IRCC Implemented New Fees Affecting Restoration, IEC, and Inadmissibility Services

Canada has introduced several pricing updates across key immigration categories, and the change has generated questions from applicants. The adjustment took effect on December 1, 2025, the exact date when IRCC implemented new fees for International Experience Canada (IEC), restoration of status, and a range of inadmissibility services. Anyone submitting new online applications must now pay the updated amounts, while mailed submissions dated before the change may still proceed but will require payment of the difference.

Why IRCC Implemented New Fees Matters for Applicants

The latest pricing adjustments impact multiple areas of temporary and permanent immigration, with notable increases on authorizations to return to Canada, temporary resident permits, criminality and serious criminality assessments, and restoration of visitor, worker, and student status. For applicants who postponed paying the right of permanent residence fee, IRCC has clarified that the updated amount now applies, regardless of when the application was initially submitted.

These fee adjustments are part of IRCC’s broader framework to ensure that the immigration system remains financially sustainable while keeping processing standards predictable. As immigration volumes continue to grow and security screening becomes more complex, fee alignment helps the department maintain service delivery without extending wait times.

Who Is Affected by the Fee Changes?

A wide range of applicants must now account for the updated pricing structure:

• IEC participants entering or extending work opportunities
• Individuals restoring visitor, worker, or student status
• Applicants requiring inadmissibility assessments, including for criminality or serious criminality
• Applicants requesting authorizations to return to Canada
• Permanent residence applicants who delayed paying the right of permanent residence fee

These changes also affect families, as fee differences must be paid for each individual whose category has increased.

What Happens If You Paid the Old Fee?

IRCC has confirmed that it will not reject complete applications that were mailed before December 1, 2025, even if they included outdated fees. Instead, processing officers will issue a request for payment to cover the difference between the old and new fee amounts. The applicant must then:

• Calculate the fee difference
• Submit payment using IRCC’s online system
• Upload the receipt as directed

This prevents disruption for applicants who acted before the fee update but were impacted by mailing delays.

The Bigger Picture Behind Fee Modernization

These changes reflect an ongoing effort by IRCC to recalibrate service fees across multiple immigration streams. As processing volumes rise and operational costs increase, the department is aiming to balance cost recovery with continued service improvements. Applicants are urged to check IRCC’s fee tool before submitting any application to avoid delays.

Staying Ahead of Changes When IRCC Implemented New Fees

The December 2025 update illustrates why applicants must remain attentive to evolving IRCC requirements. Now that IRCC has implemented new fees, anyone applying for IEC, restoration, or inadmissibility-related services should carefully review current pricing to avoid delays and ensure their application moves forward smoothly. Stay up to date with IRCC changes that affect your application pathway. For expert guidance and the latest immigration news, subscribe to our alerts today.