The Government of Canada has officially announced a move to increase immigration fees for Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship that will impact thousands of Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking to relocate.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new price structure is designed to help the country keep pace with inflation and the rising operational costs of processing high volumes of applications.
These changes, which affect both Permanent Residency (PR) and Citizenship pathways, are scheduled to take effect in two phases starting March 31, 2026.
“Starting April 30, 2026, fees for permanent resident applications will increase as part of a routine update. Applications received on or after April 30 will be subject to the new fees,” it said.
The agency noted that permanent residence fees will increase by as low as $25, while the citizenship fee will rise by approximately 2.7 per cent.
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee increases by $25, from $575 to $600, while the Provincial Nominee Programme increases by $40, from $950 to $990
For Business Class, there’s an increase of $85, from $1,810 to $1,895, while Family Class increases by $25, from $545 to $570.
For Protected Persons, there is an increase of $25, from $635 to $660, while the fee for a visa on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds or Public Policy Measures increases by $25, from $635 to $660
Permit Holders increase by $15, from $375 to $390, with the Right of Citizenship Fee also increasing from $119.75 to $123, effective March 31, 2026.
IRCC explained that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, permanent residence fees are adjusted every two years to offset programme costs and respond to growing demand.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that Canada announced a move to increase PR and citizenship fees days after it changed asylum rules, introducing strict new deadlines and processing requirements under Bill C-12, also known as the Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act.
This means that thousands of foreign nationals, including a high volume of Nigerian applicants, now face a much narrower window to file for protection.
The centerpiece of these changes is the “One-Year Rule.” For the first time, any individual who entered Canada after June 24, 2020, must file an asylum claim within 12 months of their initial arrival.
This also comes after the IRCC provided a clarification on the new citizenship test rules.
One of the key changes in the new citizenship test rules of Canada is that the self-administered online test is now the standard “default” format.
While in-person testing was the norm before 2020, the 2026 guidelines formalize the digital experience to increase efficiency and reduce processing backlogs.
Applicants are also permitted up to three attempts to pass the online test. If an applicant is unsuccessful after the third try, such a person will be referred to a knowledge hearing with a citizenship officer.
