IRCC has updated its immigration loan repayment instructions to add a convenient online payment option, alongside existing banking and in‑person methods, while keeping repayment timelines and collection rules unchanged.
What changed: Online payments now available
The December 11, 2025 program delivery update confirms that loan recipients can now pay immigration loans online by credit or debit card through IRCC’s secure e‑payment portal. This new option supplements existing methods and is designed to make it easier and faster for clients in Canada and abroad to stay current on their repayment schedules. Loan recipients who need assistance using the online system are instructed to contact Collection Services at 1‑800‑667‑7301.
Immigration loans—such as transportation, admissibility, assistance and right of permanent residence loans—must still be repaid in consecutive monthly instalments as set out in subsection 291(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, with repayment periods tied to the original loan amount.
Repayment timelines and notice of payment
Under IRCC’s updated instructions, clients must begin repayment after the 12th month from loan issuance, and then repay within a fixed window based on the loan size:
- Loans up to $1,200: repay within 36 months
- Loans over $1,200 up to $2,400: repay within 48 months
- Loans over $2,400 up to $3,600: repay within 60 months
- Loans over $3,600 up to $4,800: repay within 72 months
- Loans over $4,800: repay within 96 months
IRCC’s Loans and Accounts Receivable unit creates a loan account using the client’s UCI (Unique Client Identifier) and sends notice of the loan amount and minimum required monthly payment once all invoices (for example, from transportation companies) and arrival confirmations are processed. Payments are then recorded as credits against this account, and clients who want to pay off their loan early even before the account is fully set up can contact Collection Services to arrange payment.
Methods of payment: Online, banking app and in-branch
All immigration loan payments must be made in Canadian funds. IRCC now recognizes three main payment channels:
- Online credit or debit card payments
- Electronic banking via a banking app or online banking
- In the banking app, clients select Pay Bills, add a new payee such as “Citizenship and Immigration Canada – Loans” or “Citizenship and Immigration CDA‑loans” (using search terms like IMM or CIT), and enter their 14‑digit loan account number from the statement.
- Once the payee is set up, they can schedule one-time or recurring payments from their bank account.
- Directly at a financial institution
These options give loan recipients flexibility in how they keep up with their required monthly instalments, whether they prefer purely online arrangements or in-person banking.
Deferrals, payroll deductions and delinquent accounts
The core collection rules remain in place in the updated instructions:
- Under IRPA subsection 147(2), the Minister may authorize payroll deduction schemes to recover immigration loan payments directly from earnings.
- In special circumstances, a collection officer can grant a deferral, variation of payments or extension under IRPR subsection 292(2). For Convention refugees and humanitarian-protected persons abroad, deferrals can be up to 2 years; for other eligible persons, up to 6 months.
- Deferrals are not automatic. Clients struggling to pay must be referred promptly to Collection Services—especially if they plan to sponsor family members, since they must show they are not in default on immigration loans to meet sponsorship requirements.
For delinquent loans, section A145 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act authorizes recovery on behalf of the Government of Canada, and the Chief of Collection Services at IRCC National Headquarters is responsible for managing the recovery of overdue accounts.
Address changes, death and departure from Canada
The update also reiterates operational rules around contact information and status changes:
- Loan recipients must notify Collection Services of any change of address within 10 days, either by phone (1‑800‑667‑7301) or email (collection@cic.gc.ca). Immigration offices that receive updated address information should pass it on to Collection Services.
- In the event of a loan recipient’s death, designated officers must immediately inform Collection Services so the account can be handled appropriately.
- If an officer learns that a client with an outstanding balance has left Canada permanently, they must email Collection Services with the client’s biographic data, new address (if known) and loan number(s), so that the file can be updated and further collection steps considered.
Overall, the December 11, 2025 program delivery update modernizes the “Payment and collection of immigration loans” guidance by adding a clear online payment path and restating key rules so officers and clients understand repayment expectations, hardship options and the importance of keeping contact details current.
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