Canada Announces New Immigration Fees Affecting Nigerians Starting April 30, 2026
The Government of Canada has officially announced significant increases in application fees for permanent residence and citizenship, with Nigerian applicants among those affected by the changes. According to an official notice published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the new fee structure will take effect on April 30, 2026.
This announcement follows a similar move by the United Kingdom, which recently revealed plans to increase visa fees for various categories starting April 8, 2026. The Canadian government stated that the adjustments represent routine updates designed to maintain timely and reliable services while keeping pace with inflation and growing demand for immigration programs.
Detailed Breakdown of New Canadian Immigration Fees
The IRCC has provided a comprehensive breakdown of the fee increases across multiple application categories. Permanent residence fees will see increases ranging from as low as $25 to more substantial amounts depending on the specific program.
Key fee adjustments include:
- The Right of Permanent Residence Fee will increase by $25, rising from $575 to $600
- Provincial Nominee Programme fees will increase by $40, moving from $950 to $990
- Business Class applications will see an $85 increase, from $1,810 to $1,895
- Family Class applications will rise by $25, from $545 to $570
- Protected Persons applications will increase by $25, from $635 to $660
- Applications for visas on Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds or Public Policy Measures will also rise by $25, from $635 to $660
- Permit holders will pay $15 more, with fees increasing from $375 to $390
- The Right of Citizenship fee will increase from $119.75 to $123, effective March 31, 2026
The agency noted that citizenship fees will rise by approximately 2.7% overall. According to IRCC regulations, permanent residence fees undergo adjustment every two years to offset program costs and respond to increasing application volumes.
United Kingdom Announces Parallel Visa Fee Increases
In a related development, the United Kingdom has revealed plans to implement substantial visa fee increases for individuals seeking to visit, study, work, or live in the country. These changes will take effect from April 8, 2026, according to information published by the UK Home Office.
Notable UK fee increases include:
- The "Route to Settlement and other dependant relative" category will see the largest increase of £222, rising from £3,413 to £3,635
- Indefinite leave to remain applications across multiple categories will increase by £197
- Skilled Worker visas issued for more than three years within the UK will increase by £114
Financial Planning for Nigerian Applicants
For Nigerians considering relocation to Canada for work, permanent residency, or study opportunities, these fee increases necessitate careful financial planning. Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian immigrants due to its quality universities, career opportunities, and established pathways to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Prospective applicants must account for these new fees alongside other relocation expenses, including visa processing costs, travel arrangements, and initial settlement expenses. The fee adjustments come as part of broader economic measures by both Canada and the United Kingdom to manage immigration program costs while maintaining service quality for applicants worldwide.
Both countries continue to attract significant interest from Nigerian applicants seeking educational, professional, and lifestyle opportunities abroad. The fee increases represent the latest development in evolving immigration policies affecting Nigerian nationals pursuing international mobility options.
