IRCC IMPLEMENTS NEW FEES FOR RESTORATION, IEC, AND INADMISSIBILITY SERVICES EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2025
Canada Updates Key Immigration Fees Across Multiple Categories
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced important fee increases that took effect on December 1, 2025. These adjustments apply to several immigration services, including International Experience Canada (IEC) applications, restoration of status, and inadmissibility-related processes.
The updated fee structure follows IRCC’s broader effort to modernize service delivery, address processing backlogs, and ensure cost recovery across programs that require extensive verification and case analysis. While the changes impact both new applicants and those with pending submissions, IRCC emphasizes the importance of checking current fees before applying to avoid delays.
What Fees Have Changed?
Starting December 1, 2025, IRCC implemented increases across the following areas:
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Higher participation and employer compliance fees now apply to youth mobility applicants.
Restoration of Status
Updated fees apply to:
– Restoration of visitor status
– Restoration of worker status
– Restoration of student status
These increases reflect the administrative work required when individuals fall out of status and must re-establish temporary residency rights.
Inadmissibility Services
IRCC has raised fees for:
– Authorizations to Return to Canada (ARC)
– Temporary Resident Permits (TRP)
– Criminality assessments
– Serious criminality assessments
These services require complex reviews and background checks, which IRCC cites as justification for updated pricing.
Who Must Pay the New Fees?
IRCC has clarified the application rules:
Applicants who submit online from December 1 onward must pay the new fees immediately.
Applicants who mailed applications before the deadline may still be processed under the old fee structure but may be required to pay the difference if their application enters processing after December Additionally, applicants who previously delayed paying their Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) are now required to pay the updated amount.
Why IRCC Updated These Fees
According to IRCC, the updated fees aim to:
Ensure fairness and consistency across immigration programs
Recover operational costs associated with security screenings and assessments
Support modernization and digitalization of application systems
Reduce long-term processing backlogs
These adjustments also align Canada with international standards, where fees for inadmissibility reviews and status restoration reflect the complexity of the work involved.
How Applicants Should Prepare
IRCC recommends all applicants:
Verify current fees on the official IRCC website before submitting
Prepare updated payment methods to avoid delays
Respond promptly if IRCC requests additional payment
Check whether new fees apply to mailed applications still in transit
Applicants who ignore fee updates risk processing delays, application returns, or refusal for incomplete payment.
Staying Informed is Key to Avoid Delays
IRCC’s updated fee structure reflects ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and recover administrative costs across multiple immigration services. While the changes add financial considerations for applicants, they are part of a broader national strategy to strengthen system integrity and service delivery.
If you need guidance on the new fees—or want support with IEC, restoration, or inadmissibility pathways—Global Opportunities can help you navigate every step of the process.