Canada: PR fees rise (30 Apr 2026), category-based Express Entry, Start-up Visa closed, arranged-employment points removed

What changed

• 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.
• 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.
• The 50/200-point arranged-employment CRS bonus was removed for all candidates on 25 March 2025.
• 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.

Routes affected

• Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
• Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Express Entry — Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Start-Up Visa (Canada)

Primary source

More Canada changes →

• 1 November 2024

  Canada tightens Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility