IRCC Fee Changes 2026 — What's New, What's Changed
Canadian immigration fees rose across multiple categories in 2025-2026 — the new Visa Integrity Fee, BC PNP's January 2026 fee increase, indexed settlement-funds thresholds, and program-specific adjustments. This page summarizes every 2026 fee change relevant to Halani clients.
The big 2026 changes
Visa Integrity Fee (new in 2025-2026)
A cost-recovery charge layered on most temporary-resident and an expanding list of PR applications. Funds IRCC's anti-fraud and identity-integrity screening. Non-refundable. See /visa-integrity-fee-canada for the full breakdown.
BC PNP Skills Immigration — CAD 1,750 (up from CAD 1,475)
Effective 22 January 2026, the British Columbia PNP Skills Immigration application fee increased from CAD 1,475 to CAD 1,750 per application. The new fee applies to all streams under Skills Immigration — Skilled Worker, International Graduate, Entry Level & Semi-Skilled, Healthcare Professional, Tech, and others.
Settlement-funds threshold (FSW) — indexed annually
For Federal Skilled Worker applicants without arranged Canadian employment, IRCC sets a minimum settlement-funds threshold per family size, indexed annually. 2026 figures (representative):
- 1 person: CAD 14,690
- 2 people: CAD 18,288
- 3 people: CAD 22,483
- 4 people: CAD 27,297
- 5 people: CAD 30,690
- 6 people: CAD 34,917
- 7+: CAD 39,144 + CAD 4,227 per additional
Always check the current published figures before applying — these are typically updated each spring.
Study permit cost-of-living — CAD 22,895 per applicant
Effective from 1 January 2024 and continuing into 2026, IRCC requires CAD 22,895 in proof of funds for single study-permit applicants (in addition to first-year tuition). This figure may be indexed going forward.
The full 2026 IRCC fee picture (single Express Entry applicant)
| Fee | 2026 amount (CAD) | Refundable on refusal? |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry processing fee (principal) | ~990 | No |
| Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) | ~600 | Yes (if refused before landing) |
| Visa Integrity Fee | Check IRCC schedule | No |
| Biometrics (per person) | 85 (individual) / 170 (family of 2+) | No |
| Medical exam (Panel Physician) | 200-400 (varies) | N/A — paid to physician |
| ECA (WES / ICAS / IQAS / ICES) | ~300 | N/A — paid to ECA body |
| Language test (IELTS / CELPIP / TEF / TCF) | ~295-350 | N/A — paid to test centre |
| Police certificates (per country) | Varies — typically 30-100 per country | N/A |
| Document translations | Varies — typically 30-50 per page | N/A |
For a family of 4 (you + spouse + 2 kids), expect total IRCC + government fees of CAD 4,000-6,000+ depending on biometrics, medical, ECA, language requirements.
Province-by-province PNP fees (2026)
| Province | PNP application fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia (BC PNP) | 1,750 | Increased Jan 2026 |
| Ontario (OINP) | 1,500-2,000 | Stream-dependent |
| Alberta (AAIP) | 500 | |
| Saskatchewan (SINP) | 350-500 | Stream-dependent |
| Manitoba (MPNP) | 500 | |
| New Brunswick | 250-500 | |
| Nova Scotia (NSNP) | 0-300 | Some streams free |
| PEI | 300 | |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 250 | |
| Yukon (YNP) | 250 | |
| Northwest Territories | 300 |
What this means for budgeting
- Total IRCC + provincial + supporting fees for a single Express Entry + PNP applicant in 2026 typically lands at CAD 3,500-5,500 in government fees alone
- Add professional representation fees (our schedule at /fees) if you hire an RCIC or lawyer
- For families, multiply biometrics, medical, language tests, ECAs by each adult applicant
- Settlement funds (FSW) are funds you need to prove you have — they're not IRCC fees
FAQ
Why are Canadian immigration fees rising in 2026?
IRCC and provincial nominee programs review fees periodically to recover costs. Several fees were indexed or restructured in 2025-2026 — BC PNP Skills Immigration rose to CAD 1,750 (from CAD 1,475) in January 2026, the Visa Integrity Fee was introduced as a cost-recovery charge, and settlement-funds thresholds rose with inflation indexation.
Are IRCC fees refundable if my application is refused?
Mostly no. The program processing fee, Visa Integrity Fee, and biometrics fee are non-refundable on refusal. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) IS refundable if the PR application is refused before landing — that's the one exception.
What's the total Express Entry fee budget I should plan for?
For a single applicant in 2026: program processing fee (~CAD 990) + Visa Integrity Fee (varies — check live IRCC schedule) + RPRF (~CAD 600) + biometrics (CAD 85) + medical exam (varies by Panel Physician, typically CAD 200-400) = roughly CAD 1,900-2,300 in IRCC fees. Add ECA (~CAD 300), language test (~CAD 320), and translation costs (variable). Professional representation fees are separate.
How much are PNP fees in 2026?
Varies widely by province. BC PNP Skills Immigration: CAD 1,750. OINP: CAD 1,500-2,000 depending on stream. AAIP: CAD 500. SINP: CAD 350-500. MPNP: CAD 500. Atlantic Immigration Program: federal-only fee. Always check the province's published fee schedule.
Budget your full 2026 application cost
Halani Immigration Services Inc. (RCIC-IRB R711322) confirms every IRCC + provincial + supporting fee in writing before retainer. No surprises at submission. Free 15-min fee-budget review.
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