IRCC sets sponsorship fees: sponsor $90, principal applicant $570 for family and spouse/common-law partner classes

IRCC sets sponsorship fees: sponsor $90, principal applicant $570 for family and spouse/common-law partner classes

Date: 2026-05-02 | Source: IRCC | Program affected: Sponsorship

Summary: IRCC has confirmed cost-recovery fees for sponsorship applications in the Family Class and the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class under paragraphs R295(1)(a) and R301(1)(a). Key fees include $90 for the sponsor and $570 for the principal applicant, with specified exceptions for dependants. This guidance is published by IRCC as a courtesy to stakeholders. IRCC has published policy and procedural guidance confirming the sponsorship fee structure for permanent residence applications in the Family Class and the Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class. Cost-recovery fees are payable when an application is submitted under R295(1)(a) or R301(1)(a). IRCC notes this is internal guidance posted as a courtesy and directs applicants to the official Fee list for current amounts. Core fees:
- Sponsor (per application): $90
- Principal applicant (including a conjugal partner with respect to the sponsor): $570 Exceptions:
- Principal applicant under 22, not a spouse or common-law partner and described in R117(1)(b) or (f)–(h): $90
- Accompanying dependent spouse or common-law partner of a principal applicant: $660
- Accompanying dependent child meeting section R2 criteria: $180
- Sponsored child (principal applicant) 22 or older who has depended substantially on parental financial support since before 22 and is unable to be self-sufficient due to a physical or mental condition: $570 Independent analysis:
- Positive implications: The clarified fee schedule provides predictability and transparency for sponsors and applicants, aiding budgeting and reducing filing errors. Aligning fees with regulatory provisions (R295/R301) helps ensure consistent, rule-based processing.
- Potential concerns: The amounts—particularly the $660 for an accompanying dependent spouse/common-law partner—may present a financial barrier for lower-income families. Applicants should account for the possibility of additional IRCC charges (as listed in the Fee list) beyond the sponsorship and principal applicant fees to avoid incomplete submissions. This update underscores IRCC’s cost-recovery framework. Applicants and representatives should verify the latest amounts and any ancillary fees in the IRCC Fee list before filing to ensure compliance.

Tags: IRCC, Canada Immigration, Family Sponsorship, Spouse Sponsorship, Common-law Partner, Permanent Residence Fees, Cost Recovery, R295, R301, R117, Section R2, Sponsorship Undertaking

Closing: For accurate, up-to-date amounts and any additional payable fees, consult IRCC’s official Fee list and the posted guidance before submitting sponsorship applications.