Canada Immigration (IRCC) Inadmissibility fee schedule is updated

Introduction: In a significant update from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), changes to application fees for foreign nationals dealing with inadmissibility issues are set to take effect on December 1, 2023. These adjustments are in line with the Service Fees Act (SFA) and aim to account for inflation since April 2018. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of these changes and how they may impact individuals seeking to regain their status or return to Canada.

Understanding the Fee Adjustments: The following table highlights the changes in inadmissibility fees that foreign nationals will encounter starting from December 1, 2023:

*Please note that the fee for restoring your status as a worker or student includes a combination of the new restoration fee and the work permit or study permit fee, which remain unchanged.

These fee adjustments are an essential step towards keeping immigration processes current and aligned with the evolving economic landscape.

Annual Inflation Adjustments: It’s important to be aware that these fee adjustments will become an annual practice, taking place every December 1st, to account for inflation. By doing so, the IRCC ensures that these fees remain in line with the cost of delivering services while promoting transparency and predictability in government service fees.

Refunds for Unmet Service Standards: In cases where the IRCC fails to meet their service standards, partial refunds, known as remissions, will be issued to applicants. This policy applies to applications received on or after December 1, 2023. The Departmental Remission Policy outlines all fees subject to the Service Fees Act, their associated service standards, and the process for issuing refunds when these standards are not met.

Importantly, applicants do not need to initiate contact with the department to request a remission. Refunds will typically be issued by July 1 of the following fiscal year via the original payment method or by check for non-online payments.

Service Fees Act (SFA): The Service Fees Act (SFA), introduced in 2017, replaced the User Fees Act and brings several important changes to government services. These include annual fee adjustments in line with inflation, the establishment of service standards for all services, and issuing partial refunds when these standards are not met. These measures enhance transparency, accountability, and predictability in government service fees, ensuring that fees remain current and reflect the true costs of service delivery.

In conclusion, these changes to inadmissibility fees underscore the importance of staying informed about immigration policies and fees in Canada. As these fees will be adjusted annually, it’s crucial for applicants and prospective travelers to keep track of updates from the IRCC. For further details and the most up-to-date information, you can visit the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on immigration policies, tips for travelers, and other relevant topics. Your journey to Canada starts with being well-informed!