New IRCC Fees Increase To Restore Status In Canada Now In Effect

Last Updated On 3 December 2025, 10:14 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially implemented a new round of immigration fee increases effective December 1, 2025.

These changes affect several immigration categories, including inadmissibility applications, status restoration, and International Experience Canada (IEC).

These updates will now impact the total cost of applications for temporary residents, including international students and work permit holders who want to restore their status.

Below is a detailed breakdown to help applicants understand the revised amounts, why the fees have changed, and what it means for applications already submitted.

Updated IRCC Fees (Effective December 1, 2025)

IRCC has increased several inadmissibility-related fees, impacting individuals who need authorization or must restore their status due to past immigration issues.

New Inadmissibility Fee Structure

Fee name	New fee	Old Fee
Authorization to return to Canada	$492.50	$479.75
Temporary resident permit	$246.25	$239.75
Inadmissible on grounds of criminality	$246.25	$239.75
Inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality	$1,231.00	$1,199.00
Restore your status as a visitor Visa fee not needed	$246.25	$239.75
Restore your status as a worker	$246.25	$239.75
Restore your status as a worker Restore your status ($246.25) and get a new work permit ($155)	$401.25	$394.75
Restore your status as a student	$246.25	$239.75
Restore your status as a student Restore your status ($246.25) and get a new study permit ($150)	$396.25	$389.75

These adjustments reflect IRCC’s periodic cost-recovery updates, ensuring processing and enforcement activities remain funded as application volumes rise.

International Experience Canada (IEC) Fee Increase

The IEC fee—applicable to Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op participants—was also revised.

Fee name	New fee	Old Fee
International Experience Canada fee	$184.75	$179.75

This modest increase applies to all IEC applicants beginning December 1, 2025.

Earlier Fee Changes in 2025

These newly announced fee hikes follow two earlier fee adjustments this year.

Removal Expense Fees Updated on April 1, 2025

The cost of removal from Canada depends on when the person was removed and the type of removal.

If removed before April 1, 2025

To the U.S.A. or St. Pierre and Miquelon: $899
To any other country: $1,799

If removed on or after April 1, 2025

Escorted removal by air (non-medical): $12,880
Unescorted removal, escort other than air, or removal under medical escort by air: $3,840

Minors (under 18 at the time the removal order was issued) remain fully exempt.

Citizenship Right Fee Increase on March 31, 2025

Another major change in 2025 was the rise in the right of citizenship fee:

Fee name	New fee	Old Fee
Right of citizenship	$119.75	$100.00

This increase applies to all adult citizenship applicants.

IRCC has clarified that applications mailed before the fee change but received afterward will not be rejected.

Instead, applicants will be instructed to pay the difference.

What Happens if You Paid the Old Fee?

Applicants who submitted their application with the previous fee may need to pay the difference if:

You submitted the old fee while applying online on or after December 1, 2025.
You mailed the complete application before the fee change date, and IRCC received it after the new fees took effect.

How to Pay the Fee Difference?

Calculate the total difference owed per applicant and family member
Go to IRCC’s “Make an additional payment” portal
Enter the total difference under “Quantity.”
Pay and obtain your receipt
Submit the receipt following IRCC instructions

This latest fee update is part of a broader cost-recovery framework.

With immigration volumes remaining high, IRCC adjusts fees periodically to keep pace with administrative, enforcement, and processing demands.

Applicants submitting new applications must pay the updated fees effective December 1, while those who paid earlier may receive instructions on how to pay the remaining balance.

For international students, IEC participants, and workers planning to extend or restore their status, these changes are particularly important as 2026 program updates and immigration level targets approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do these increases affect all immigration applications?

No. Only inadmissibility, status restoration, and IEC fees changed in December 2025.

What if my application is already in process?

If submitted online before December 1, 2025, you likely paid the correct updated fee. If mailed, IRCC may ask you to pay the difference.

What is status restoration in Canada?

Status restoration is a process that allows temporary residents—students, workers, or visitors—who unknowingly lost their legal status to apply to regain it without immediately leaving Canada. It is only available within 90 days of losing status and requires meeting the eligibility rules of the visitor, student, or worker category being restored.

How do I restore my lost status in Canada?

To restore your status, you must apply online within 90 days of losing it, select the correct restoration category (visitor, worker, or student), pay the restoration fee plus any additional permit fee, and provide supporting documents proving you still qualify for the status you’re requesting. You must not work or study until IRCC makes a decision.

What happens if I miss the 90-day restoration window?

If more than 90 days have passed since you lost your status, restoration is no longer an option. You must leave Canada and apply again from outside the country. Remaining in Canada without status after the 90-day period may lead to enforcement action or future inadmissibility concerns.

Can I work while waiting for my status restoration?

No. Individuals applying for restoration are not authorized to work until IRCC approves the restoration and issues a new work permit. Working without authorization can lead to a removal order or make you inadmissible.

What is inadmissibility in Canada?

Inadmissibility refers to circumstances where a person is not allowed to enter or remain in Canada due to criminal history, medical issues, misrepresentation, financial concerns, human rights violations, or security threats. Each type of inadmissibility has its own procedures, documentation, and remedies.

What is the difference between restoration and extension of status?

An extension is requested before a permit expires, allowing you to maintain implied status while IRCC processes the application. Restoration is only needed when status has already been lost and does not allow continued work or study during processing.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.