Your Canada just got more expensive — here are the new PR, citizenship fees for 2026

Canada is officially raising the Maple Leaf Tax, starting April 30, 2026.

If Canada is your “Plan A,” it’s time to check your bank balance. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed its biennial fee hike, raising the cost of permanent residence (PR) and citizenship starting April 30, 2026.

While Canada remains a top destination for talent from Nigeria and across the world, the cost of “landing” is steadily climbing. Whether you’re a tech professional under the Provincial Nominee Program or a business mogul looking to invest, the “Maple Leaf” is adding a premium to its entry price.

Canada: The New Bill for Permanent Residency

Every two years, the IRCC adjusts its fees to keep up with inflation and operational costs. 

This year’s increase hits everything from family sponsorships to professional permits.

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): Rising from $575 to $600. This is the final “success fee” most applicants pay before getting their PR.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Climbing from $950 to $990.

• Family Class (Sponsorship): Increasing from $545 to $570.

• Business Class: Taking the biggest hit, jumping from $1,810 to $1,895.

• Humanitarian & Protected Persons: Moving from $635 to $660.

Even the final step of the journey, the Right of Citizenship Fee, is seeing an uptick, moving from $119.75 to $123.

Important Timing: For citizenship, the new rates actually kicked in a bit earlier on March 31, 2026. For all PR categories, the deadline to lock in current rates is April 29, 2026.

Why the Price Jump?

The IRCC is blunt about the why: demand is at an all-time high, and the cost of processing millions of applications is skyrocketing. By adjusting fees every two years, the Canadian government aims to offset the taxpayer burden and fund faster, more automated processing systems.

For the applicant, this means you are essentially paying for a more modernised (and hopefully faster) queue.

The Implication for Nigerian Applicants

For Nigerians navigating the Express Entry or PNP routes, these figures are more than just numbers; they are a call for precise financial planning.

1. The Exchange Rate Factor: With the Naira’s ongoing volatility, even a $25–$40 increase in CAD can translate to a significant jump in local currency. Applicants should secure their “Proof of Funds” and fee payments as early as possible to avoid currency spikes.
2. The Hidden Total: Remember, these are just the application fees. When you add in biometrics, medical exams, and the mandatory Education Credential Assessment (ECA), the total “sunk cost” of a Canadian PR application for a family of four is now comfortably over $5,000.
3. The Paper vs. Digital Trap: If you are submitting a paper application, the IRCC considers the date they receive it, not the date you mail it. To be safe, digital submission is the only way to guarantee you beat the April 30 price hike.

Summary

Canada isn’t closing its doors, but it is certainly charging more for the key. If you have your Invitation to Apply (ITA) or your documents are ready, hitting submit before the end of April is the smartest financial move you can make this year.