·Canada·Significant change·In force
Canada: PR fees rise (30 Apr 2026), category-based Express Entry, Start-up Visa closed, arranged-employment points removed
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
A run of IRCC changes through 2025-26 reshaped Express Entry economics and closed the Start-up Visa to new applicants.
What changed
Policy claim 1
Permanent-residence fees rose on 30 April 2026: the principal-applicant processing fee from CA$950 to CA$990 and the Right of Permanent Residence Fee from CA$575 to CA$600.
Claim ID: ca-2026-fees-and-express-entry#claim-1·Cite this claim
Source: IRCC — Permanent residence fees increasing (30 April 2026) (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 2
Express Entry continues category-based selection in 2026, with rounds targeting categories such as French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, education, trades, and STEM, alongside general and PNP draws.
Claim ID: ca-2026-fees-and-express-entry#claim-2·Cite this claim
Source: IRCC — Permanent residence fees increasing (30 April 2026) (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 3
The 50/200-point arranged-employment CRS bonus was removed for all candidates on 25 March 2025.
Claim ID: ca-2026-fees-and-express-entry#claim-3·Cite this claim
Source: IRCC — Permanent residence fees increasing (30 April 2026) (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 4
The Start-up Visa closed to new applications on 31 December 2025; permanent-residence applications already in the queue are accepted until 30 June 2026.
Claim ID: ca-2026-fees-and-express-entry#claim-4·Cite this claim
Source: IRCC — Permanent residence fees increasing (30 April 2026) (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)·source verified ·page reviewed
Routes affected
Primary source
Primary source
IRCC — Permanent residence fees increasing (30 April 2026) ↗ · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Link last verified: