Navigate Canada's mandatory $575 permanent residence fee with confidence
On This Page You Will Find:
- The exact RPRF amount for 2026 and who must pay it
- Smart payment timing strategies to avoid processing delays
- Your complete refund rights if your application is denied
- When the next fee increase will hit your wallet
- Money-saving tips that immigration consultants charge hundreds to reveal
Summary:
If you're applying for Canadian permanent residence, you'll face a mandatory $575 Right of Permanent Residence Fee that could make or break your timeline. This comprehensive guide reveals everything about the RPRF, including a unique refund guarantee most applicants don't know exists, strategic payment timing that prevents costly delays, and the exact date when fees will increase again. Whether you're planning your application or already in process, understanding these fee requirements could save you months of waiting and hundreds of dollars in potential complications.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- The RPRF is now $575 (increased from $515 in April 2024) and is mandatory for most permanent residence applicants
- Pay the fee upfront with your application to avoid processing delays - IRCC will contact you later if you don't
- The RPRF is the only immigration fee that's fully refundable if your application is denied
- Children and protected persons (including refugees) are exempt from paying this fee
- The next fee increase is expected in April 2026 based on Canada's biennial adjustment schedule
Maria Santos stared at her permanent residence application checklist, overwhelmed by the various fees and requirements. Like thousands of hopeful immigrants each year, she wondered: "When exactly do I need to pay this Right of Permanent Residence Fee, and what happens if I mess up the timing?"
If you're navigating Canada's immigration system, you've likely encountered the RPRF - a fee that catches many applicants off guard with its timing requirements and substantial cost. Here's everything you need to know to handle this crucial payment correctly.
Understanding the Right of Permanent Residence Fee
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) represents the final financial hurdle between you and your Canadian permanent residence status. Think of it as Canada's way of confirming your serious commitment to becoming a permanent resident.
This isn't just another bureaucratic charge - it's a mandatory payment that directly impacts your immigration timeline. Without paying the RPRF, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cannot grant you permanent residence status, regardless of how perfect your application might be.
The current fee stands at $575 CAD per person, marking a significant increase from the previous $515. This adjustment took effect on April 30, 2024, and affects every new permanent residence application submitted since that date.
Who Pays (And Who Doesn't)
The RPRF applies to most permanent residence applicants, but several important exceptions could save you hundreds of dollars:
You must pay if you're:
- The principal applicant in any economic immigration program
- A spouse or partner included in the application
- An adult dependent child (22 years or older)
- Any family member who will receive permanent residence
You're exempt if you're:
- A dependent child under 22 years old
- A child being adopted through the immigration process
- An orphaned family member (brother, sister, niece, nephew, or grandchild)
- A protected person, including Convention refugees
These exemptions can represent substantial savings for families. For example, a family of four with two young children would pay $1,150 (two adults) rather than $2,300 (if all four paid).
Strategic Payment Timing That Saves Months
Here's where most applicants make a costly mistake: they wait to pay the RPRF until IRCC requests it. While this approach won't disqualify your application, it can add weeks or even months to your processing time.
The Smart Strategy: Pay the RPRF simultaneously with your initial application fees. This proactive approach eliminates a potential bottleneck in your processing timeline.
What happens if you wait: IRCC will contact you with payment instructions once your application reaches the final approval stage. However, your permanent residence cannot be granted until they receive and process your RPRF payment - creating an unnecessary delay at the most exciting moment of your immigration journey.
Payment Process: The RPRF uses the same online payment system as your other immigration fees. You'll receive a receipt that you should keep with your immigration documents, as it serves as proof of payment for IRCC officers.
The Unique Refund Guarantee
The RPRF offers something almost unheard of in immigration: a complete refund guarantee if your application is denied. This makes it the only immigration fee that can be refunded after IRCC begins processing your application.
This refund policy removes the financial risk of paying upfront. If you pay the RPRF with your initial application and later receive a denial, IRCC will automatically refund the full $575 within 6-8 weeks of the final decision.
Important note: Other immigration fees (like processing fees) are non-refundable once IRCC begins reviewing your application, making the RPRF's refund policy truly exceptional.
Fee Increases: When and How Much
Canada adjusts immigration fees every two years based on the Consumer Price Index, and understanding this schedule can help you plan your finances effectively.
Recent History:
- April 2024: RPRF increased from $515 to $575 (11.7% increase)
- Previous adjustment: April 2022
Next Expected Increase: April 2026, with the amount depending on inflation rates over the two-year period.
Planning Tip: If you're considering permanent residence but won't apply until 2026, budget for a potential fee increase of 10-15% based on recent trends.
Recent Changes and What They Mean for You
As of December 1, 2025, Canada implemented widespread increases to immigration fees across multiple programs. However, the RPRF remained unchanged because it had already been adjusted in April 2024.
This timing difference means you have some predictability: while other fees may fluctuate, the RPRF will likely remain at $575 until April 2026.
Current Fee Landscape:
- RPRF: $575 (unchanged since April 2024)
- Processing fees: Recently increased in December 2025
- Biometric fees: Subject to separate adjustment schedule
Common Mistakes That Cost Time and Money
Mistake 1: Assuming children always pay the RPRF. Remember, dependent children under 22 are exempt, potentially saving families hundreds of dollars.
Mistake 2: Waiting for IRCC to request payment. This creates unnecessary delays at the final approval stage.
Mistake 3: Not keeping payment receipts. Your RPRF receipt serves as crucial documentation throughout the process.
Mistake 4: Paying incorrect amounts. Always verify the current fee on IRCC's official website, as amounts change every two years.
What This Means for Your Immigration Timeline
The RPRF payment timing can significantly impact when you receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can begin planning your move to Canada.
Upfront Payment Timeline:
- Application submitted with RPRF: Final approval can be issued immediately upon decision
- Average time saved: 2-6 weeks
Late Payment Timeline:
- IRCC requests RPRF payment after approval decision
- You submit payment and wait for processing
- Additional delay before receiving COPR: 2-6 weeks
For applicants eager to start their Canadian journey, those extra weeks can feel like months, especially when you're coordinating job offers, housing, and family logistics.
Planning Your Immigration Budget
Beyond the RPRF, factor these costs into your permanent residence budget:
Mandatory Fees:
- Processing fees (vary by program)
- Biometric fees ($85 per person)
- RPRF ($575 per eligible person)
Optional but Recommended:
- Medical exams ($200-500 per person)
- Police certificates (varies by country)
- Document translation and certification
Family of Four Example:
- Two adults: $1,150 RPRF
- Four people: $340 biometric fees
- Processing fees: $1,500-3,000 (depending on program)
- Total estimated fees: $3,000-5,000
Understanding the Right of Permanent Residence Fee isn't just about knowing the cost - it's about strategic planning that can accelerate your path to Canadian permanent residence. By paying the $575 RPRF upfront with your application, you eliminate potential delays and demonstrate your commitment to the process.
Remember, this fee represents more than just a government charge - it's your final payment toward achieving permanent residence status in Canada. With the next increase expected in April 2026, current applicants benefit from predictable pricing through early 2026.
Whether you're just starting your immigration research or finalizing your application, factor the RPRF into both your budget and timeline planning. The small effort of paying upfront can save you weeks of waiting at the most crucial moment of your immigration journey.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is the RPRF fee and how much do I need to pay in 2026?
The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) is a mandatory $575 CAD payment required for most Canadian permanent residence applications. This fee increased from $515 in April 2024 and will remain at $575 through early 2026. The RPRF is separate from processing fees and represents the final financial requirement before receiving your permanent residence status. Unlike other immigration fees, the RPRF is paid per eligible person, meaning a couple would pay $1,150 total. The fee applies to principal applicants, spouses, partners, and adult dependent children (22+), but children under 22 are exempt. This isn't just another government charge - without paying the RPRF, IRCC cannot grant permanent residence regardless of application approval.
Q: When should I pay the RPRF to avoid delays in my application processing?
Pay the RPRF upfront with your initial application submission rather than waiting for IRCC to request it later. This strategic timing can save you 2-6 weeks of processing delays at the final approval stage. When you wait, IRCC must contact you after approving your application, you must submit payment, they must process it, and only then can they issue your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). By paying upfront, your permanent residence can be granted immediately upon approval. Use the same online payment system as other immigration fees and keep your receipt as proof of payment. This proactive approach eliminates bottlenecks when you're most eager to start your Canadian journey and helps coordinate timing for job offers, housing, and family logistics.
Q: Can I get my RPRF fee refunded if my permanent residence application is denied?
Yes, the RPRF is the only immigration fee that offers a complete refund guarantee if your application is denied. IRCC automatically refunds the full $575 within 6-8 weeks of a final denial decision, making this fee unique among immigration charges. This refund policy removes the financial risk of paying upfront - you can pay the RPRF with your initial application without worrying about losing money if unsuccessful. Other immigration fees like processing fees are non-refundable once IRCC begins reviewing your application, but the RPRF maintains this exceptional refund protection. This guarantee makes the strategic decision to pay upfront even more attractive, as you gain processing time advantages without financial risk. Keep your payment receipt as documentation for any potential refund processing.
Q: Who is exempt from paying the RPRF fee and how much money can this save families?
Several categories of applicants are exempt from the $575 RPRF, potentially saving families hundreds of dollars. Exempt individuals include dependent children under 22 years old, children being adopted through immigration, orphaned family members (siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren), and protected persons including Convention refugees. For example, a family of four with two young children pays only $1,150 (two adults) instead of $2,300 (if all four paid). Adult dependent children 22 and older must pay the fee, but younger dependents are completely exempt. These exemptions represent substantial savings - a family with three children under 22 saves $1,725 in RPRF fees alone. Always verify exemption status before payment, as incorrectly paying for exempt family members won't automatically trigger refunds for overpayment.
Q: When is the next RPRF fee increase and how much should I budget for future applications?
The next RPRF increase is expected in April 2026, following Canada's biennial fee adjustment schedule based on the Consumer Price Index. The current $575 fee increased 11.7% from the previous $515 in April 2024, and historical trends suggest future increases of 10-15% every two years. If you're planning to apply before April 2026, you can confidently budget $575 per eligible person. Applications submitted after the April 2026 adjustment could face fees of $630-660 based on inflation projections. This predictable schedule allows strategic timing - applicants considering permanent residence but not applying until late 2026 should budget for potential increases. Unlike other immigration fees that changed in December 2025, the RPRF remains stable until its scheduled 2026 adjustment, providing planning certainty for current applicants.
Q: What are the most expensive mistakes applicants make with RPRF payments?
The costliest RPRF mistake is waiting for IRCC to request payment instead of paying upfront, which delays permanent residence approval by 2-6 weeks when you're most eager to start your Canadian life. Another expensive error is assuming all children pay the fee - families waste hundreds by paying for dependent children under 22 who are actually exempt. Paying incorrect amounts due to outdated fee information costs time and creates processing complications, so always verify current rates on IRCC's official website. Not keeping payment receipts creates documentation problems that can delay processing. Some applicants incorrectly pay RPRF for protected persons or refugees who are exempt. Finally, poor budget planning for the biennial fee increases can force delays when applicants aren't prepared for higher costs, potentially missing application windows or facing even higher fees in subsequent adjustment periods.
Q: How does the RPRF fit into my total immigration budget and what other mandatory fees should I expect?
The RPRF represents a significant portion of your total permanent residence costs but should be planned alongside other mandatory expenses. For a family of four with two adults and two children under 22, expect $1,150 in RPRF fees, $340 in biometric fees ($85 per person), and $1,500-3,000 in processing fees depending on your immigration program. Add $800-2,000 for medical exams and variable costs for police certificates and document translation. Total mandatory fees typically range $3,000-5,000 per family. The RPRF's refund guarantee makes it lower-risk than other fees, and paying upfront prevents delays that could cost more in extended temporary status or rushed travel arrangements. Budget for the April 2026 fee increase if applying later, and remember that processing fees changed in December 2025 while RPRF remains stable until 2026, providing some predictability in your financial planning.
