Canada Announces Higher Residency and Citizenship Fees for Nigerians and Other Foreign Nationals
Canada has officially approved increased application fees for permanent residence and citizenship, affecting Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking to settle in the country. The revised charges are scheduled to take effect from late March and April 2026, as confirmed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in a recent notice.
Fee Adjustments Driven by Inflation and Service Sustainability
The fee increases follow routine biennial reviews mandated under existing regulations, aimed at sustaining service delivery and keeping pace with inflationary pressures across government programmes. IRCC emphasized that the adjustments are modest and designed to support timely processing while maintaining reliability amid growing demand for immigration services.
Applications received on or after April 30, 2026, will be subject to the new rates, regardless of when applicants began preparing their documentation. This applies across multiple immigration streams, including family reunification, business migration, humanitarian pathways, and provincial nominations.
Detailed Breakdown of Revised Permanent Residence Fees
The updated fees for permanent residence applications vary by programme, with increases ranging from as little as $15 to $85. Below is the full list of revised charges:
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee – increase of $25, from $575 to $600
- Provincial Nominee Programme – increase of $40, from $950 to $990
- Business Class – increase of $85, from $1,810 to $1,895
- Family Class – increase of $25, from $545 to $570
- Protected Persons – increase of $25, from $635 to $660
- Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds or Public Policy Measures – increase of $25, from $635 to $660
- Permit Holders – increase of $15, from $375 to $390
Citizenship Costs Also Adjusted Upward
In addition to permanent residence fees, the cost of acquiring Canadian citizenship will see a slight increase. The Right of Citizenship Fee will rise by approximately 2.7 percent, with the new charge coming into force on March 31, 2026. IRCC noted that these fee reviews are conducted every two years under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations to offset programme costs and ensure service standards are maintained.
Impact on Prospective Immigrants and Application Advice
The changes are expected to affect thousands of prospective immigrants, including Nigerians planning to study, work, reunite with family, or obtain permanent status in Canada. IRCC advises applicants to confirm payment amounts carefully before submission to avoid delays or returned applications. The agency reiterated that the increases are part of a structured framework to manage rising application volumes and enhance processing efficiency.
This development comes amid broader global immigration shifts, such as recent adjustments in U.S. asylum policies, though Nigeria remains excluded from certain relaxations. For those navigating these changes, staying informed on updated fee schedules and deadlines is crucial for a smooth application process.
