Effective January 8, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its official guidelines regarding fees for temporary resident applications. These changes affect international students, foreign workers, and visitors looking to extend their stay or restore their status in Canada.
The updated instructions clarify that "status" (your legal right to be in Canada) and "authorization" (your permission to work or study) are treated separately under the law.
Key Fee Changes for 2026
Most processing fees have been adjusted to account for inflation and administrative costs. Here is a breakdown of the current fees for common temporary resident applications:
| Application Type | 2026 Fee (CAD) |
| Study Permit (Including Extensions) | $150.00 |
| Work Permit (Including Extensions) | $155.00 |
| Restoration of Status (Visitor/Student/Worker) | $246.25 |
| Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | $246.25 |
| Visitor Extension (Stay as a Visitor) | $100.00 |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | $184.75 |
Pro Tip: If you are restoring your status and applying for a new permit at the same time, you must pay both fees. For example, restoring student status with a new permit now costs $396.25.
Critical Updates for Applicants
1. Status vs. Authorization
When you apply to extend your stay as a student or worker, you are actually submitting two applications in one. You are asking to:
- Extend your Temporary Resident Status (the right to stay in the country).
- Extend your Authorization (the right to keep studying or working). Unless you are exempt, you must ensure the correct fees are paid for both to avoid processing delays.
2. Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs)
There is no such thing as an "extension" for a TRP. If your TRP is expiring, you must apply for a brand-new permit and pay the $246.25 fee again.
3. Restoring Your Status
If your status has already expired, you have a 90-day window to apply for "Restoration of Status." The fee for this has increased to $246.25. Remember, you cannot work or study while your restoration application is being processed.
What Should You Do Now?
If you have an application currently in progress or are about to submit one, follow these steps:
- Verify Your Payment: Check the Official IRCC Fee List to ensure you have paid the 2026 rates.
- Pay the Difference: If you submitted a paper application just before the change and paid the old rate, you may receive a request from IRCC to pay the fee difference online.
- Check for Exemptions: Some applicants (such as certain protected persons or specific public policy cohorts) may be exempt from these fees. Consult the Cost Recovery Exemption Code Manual if you believe this applies to you.
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