paid in full.
• The application was mailed before the fee hike took effect.

In cases where the new fee exceeds the old one, applicants will be asked to pay the difference. You will be notified by IRCC on how to complete the additional payment.

How to Pay the Fee Difference

If instructed to pay the difference, follow these steps:

• Calculate the difference between the old and new fees.
• Sign into or create an IRCC account.
• Use the “Make an additional payment or pay other fees” option.
• Enter the calculated fee difference under “quantity.”
• Obtain and submit the payment receipt as per IRCC instructions.

Changes to Student Visa Regulations

In November 2024, Canada introduced stricter requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Applicants now need to meet higher language proficiency standards, with English evaluated using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and French using the Niveaux de competence linguistique Canadian (NCLC).

Accepted language tests for English include CELPIP, IELTS, and PTE Core, while for French, TEF Canada and TCF Canada are accepted.

Additionally, certain fields of study are now prioritized for PGWP eligibility, though IRCC has not yet provided full details on which fields are approved.

Changes to Tourist Visa Policy

Starting in November 2024, Canada moved away from issuing 10-year multiple-entry visas. Immigration officers now have more discretion over the type and duration of visas issued, which could affect frequent travelers who previously relied on guaranteed long-term entry.