The Government of Canada has announced an increase in permanent residence application fees, set to take effect from April 30, 2026, affecting Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking to migrate.
The adjustment, unveiled on March 27, 2026, by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), will apply to all applications received on or after the effective date, as part of efforts to sustain efficient service delivery and address rising operational costs linked to inflation and growing demand.
According to officials, “To continue delivering timely, reliable services and keep pace with inflation, permanent residence fees will increase on April 30, 2026.” The agency noted that the revised charges will affect several immigration pathways, including economic programmes, family sponsorship, humanitarian categories, and business immigration streams.
Under the updated structure, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee will increase by $25, rising from $575 to $600. Applicants under the Provincial Nominee Program will also see fees go up by $40, from $950 to $990, while business immigration fees will rise from $1,810 to $1,895.
Family class sponsorship applications will increase by $25, from $545 to $570. Fees for protected persons, as well as those applying under humanitarian and compassionate grounds or public policy measures, will move from $635 to $660. Permit holder applications will increase slightly from $375 to $390.
The agency explained that these adjustments are routine, noting that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, fees are reviewed every two years “to offset the cost of running the program and respond to growing demand.”
Applications submitted before April 30, 2026, will still be processed under the current fee structure, while those received on or after that date will be subject to the new rates.
Despite the increase, Canada remains a preferred destination for many Nigerian migrants, with programmes such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program continuing to attract applicants seeking better economic opportunities and long-term settlement.
Ademide Adebayo
