Right of Permanent Residence Fee : When to pay?

When considering an application for permanent residence in Canada, it's crucial to understand the various fees involved and the optimal time to pay them. This can have a significant impact on both the application process and your personal finances. This article will guide you through the various stages of paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, advising you on when to pay this fee along with the processing fee when you submit your application, and when it's best to pay it after the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officer has made a decision.

Understanding Permanent Residence Fees

The different types of expenses

Processing fees :

This fee covers the processing of your application by IRCC. They are non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) :

These are additional fees that applicants must pay before obtaining permanent resident status. They may be refunded if the application is refused or withdrawn before the permanent residence visa is issued.

Other expenses :

• Biometric fees
• Medical examination fees
• Cost of obtaining, translating and certifying documents
• Language test fees
• Fees for diploma equivalence

Fee amounts

• Treatment fee for an adult: 950 CAD$
• Processing fee for one dependent child: 260 CAD$
• Right of permanent residence fee: 575 CAD$

These amounts may vary or be increased, and we recommend that you check the current fees on the official IRCC website.

When to pay fees: Strategies and recommendations

Pay Processing Fees When Submitting Request

Advantages :

Process simplification :

• By paying the processing fee at the time of submission, you ensure that your file is complete from the outset. If your file is not complete, it will be returned to you.
• This can avoid delays caused by subsequent payment requests.

Faster evaluation :

• IRCC will not begin processing your application until the fee has been paid.
• Paying immediately speeds up the start of processing.

Disadvantages :

• If your application is rejected, this fee will not be refunded.

Pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee together with the Treatment Fee

Advantages :

Fully booked from the start :

• By paying all costs up front, you show IRCC that you're serious and prepared.
• This can sometimes speed up the overall process.

Less administrative hassle :

• One payment means less paperwork and follow-up for you.

Disadvantages :

Largest Initial Financial Commitment :

• If your application is rejected, although the RPRF is refundable, it represents a sum of money tied up until the IRCC's decision.

Potential Loss on Withdrawal :

• If you withdraw your application after submission, the processing fee is non-refundable.

Pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee after the IRCC Agent's Positive Decision

Advantages :

Reduced financial risk :

• You only pay these fees once you're sure of obtaining permanent residency.
• If the application is rejected, you don't have to wait for a refund.

Financial flexibility :

• You can better manage your budget by spreading out your payments.

Disadvantages :

Possible Delay :

• IRCC will wait for you to pay the RPRF before issuing your permanent resident visa.
• Any delay on your part may delay your obtaining status.

Additional follow-up :

• You should be careful to pay these fees as soon as you receive notification of a positive decision, to avoid further delays.

Special cases and practical advice

Submit a Request Online

For online applications, IRCC often offers a simplified interface for making payments. Here are a few tips to optimize this process:

1. Prepare your financial information :
   • Make sure you have the necessary funds available in your bank account or credit card.
2. Follow the Payment Instructions :
   • Read the instructions provided by IRCC carefully to avoid any errors.
3. Keep payment receipts :
   • Keep a copy of all payment receipts for your records. They may be needed in the event of a problem or subsequent audit.

Cases of Revision or Recourse

If your application is rejected and you are considering a review or appeal, here's what you need to know about fees:

Recourse costs

In general, there is no fee to file a request for review or reconsideration with IRCC.

But for an appeal (application for judicial review) to the Federal Court, you must pay a filing fee, and perhaps hire a lawyer, which can entail additional costs.

Payment strategy

If you are unsure of the outcome of your application, you may wait for IRCC's final decision before paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee.

If you win your appeal against refusal, you can then pay the fees and finalize your permanent resident status.

Conclusion

Managing the Right of Permanent Residence Fee and processing fees is an essential and strategic step in your application for permanent residence in Canada. By paying the processing fee as soon as you submit your application, you simplify and potentially speed up the process. Paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee after the IRCC officer has made a positive decision can give you greater flexibility, although it may introduce additional delays.

Final Recommendations

• For those who have sufficient funds and wish to simplify their processIn many cases, paying all costs up front is the best option.
• For those who prefer to minimize their initial financial commitment and manage their budget more flexiblyIt may be wise to wait for a positive decision from the IRCC before paying the Right of Permanent Residence Fee.

In any case, it is always advisable to follow IRCC's instructions closely, and to consult an immigration consultant or specialized lawyer for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.