Recognized Convention Refugees and Protected Persons are exempt from the $600 CAD Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). While they must still pay the initial $660 processing fee, the ‘landing fee’ is waived to ensure that vulnerable individuals can obtain permanent status without undue financial hardship.
Canada has a long-standing tradition of providing a safe haven for those fleeing persecution. Once a person is recognized as a ‘Protected Person’ by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) or through a positive Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA), they can apply for Permanent Residency. One of the significant advantages of this pathway is the reduction in government fees.
For most economic and family class immigrants, the total cost of PR includes the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF). As of recent updates, this fee is $600 CAD. However, the Canadian government recognizes that refugees often arrive with limited financial resources. Consequently, specific exemptions exist within the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) to support these applicants. 🇨🇦
Who Qualifies for the RPRF Exemption?
Not every applicant is exempt from fees. Understanding the specific categories is essential before submitting your application to IRCC. 📋
Protected Persons and Convention Refugees
If you have received a ‘Notice of Decision’ from the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) stating you are a Convention Refugee or a person in need of protection, you are exempt from the $600 RPRF. This exemption also applies to your dependent children and spouse, provided they are included in your PR application as protected persons.
Dependent Children
Under current IRCC rules, all dependent children are exempt from the RPRF, regardless of whether the principal applicant is a refugee or an economic migrant. This ensures that families are not penalized for having larger households.
Step-by-Step: Applying for PR as a Protected Person
While the RPRF is waived, the application process for Permanent Residency remains detailed and requires strict adherence to IRCC guidelines. 📋
Step 1: Verify Your Status
Ensure you have your formal ‘Notice of Decision’ from the IRB. You cannot apply for PR under this category until your refugee claim has been officially accepted. If you are a ‘Government-Assisted Refugee’ (GAR), your process may be initiated through different channels, but the fee exemption still applies.
Step 2: Complete the Application Package
You will need to use the ‘Application for Permanent Residence in Canada – Protected Persons and Convention Refugees’ (IMM 0008). In the fee section, you will see the options for the RPRF. You should ensure that you do not select or pay the $600 fee, as this can lead to delays in processing or the need for a refund later. 📝
Step 3: Pay the Standard Processing Fee
Even though the landing fee is waived, the Principal Applicant must still pay the $660 CAD processing fee. If you have a spouse or partner, their processing fee is also $660 CAD. These fees cover the cost of background checks, medical reviews, and administrative handling by IRCC.
Step 4: Provide Biometrics
Most applicants will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). The fee for this is $85 CAD for an individual or $170 CAD for a family. Protected persons are not exempt from the biometrics fee unless they have provided them in a previous application within the last 10 years.
Fee Comparison Table
| Fee Type | Standard Applicant (CAD) | Protected Person (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | $990 (Economic) / $570 (Family) | $660 |
| RPRF (Landing Fee) | $600 | $0 (Exempt) |
| Total (Individual) | $1,590 (Economic) / $1,170 (Family) | $660 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I already paid the RPRF by mistake?
If you are a protected person and paid the $600 RPRF by mistake, you can request a refund from IRCC. This usually happens automatically once the officer realizes you are exempt, but it is safer to submit a request through the IRCC Web Form to ensure the money is returned to your original payment method. 💸
Are H&C applicants exempt from the RPRF?
Generally, no. Individuals applying for PR on Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds are usually required to pay the RPRF unless they also fit into a specific protected person category. Always consult a lawyer if you are unsure of your specific fee category.
Does the exemption apply to ‘Refugee Claimants’?
No. You are only exempt once you become a ‘Protected Person.’ If you are still waiting for your hearing at the IRB, you cannot yet apply for PR, so the fee exemption does not apply until you have a positive decision.
Leave a Reply