The Canadian government has introduced new application fees for permanent residency and citizenship, affecting Nigerians and other foreign nationals planning to relocate to the country.
According to an official update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the revised charges will take effect from April 30, 2026. Applications submitted on or after that date will be processed under the updated fee structure.
The agency explained that the adjustment is part of its routine review process aimed at sustaining efficient service delivery while keeping up with inflationary pressures.
IRCC noted that while the increases are relatively modest, they cut across multiple immigration categories. Permanent residence fees will rise by at least $25, while citizenship-related charges will see an average increase of about 2.7 per cent.
Under the new structure, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee will increase from $575 to $600. Applicants under the Provincial Nominee Programme will now pay $990, up from $950.
For business immigration streams, fees will climb from $1,810 to $1,895, while family sponsorship applications will rise from $545 to $570.
Other categories are also affected. Protected persons will see their fees increase from $635 to $660, while applications submitted on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or under public policy considerations will also move from $635 to $660.
Permit holders will now pay $390 instead of $375. In addition, the Right of Citizenship Fee has already been adjusted from $119.75 to $123, effective March 31, 2026.
IRCC clarified that these periodic adjustments are mandated under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which require fee reviews every two years to reflect programme costs and rising demand for immigration services.
The update signals Canada’s continued effort to balance accessibility for applicants with the financial sustainability of its immigration system.
