Is there a government fee to become a permanent resident of Canada?

Yes. Applicants for Canadian permanent residence are required to pay government processing fees to IRCC. These include an application processing fee as well as the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). The RPRF is the fee specifically associated with obtaining PR status and is paid per principal applicant. Spouses or common-law partners who are co-applicants also pay the RPRF. Dependent children are generally exempt from the RPRF but may have their own processing fees.

The RPRF can be paid when you submit your application or before IRCC finalizes your application, depending on the program and IRCC's instructions. IRCC refunds the RPRF if your application is refused or withdrawn before PR status is granted.

Fee amounts are set by IRCC and may be updated over time. Check the current fee schedule on the IRCC website before submitting your application, as fees change periodically. Professional fees charged by a lawyer or regulated immigration consultant are separate from and in addition to government fees. Understanding the total cost — government fees plus professional fees — upfront helps with planning. A lawyer can walk you through the expected fee structure for your specific application type.