An Overview of Permanent Residence Fees for Economic Immigration Pathways in 2024

Canada's booming economy and welcoming attitude towards immigrants have made it a popular destination for individuals seeking permanent residence (PR).  In 2023, Canada welcomed a record-breaking number of permanent residents, exceeding their target by over 6,000 individuals. With this continued surge in immigration, understanding the associated costs becomes crucial for anyone considering the economic immigration pathway to Canadian PR.

This comprehensive guide delves into the various permanent residence fees associated with economic immigration programs in Canada for 2024. It outlines the fees for different pathways, explains additional costs, and clarifies exemptions where applicable.

Understanding Economic Immigration Pathways

Before delving into the complexities of permanent residence fees, it's essential to have a basic understanding of the diverse economic immigration pathways available in Canada. These pathways are designed to attract skilled individuals and families who can contribute positively to the country's economic growth and social fabric. Here are some of the most prominent economic immigration programs:

Express Entry: This highly sought-after program utilizes a points-based system to select candidates from a pool of individuals with skilled work experience, educational qualifications, and language proficiency. It operates under three main categories:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Open to individuals with skilled work experience and relevant educational qualifications.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Caters to individuals who already possess skilled work experience in Canada through valid work permits.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Offers an avenue for skilled workers in specific trades to obtain permanent residence.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Administered by individual provinces and territories, these programs cater to specific labor market needs and align with the unique economic requirements of each region. Applicants receive a provincial nomination, which significantly strengthens their Express Entry application.

Start-Up Visa Program: Designed to attract entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas and the potential to create jobs in Canada.

General Economic Immigration Fees

The majority of economic immigration applicants fall under the following programs and will encounter these standardized fees:

1. Agri-food Pilot
2. Atlantic Immigration Pilot
3. Atlantic Immigration Program
4. Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP))
5. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
6. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
7. Quebec-selected skilled workers

For these programs, applicants can expect to pay the following fees:

1. Application Processing Fee: $850.00 CAD
2. Including Spouse or Partner (Processing Fee): $850.00 CAD
3. Including a Dependent Child: $230.00 CAD (per child)

Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway Fees

Individuals who have already spent time in Canada as temporary residents with a study or work permit, and now seek permanent residence, can leverage the TR to PR pathway. This pathway offers slightly reduced fees compared to general economic immigration applications:

1. Application Processing Fee: $570.00 CAD
2. Including Spouse or Partner (Processing Fee): $570.00 CAD
3. Including a Dependent Child: $155.00 CAD (per child)

Additional Permanent Residence Fees

Beyond the program-specific fees, additional costs are associated with obtaining permanent resident status:

Permanent Resident Card (PR Card): $50.00 CAD. This document serves as identification for PRs and a travel document for re-entering Canada.

Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD): $50.00 CAD. This document allows PRs to travel when their PR card is invalid.

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $515.00 CAD. Most PR applicants must pay this fee upon application approval. It can be paid alongside other fees to avoid delays.

Exceptions to the RPRF:

1. Dependent children of the primary applicant or sponsor
2. Sponsorship applications for adopted children
3. Sponsorship applications for orphaned family members
4. Protected persons (including humanitarian and compassionate cases and convention refugees)

Biometrics (if applicable):

1. Fee (per person): $85.00 CAD
2. Fee (per family - two or more people): $170.00 CAD
3. Biometrics involve collecting fingerprints and photographs for security purposes and verifying identity against Canadian records.

Important Notes:

1. All fees mentioned are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
2. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is the only refundable fee after application processing begins, in the event of application refusal or withdrawal by the applicant.
3. The maximum fee for a family of two or more submitting biometrics together is $170.00 CAD.

Planning for Permanent Residence Costs

Understanding and factoring in the various permanent residence fees is vital for individuals planning their economic immigration journey to Canada. Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind:

1. Provincial Variations: Specific fees associated with PNP applications might vary depending on the chosen province or territory. It's crucial to research individual program requirements and associated fees directly through the relevant provincial website.
2. Professional Fees: Considering the complexity of the immigration process, seeking assistance from licensed immigration consultants or lawyers might be beneficial. These professionals can provide invaluable guidance on navigating the application process, increasing your chances of success, and ensuring proper adherence to fee requirements. However, their services come with additional costs, which should be factored into your overall financial planning.
3. Medical Examination: Applicants are required to undergo a medical examination by a designated physician. The cost of this examination varies depending on the location and chosen healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Understanding the permanent residence fee structure is essential for individuals pursuing economic immigration to Canada. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the various fees associated with different pathways and additional costs. It is crucial to carefully review the fee details and exemptions to ensure proper financial planning for your Canadian immigration journey.

Considering migrating to Canada?

Pelican Migration Consultants, trusted immigration consultants in Dubai, can help. We specialize in guiding individuals through Canada's economic immigration pathways. Our CICC licensed  experts understand the latest regulations and fees, making your journey smoother.

We offer:

1. Personal guidance: We assess your eligibility and recommend the best program.
2. Application support: We help gather documents, complete forms, and ensure everything is accurate.
3. Clear communication: We keep you informed and answer your questions throughout the process.

Contact Pelican Migration Consultants today and start your Canadian dream. We are committed to your success.