Canada to Raise Permanent Residence and Citizenship Fees in 2026
Canada will increase several immigration and citizenship fees in 2026, affecting both permanent residence applicants and individuals applying for citizenship. These changes are part of the government’s regular fee updates to keep up with inflation and support immigration processing services as demand remains strong.
At Jaggi Consultants, we understand that even small fee changes matter when planning your immigration journey. Here is a clear and user-friendly overview of what is changing and what applicants should know.
Citizenship Fee Increase Starts March 31, 2026
The first change will apply to citizenship applicants.
Effective March 31, 2026, the right of citizenship fee for adults will increase:
- Current fee: $119.75
- New fee: $123
- Increase: $3.25
The citizenship application processing fee will remain unchanged at $530.
This update is made under Canada’s Service Fees Act, which allows certain government fees to be adjusted annually in line with inflation. The purpose is to help maintain stable funding for citizenship services while keeping increases moderate.
Important for applicants
If your citizenship application is received before March 31, 2026, you will pay the current fee. Applications received on or after that date will be subject to the new fee.
Permanent Residence Fees Will Increase on April 30, 2026
A second round of fee changes will take effect on April 30, 2026, impacting most permanent residence categories.
The right of permanent residence fee will rise:
- Current fee: $575
- New fee: $600
In addition, application fees for several immigration programs will also increase:
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): from 950 to 990
- Business immigration: from 1,810 to 1,895
- Family class sponsorship: from 545 to 570
- Protected persons: from 635 to 660
- Humanitarian and compassionate applications: from 635 to 660
- Permit holder’s class: from 375 to 390
These new fees will apply to applications received on or after April 30, 2026.
Why Is Canada Increasing Immigration and Citizenship Fees?
Canada reviews and updates immigration fees regularly to reflect the actual cost of delivering programs and services.
- Permanent residence fees are generally adjusted every two years under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations
- Citizenship fees are updated annually based on inflation
Although the increases are relatively small, they are part of a broader pattern of gradual adjustments across Canada’s immigration system.
What These Fee Changes Mean for Applicants
For many applicants, the biggest factor is timing.
Submitting your application before the new fee deadlines may help you save money. This can be especially important for:
- Families applying together
- Permanent residence applicants with dependants
- Clients applying through higher-fee programs such as business immigration
While these increases may not dramatically change overall immigration costs, they can still affect budgeting and planning.
At Jaggi Consultants, we recommend reviewing your application timeline early so you can avoid unnecessary extra costs and submit before fee increases take effect where possible.
Strong Demand Continues Across Canada’s Immigration System
These updates also reflect the ongoing pressure on Canada’s immigration and citizenship system. With high application volumes across multiple pathways, the government continues to adjust fees to support processing capacity and maintain service standards.
For applicants, this makes it even more important to submit a complete and accurate application. Errors, missing documents, or delays can lead to additional time and costs.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s 2026 fee increases for citizenship and permanent residence are modest, but they are still important for anyone planning to apply this year. Knowing the new fee dates can help applicants make informed decisions and avoid paying more than necessary.
If you are planning to apply for Canadian permanent residence, family sponsorship, business immigration, or citizenship, Jaggi Consultants is here to guide you through every step with professional support and up-to-date advice.
For the latest immigration news and personalized assistance, stay connected with Jaggi Consultants.
For personalised immigration advice, contact Jaggi Consultants.