Processing and fee collection guidelines resulting from the fee changes (effective February 6, 2014) – R179, R181, R196, R213, R296(1), R296(3), R299(1), R300(1) and R305(1)
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
This page provides information regarding changes to the processing fees for certain temporary residence applications and the associated operational procedures.
Guidelines for issuing multiple-entry and single-entry visas
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to promote the issuance of long-term multiple-entry visas to facilitate entry into Canada for legitimate travellers. All applicants who are eligible for a multiple-entry visa will benefit and be issued one.
It should be noted that not all applicants will be eligible for a multiple-entry visa and that the decision remains at the discretion of an IRCC officer. A single-entry visa may be issued in cases where, for example,
- an applicant is eligible for a fee exemption and the purpose of entry to Canada is limited (e.g., for an official visit by a foreign national);
- an applicant is participating in a one-time special event in Canada (e.g., Pan-American Games);
- country-specific procedures or guidelines are in place and approved by the IRCC National Headquarters.
If an officer chooses to issue a single-entry visa, the reasons are to be entered in the case notes. Officers are to take note that the issuance of a multiple-entry visa should now be considered the standard and any single-entry visa issuance requires an explanation.
See also: "Issuing the visa: Transit, single-entry and multiple-entry visas".
Note: The Overseas Processing Manual, Chapter 11 (OP 11), section 12 will be updated to reflect these guidelines in due course.
Temporary residence fee change comparison chart
| Type of application | Current fees | New fees (effective February 6, 2014) | Regulatory provision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry visa | $75 | $100 | R296(1) |
| Multiple-entry visa | $150 | ||
| Family rate | $400 | $500 | R296(3) |
| Work permit | $150 | $155 | R299(1) |
| Work permit for a group of performing artists and their staff (three or more persons) | $450 | $465 | R299(3) |
| Study permit | $125 | $150 | R300(1) |
| Visitor status extension | $75 | $100 | R305(1) |
Processing guidelines
Electronic applications submitted using MyCIC or the Come to Canada wizard
Electronic applications and payments are submitted simultaneously. Clients will therefore be informed at the end of the MyCIC process of the correct processing fees to be paid.
Note: If applicants began the application process (but did not complete it) before February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), and were quoted the former processing fee, they will be prompted to pay the new processing fee in their MyCIC accounts if their final application is submitted on or after February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST).
Paper applications submitted to a visa office or visa application centre (VAC)
- Complete applications received at a visa vffice or VAC before February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), will be processed using the former processing fees. The $50 difference between former and new fees for multiple-entry visa applications received before February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), will not be refunded.
- Complete applications postmarked before February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), but received at a visa office or VAC on or after February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), will be processed using the former processing fees.
- All other complete applications received at a visa vffice or VAC and postmarked on or after February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), will require the new processing fees.
- Applications with insufficient fees will be returned to the client as incomplete, even if their proof of payment is dated before February 6, 2014. Clients will have the option to either resubmit their applications with the correct fees, or apply for a refund of the incorrect fees.
- Applications with a proof of payment receipt for the former multiple-entry visa fees dated before February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), but otherwise deemed to be complete, and received by the VAC or the visa office on or after February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), will be accepted for processing. The visa office will process the application to completion and initiate a refund process for the $50 multiple-entry visa fee difference as per regular procedures.
Paper applications submitted to a case processing centre
- Complete applications received at a case processing centre before February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), will be processed using the former processing fees.
- Complete applications postmarked before February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), but received at a case processing centre on or after February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), will be processed using the former processing fees.
- All other complete applications postmarked, or received at a case processing centre on or after February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST), will be subject to the new processing fees, even if proof of payment is dated before February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST).
- Applications with insufficient fees will be returned to the applicant as incomplete. The case processing centre will advise such applicants of the reason so they can submit a new application with the corresponding new fee(s). It is possible that some applicants will lose their implied status. If the applicant does lose their implied status, they will lose the related benefits (being able to continue working with the same employer and/or studying) and will need to apply and pay ($200) for restoration of status.
Note: IRCC continues to recommend that applicants seeking renewal of status inside Canada apply at least 30 days before the expiration of their current status. It is an applicant’s responsibility to ensure that their immigration status in Canada is maintained, that any immigration application is complete and that the appropriate processing fees are paid.
Applications submitted in-person at a port of entry
Applicants applying for temporary resident documents at the port of entry will be subject to the fee increases as of February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST).
System changes
All information technology systems that are impacted by these fee changes have been modified to reflect the revised fee structure. This includes the Global Case Management System, MyCIC, the Come to Canada wizard for online applications and the online payment system (ePayment). All changes will be in effect as of February 6, 2014 (00:01 EST).
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