Big blow to those who want to go to Canada, Trudeau government drastically increased immigration fees

The government has once again given a big blow to the students going to Canada. In fact, Immigration, Refuge and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an average 12 per cent increase in the country's immigration fees for all permanent residence applications. It is being told that the increased charges will be applicable from April 30, 2024. IRCC revises the rates every two years. The last increase was in April 2022, although it was a nominal increase of 3 percent.

According to officials, the new rates are based on the cumulative percentage increase in the consumer price index released by Statistics Canada over the past 2 years (2022 and 2023), rounded to the nearest $5. As per the new rates, anyone seeking express entry into the country will have to pay a $950 processing fee and a $575 permanent residence fee. As per the latest orders, all permanent residence applicants except dependent children and protected persons are exempted from paying permanent residence fee.

Similarly, principal applicants in the “humanitarian and compassionate” and “public policy” categories are exempted from paying permanent residence fees under certain conditions. That being said, the “permit holder” category cannot include family members in their permanent residence application. These individuals must submit their applications as main applicants. The new Canada immigration fees will take effect from April 30, 2024.